5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns – Week 4
By Chris Schad
Cousins’ hot start will continue
The wins haven’t been there but Kirk Cousins is off to a torrid start in September. Cousins ranks second in the NFL with a 78.2 QBR, fourth with a 118.6 passer rating, and eighth passing touchdowns. He also owns the longest streak without an interception in the NFL, with his last one coming in a Week 15 loss to the Bears.
“Kirktober” has come early for Vikings fans but will it continue into October?
It depends on what you think of Cousins. His coaches and teammates have raved about his leadership and “swag” and Cook called Cousins “the best in the game right now.” While that might mean ownership could hand Cousins a five-year extension at any moment, it means good things in this matchup against the Browns.
Cleveland’s defense collected nine sacks last week and with Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett, they could be in for some more. But Cousins has helped his offensive line by reducing his time to attempt to 2.37 seconds per Pro Football Focus compared to 2.67 seconds in 2020.
With the increased usage of the screen game, Cousins has been able to make quick, easy completions that should continue to win in the trenches and keep his fast start alive.