What were some key observations from the performance of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins at the Carolina Panthers?
It’s never easy. For the Minnesota Vikings, this has been the way for a long time.
With another win all but secured late on the road against the Carolina Panthers, the Vikings allowed the hosts to get themselves back into the contest after being down 11 points with five minutes to go. And a missed Greg Joseph field goal as time expired forced the game into overtime.
Thankfully, Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins left no doubt on the first drive overtime to lead his team down the field and secure a much-needed victory ahead of the Vikings’ bye week.
This puts the Vikings at 3-3, which could be much better had it not been for some crucial errors in key moments. Not only this, but Cousins is playing arguably the best football of his career and just might give Minnesota a shot at making some playoff noise when it’s all said and done.
With this in mind, here are four observations from the performance of Cousins at the Panthers in Week 6.
Observation No. 1
Cousins got Thielen going
There were slight concerns emerging about the production of Adam Thielen heading into the game. Thankfully, Cousins remained confident in his Pro Bowl wide receiver and made a concerted effort to get him going early.
This allowed Thielen to generate some early momentum. Something that was of critical importance for a player that hadn’t reached more than 60 receiving yards since Week 1.
Thielen was everywhere on the field and made plays consistently, finishing with 11 catches from 13 targets for 126 yards and a touchdown. Hopefully, this is a trend that can continue over Minnesota’s remaining 11 games.
Cousins benefitted from Cook’s return
Although Alexander Mattison performed superbly in Dalvin Cook’s absence, having the Pro Bowl running back in the lineup is something the Vikings clearly need moving forward. Not only does this give Kirk Cousins a security blanket coming out of the backfield, but it also opens up play-action as teams key in on limiting the Florida State product’s influence.
It was a collective effort from the Vikings in Week 6 during a game they dominated before collapsing late on. The partnership between Cook and Cousins is mutually beneficial, and as long as the pair are performing at such a high level, Minnesota should be a match for almost anybody.
If they can cut out the mental errors, that is.
The Panthers had a hard time on offense as Sam Darnold struggled and his playmakers were dropping balls everywhere you looked. This made for a tired defense and something Cook and Cousins took full advantage of.
Cook wasted no time in making an impact upon his return, rushing for 140 yards and a touchdown from 29 carries. When one considers how lights out Cousins was in his distribution once again, it’s not hard to see why they put up 571 yards of total offense.
The only criticism of the team is they should have wrapped this up long before K.J Osborn’s overtime score.
Cousins was protected extremely well
Much has been made of the Panthers and their vaunted defensive front this season. They took the league by storm over the first three games, and although things haven’t been as easy since then, it still represented a big challenge for the Vikings from the outside looking in.
However, this offensive line is a very different unit to years gone by.
Boosted by a first start for rookie Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings’ protection was almost flawless at the Panthers, with Kirk Cousins pressured just four times on 49 dropbacks, according to ESPN Stats.
This represents just eight percent of throws. Something that enabled Cousins to get in a rhythm and go through his progressions efficiently.
From @ESPNStatsInfo: The Panthers defense pressured Kirk Cousins on 4 of his 49 dropbacks (8%). Cousins was not pressured on any of his 6 dropbacks in OT.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 17, 2021
Solid production in front of Cousins has been scarce since the signal-caller arrived in Minnesota. But now with their first-round pick is solidifying the left tackle position, this looks like a competent unit that can make a significant difference in 2021 and beyond.
Acquiring players who can get open hasn’t ever been a problem for the Vikings. It’s coming up with the right formula on the offensive line to give Cousins a level of confidence to stay in the pocket and produce the goods.
Judging by this latest showing at Bank of America Stadium, those in power within the organization may have gotten it right at long last.
Cousins came through in the clutch again
This was a game where the Vikings needed their quarterback to come through in the clutch yet again.
And once again, Kirk Cousins delivered.
The assumption that Cousins cannot get things done with the game on the line is asinine at this juncture. Time and time again this season, he’s led his team to victory or put the Vikings in a position to triumph, which was on full display during the opening overtime drive that decided the contest.
Cousins was absolutely sensational throughout the game. His poise in the pocket in a pressure situation – especially as the Panthers had all the momentum heading into extra time – was extremely pleasing.
His dime to K.J. Osborn that eventually settled the contest was a thing of beauty. Cousins is among the league’s leading quarterbacks based on current form and it’s hard to say where Minnesota would be without him.
The Michigan State product finished the contest with 373 passing yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 112.6 passer rating from a 68.8 completion percentage. These numbers are rapidly becoming a common theme where Cousins is concerned.
There is still a lot of football to be played. However, if Cousins keeps balling out like this and other key individuals stay healthy, it would be a huge shock if the Vikings didn’t make the postseason.