4 observations from Kirk Cousins’ dismal performance vs. the Cowboys

Cousins failed to get it done on third down

Moving the chains consistently was another glaring failure for the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8. When the team needed Kirk Cousins to come through, he just didn’t get it done.

There’s simply no sugar-coating this. Cousins and the Vikings were atrocious on third down.

Coming through with a seven percent success rate (1-13) isn’t going to win any football games. The Dallas Cowboys defense is a real force, but Cousins just didn’t react well to everything going on around him and suffered accordingly.

Missed opportunities when receivers were open were a constant source of frustration. For whatever reason, Cousins just wasn’t progressing through his reads quickly enough, and not giving the defense enough time to rest put pay to their chances down the stretch.

This has been a criticism of Cousins for most of his career. But considering how consistent the Michigan State product has been, everyone expects better.

It’s simple situational football.

The coaching staff will bear the brunt of fans’ frustrations, and rightfully so. However, Cousins also needs to be held accountable.

There were countless occasions when a big play here or there might have put the Vikings in a commanding position. So a performance like this from Cousins is going to leave far more questions than answers.