4 most disappointing Vikings in the Week 15 win over the Bears

Kirk Cousins – QB

Kirk Cousins usually doesn’t fare well against the Bears. Things are often worse when he plays in Chicago, and the game is on a Monday night, and nationally televised. The trifecta happened to Cousins on Monday, and for the second straight game, his performance left much to be desired.

Cousins wasn’t overly sharp in the game versus the Bears. He was 12-of-24 for 87 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a very ugly interception on a ball that Justin Jefferson was tripped up on or held, depending on whose colors you support. That play happened in the final two minutes of the half, but the Bears couldn’t cash in.

What really got to Cousins and threw him off in this contest was the poor protection from his offensive line. Cousins was hit hard numerous times, with Chicago defensive tackle Akiem Hicks being the biggest culprit. He owned Mason Cole and was in Cousins’ face just about every time he dropped back to pass. Robert Quinn also bested Christian Darrisaw plenty of times, and Alec Ogletree hit home on many of his blitzes.

Cousins was clearly rattled. The pressure caused him to throw the ball into some bad spots and forced him to get rid of it earlier than he wanted to. The Vikings still got the big win, but it was in spite of, and not because of, Cousins’ performance.