4 major observations from Kirk Cousins performance vs. Packers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins looked comfortable in a new system
The previous working relationship between Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell helped smooth their respective transitions this offseason. There was never any chance of the veteran being traded despite speculation to the contrary, so the Vikings were counting on the signal-caller and head coach to hit it off in pursuit of playoff football once again.
Thankfully, this was accomplished emphatically during their opening game. The efficiency was nothing short of staggering, with Cousins commanding the line of scrimmage superbly and O’Connell calling the perfect game with the right balance to emerge with a huge win.
Looking this complete so early in the season was a fine feat. Something that Cousins and his playmakers can build on in the coming weeks as they look to wrestle back the NFC North crown from a Packers team that looked disjointed and devoid of ideas, for the most part.
It won’t be perfect all the time. And Cousins will have a troubling spell or two along the way based on his career to date.
However, the presence of a calm, offensive-minded head coach in O’Connell could make all the difference in keeping the Michigan State product on the right track behind an offensive line that looked the part aside from a couple of mishaps in Week 1.