4 major takeaways from Kirk Cousins performance vs. Lions in Week 3
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins was turnover-free
After giving away turnovers aplenty on Monday Night Football at the Philadelphia Eagles, there was a keen eye on how Kirk Cousins protected the football with the spotlight dimmer than the national stage in Week 3 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
This has always been a criticism of Cousins throughout his career. But he looked more like the efficient signal-caller we know can get the job done against the Detroit Lions.
Cousins completed 58.54 percent of his passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions. Even when the Vikings were facing a pretty heavy deficit at one stage, ensuring there were no takeaways to give Detroit further momentum kept Minnesota in the fight and they were able to take advantage late on.
It was a modest performance from Cousins overall. The running game showed up when it mattered most despite Dalvin Cook coming out of the contest with a shoulder problem, but in a game decided by fine margins, even one turnover would have likely altered the outcome.
In terms of bouncing back, it was a mission accomplished by Cousins. Avoiding inconsistency remains the biggest stumbling block based on his career trajectory, but he has the right man in head coach Kevin O’Connell to steer him in the right direction.