4 major observations from Kirk Cousins performance at the Dolphins
By Dean Jones
Kirk Cousins was under duress throughout
Although the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line has been much improved this season, this was arguably the sternest test of their credentials to date. The Miami Dolphins are known to take significant risks in pursuit of generating pressure, blitzing early and often in front of an impressive secondary with mixed results so far in 2022.
If Kirk Cousins wasn’t expecting pressure in his face, he was mistaken. The quarterback was moved off his spot consistently, making things difficult to accumulate any consistent momentum thanks to some exotic blitz packages deployed by defensive coordinator Josh Boyer.
Cousins was sacked three times during the game for a total of 19 yards lost. However, this tells only half the story.
The signal-caller seeing the pocket collapse meant he was a little more hesitant than usual, missing some open throws and looking far less decisive than the quarterback Vikings fans witnessed against the Chicago Bears.
At least Cousins protected the football, which was important. But the Vikings made things much harder than they needed to be by not coping effectively with a Dolphins front seven that built early momentum and took things in a positive direction from there.