Prediction No. 2
Kirk Cousins will commit at least two turnovers
The Vikings turned the ball over three times on Sunday, and it played a key role in the Buccaneers’. While Kevin O’Connell suggested that it was a team effort that led to the Vikings’ miscues, a lot of the pressure fell on the shoulders of Kirk Cousins, particularly on an interception late in the third quarter.
After throwing to K.J. Osborn, who was double-covered in the end zone, the pass was intercepted by Tampa Bay’s Christian Izien. Cousins went back into a shell in the second half, opting for sure throws as opposed to shots downfield, and told ESPN’s Kevin Siefert after the play was too aggressive.
O’Connell, on the other hand, wants Cousins to continue taking these shots and mentioned as such during Monday’s press conference.
“That's a play that Kirk's executed multiple times, and when we want to, he knows he's going to continue to stay aggressive in those moments,” O’Connell said. “ just an unfortunate outcome with kind of where the, the defender outside leverage defender kind of ended up where that ball ended up with K.J. trying to make a tough catch.”
Staying aggressive for Cousins has its benefits, but there are also times, like Sunday’s interception, when he can be too aggressive. Walking that fine line is important, especially against an Eagles defense that caused two turnovers, including a Darius Slay pick-six in the first quarter.
With that in mind, the chances are good that Cousins will give the ball away and lead to some more unforced errors.