Significantly was manufactured of the history in between Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell subsequent the determination to hire the new head mentor. Previously, each were utilized by the Washington Commanders. The pondering was that their heritage would make the partnership a robust 1 from the outset. In a lot of techniques, that has proven correct the group has a chance to get to 6-1 tomorrow.
However, we’ve questioned no matter whether Cousins is cozy in the O’Connell offense. It’s really hard to forget about his pedestrian figures right after the season’s opening 6 online games. He is at this time averaging a mere 1.5 TDs per recreation together with approximately 1 INT for every recreation. Provided Cousins’ cap strike, the Vikings are probable expecting additional.
Of program, rather a lot any Vikings lover would acknowledge the sterling 5-1 record in exchange for the outstanding statistics. Successful, right after all, is what issues most in the NFL.
So much of the cause why individuals nevertheless question Cousins is simply because of his humdrum document coming into the period. He was a great .500 for his job, but a sturdy begin to 2022 sees the QB1 with a 64-60-2 record for his job. Hopefully, the variety in the win column will climb into the 70s ahead of the 12 months is over.
The wild factor is that the Vikings may get considerably improved if the Kirk Cousins and Kevin O’Connell partnership blossoms even further. Element of the equation ought to contain leaning into what the QB does nicely.
For what ever it’s worthy of, Cousins is 2nd in the NFL in the amount of times he has used engage in motion. He has gone to enjoy action 73 situations and has accrued 482 passing yards in these makes an attempt. What is notable is that these performs are only generating an ordinary of 6.6 yards for every try, effectively underneath Cousins’ whole vocation common for yards for every try: 7.7.
In other words, O’Connell is allowing Cousins to rely on engage in action rather a bit, but the performs haven’t been as explosive as in the past. They’ve also observed a decrease in success for their QB rollouts. These are riddles the group wants to remedy.
Is this reason for Minnesota to worry?
By no suggests. Even with some battle, Minnesota is in 2nd location in the NFC. They’re receiving near to possessing a certainly commanding direct in the NFC North. Winning the division – when not a promise – would be substantially much more probably if Kevin O’Connell and Kirk Cousins turn out to be a lot more comfortable with each individual other.
Minnesota’s offense finds itself at a fairly typical location in conditions of points per activity: 23.2. That comes in at 13th overall in the league. Climbing into the league’s leading 10 – and potentially even flirting with the leading 5 – would very likely be more than enough to propel this workforce into a cozy spot as the playoffs close to. At the finish of the day, the Vikings just want to give on their own a opportunity. Get to the playoffs with (preferably) some prospect to enjoy at residence.
Which is an chance that is in striking length for the HC and QB. They get the opportunity to take a action toward that purpose when Arizona arrives to city tomorrow.
