The Force is strong (as of 10/10 anyhow)
Vikings win over Bears shows Kirk Cousins has more support than ever from teamThe quarterback used hard counts, run-pass options, a no-huddle offense and pre-snap checks to great effect on a day when he broke Tommy Kramer's record for consecutive completions.
The 17-play drive Cousins orchestrated to give the Vikings their final 29-22 lead over the Bears, Kevin O'Connell said, featured examples of Cousins "really playing quarterback today, as far as playing the game post-snap, throwing completions, being accurate." Later, he added, "Where he's at and where he's headed in this offense, I feel very, very good about Kirk Cousins."
Sunday was the first time this season the Vikings eclipsed 300 passing yards. Their offense still goes through stretches of maddening inconsistency, like during the Bears' 19-point run to take the lead in the second half. It was difficult to listen to Cousins and O'Connell's postgame comments, though, and not infer the quarterback is more supported and empowered than at any point during his five seasons with the team.
One of the Vikings' four third-down conversions on their final drive came when Cousins saw the Bears were in two-man coverage, realized he had room to run and pulled the ball down for a 5-yard gain.
"I felt Adam get bear hugged. He was really my No. 1 guy on the route and he got bear hugged, so he's not getting open," Cousins said. "And then Irv kind of got mugged, as well, getting off the line. And then the rush, I just felt somebody cross my face and rather than progress to the backside to Justin and K.J. , I knew I had a chance to run. I felt the rush kind of cross my face, and I just thought, 'I'm just going to take off here and try to get it.'"
On his game-winning QB sneak, Cousins started in shotgun before moving under center, admitting after the game the keeper was one of several options he had on the play.
"Very decisive and really taking advantage of the plan that we put together," O'Connell said. "He's going to continue to have comfort, and also continue to have a say in what we do offensively. I want him comfortable, with not only the plays I do call, but him and I spend a lot of time together. If there's plenty of them that I can take a red pen to and to the old-play graveyard, that's OK, too. But whatever comes out of my mouth on game day, I want him to have ultimate clarity. "
According to ESPN Stats and Information, there wasn't a defender within a yard of a Vikings receiver on any of Cousins' 41 pass attempts on Sunday. His expected completion rate, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, was 74.7% — tied with Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence in Week 2 and Cleveland's Jacoby Brissett in Week 3 for the third-highest single-game rate in the league this season.
Cousins averaged 9.25 yards per completion on Sunday, though his average completion traveled just 4.5 yards in the air, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. His longest completion — a throw to Jefferson off a three-step dropback that Cousins fit over Bears cornerback Kindle Victor — traveled 34 yards in the air. The fact he delivered so many passes on time allowed his receivers to gain more than half of his 296 passing yards after the catch.
"You don't have to throw it over people's heads all the time to generate explosives," O'Connell said. "Some people just won't allow that, and that's when we kind of have to lock into a mode of all five eligibles coming to life, attacking coverage within depth, and our guys just have done a tremendous job."
Cousins' interception on Sunday was his fifth in as many games; it came, he said, as he tried to make up for previous safer throws by chasing a bigger play to Thielen, rather than taking a high-percentage throw to C.J. Ham in the flat. The Vikings have punted just seven times during their three-game win streak, but whether it's been because of turnovers or red-zone struggles, they've been unable to build or keep comfortable leads.
Cousins, though, would seem to have a larger voice in the Vikings' offense than he's had in the past. As O'Connell put it Sunday, "Our team can handle a lot because our quarterback can handle a lot."
Even if, by Cousins' own admission, he's still learning the details of O'Connell's scheme, the 11th-year quarterback has his coach's trust.
"I would tell you that after being in a system for three-ish years, three different play callers but a similar system, I'm not where I was at the end of last season in that old system," Cousins said. "But we're developing and we're getting there. I'm excited about that continued growth, and we have to keep showing that. We've got to get to the bye and look back and feel like we are every week taking another step towards that synergy. He certainly is in my corner, and I think that makes for a great help as a quarterback."
https://www.startribune.com/vikings-bears-kirk-cousins-kevin-oconnell-cameron-dantzler/600214536/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
@"purplefaithful" said:Now that’s “synergy”! ;)
Granted its the Bears, but its still an NFL team that was .500
Olde Wetlander could be right...This may be a new, improved version of KC?
Time will tell..Maybe its just Kirktober? :p
@"purplefaithful" said:
Reminds me of how Cousins and Zim would "hug" it out, right? ;) 
@"HappyViking" said:@"purplefaithful" said:Reminds me of how Cousins and Zim would "hug" it out, right? ;)
Honestly? I still dont know what the hell to make of that one?
"Very decisive and really taking advantage of the plan that we put together," O'Connell said. "He's going to continue to have comfort, and also continue to have a say in what we do offensively. I want him comfortable, with not only the plays I do call, but him and I spend a lot of time together. If there's plenty of them that I can take a red pen to and to the old-play graveyard, that's OK, too. But whatever comes out of my mouth on game day, I want him to have ultimate clarity. "
This right here says a lot and that qb and coach are on the same page. Cousins wants to have input and his experience is very helpful. He is very cerebral so having the support of his coach is key.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"HappyViking" said:@"purplefaithful" said:Reminds me of how Cousins and Zim would "hug" it out, right? ;)
Honestly? I still dont know what the hell to make of that one?
I think QB was tired of Zimmer’s shit. I never thought it was either of them being pumped up and happy. It looked like a big “F You” from Cousins and a “I’ll kick your ass” from Zimmer
@"Riphawkins" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"HappyViking" said:@"purplefaithful" said:Reminds me of how Cousins and Zim would "hug" it out, right? ;)
Honestly? I still dont know what the hell to make of that one?
I think QB was tired of Zimmer’s shit. I never thought it was either of them being pumped up and happy. It looked like a big “F You” from Cousins and a “I’ll kick your ass” from ZimmerNY POST 8/22:
Paul Allen, the radio voice of the Vikings, recalled the tense moment last week on KFAN, claiming that Zimmer was filled with “rage” when Cousins appeared to get him fired up on the sidelines during a home win against the Lions on Oct. 10.
“Back to like the middle of the season. Home game and it’s a victory. Yeah, Zim snapped when Cousins pushed him,” Allen said.
“And looking back at it, the former head coach got that side-eye and rage steaming from his nostrils. And he wanted to go. But then he didn’t want to go. Kirk sensed a free shot during the working relationship and he got one in.”https://nypost.com/2022/08/01/mike-zimmer-snapped-during-sideline-moment-with-kirk-cousins/
@"purplefaithful" said: Granted its the Bears, but its still an NFL team that was .500Olde Wetlander could be right...This may be a new, improved version of KC?
Time will tell..Maybe its just Kirktober? :p
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
Definitely think O'Connell's play calling and coaching style is a benefit for Kirk. He's (KOC) empowered him on and off the field and shown a level of trust in Kirk that he likely hasn't had since he's been here.
Looking more and more like we made the right HC and QB decision this offseason.
The narrative won't change with Kirk: first shit game he throws and an avalanche of people just waiting for him to mess up will be there with bells on. I like Cousins but I also realize he isn't perfect. But then again, not sure what QB is. Typical though for the media: build someone up to gladly tear them down next week. Regardless, the Vikings are locked into Cousins with the contract he has at least until 2024. This spring would just be the perfect time to draft a QB for several reasons. Not sure if that will happen.
@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
@"rf54" said:@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
its great and all that he can lead a drive late in the game to win it... but why do we have the jeckyl and hyde from him every game? what happens that he seems to have the game in control and yet he/the O derails for a few drives and then has to have a 4th quarter comeback? yes the D gives up points, but it seems like the O just falls flat in the middle of these games and ends up either punting or long field goals. it would just be nice to see a game where they come out and take care of business against teams that shouldnt be that difficult to handle. not every game needs to come to that point where the fans are muttering obscenities' under their breath as they pour yet another drink trying to dull their senses to the pending disaster.
@"Wetlander" said:@"purplefaithful" said: Granted its the Bears, but its still an NFL team that was .500Olde Wetlander could be right...This may be a new, improved version of KC?
Time will tell..Maybe its just Kirktober? :p
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.Definitely think O'Connell's play calling and coaching style is a benefit for Kirk. He's (KOC) empowered him on and off the field and shown a level of trust in Kirk that he likely hasn't had since he's been here.
Looking more and more like we made the right HC and QB decision this offseason.
If KAM got those right it's a hell of a start - the most important start.
Time will tell, we're still on honeymoon @ 4/1 in Year 1.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"Wetlander" said:@"purplefaithful" said: Granted its the Bears, but its still an NFL team that was .500Olde Wetlander could be right...This may be a new, improved version of KC?
Time will tell..Maybe its just Kirktober? :p
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.Definitely think O'Connell's play calling and coaching style is a benefit for Kirk. He's (KOC) empowered him on and off the field and shown a level of trust in Kirk that he likely hasn't had since he's been here.
Looking more and more like we made the right HC and QB decision this offseason.
If KAM got those right it's a hell of a start - the most important start.
Time will tell, we're still on honeymoon @ 4/1 in Year 1.
Well, it's looking good for this year any way... I mean our rumored options were (in no particular order):- Keep Cousins- Draft a rookie QB /sign a FA QB
- Trade Cousins to the Browns for Baker Mayfield + a pick(s)
- Trade for Russell Wilson- Trade for Desean Watson
We can't draw any hard conclusions on these options yet... but I don't think we are 4-1 with anyone but Cousins. Long term might be different, but we won't find that out for awhile yet.
Kirk seems to be a different QB so far this season, seems more in command of the play on the field by changing the play if needed and getting guys involved in the offense. He still needs to carry it over to prime time games when the lights are on, hopefully he can do that.
@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:what happens that he seems to have the game in control and yet he/the O derails for a few drives and then has to have a 4th quarter comeback?@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
not every game needs to come to that point where the fans are muttering obscenities' under their breath as they pour yet another drink trying to dull their senses to the pending disaster.
It's called the NFL. No team has a outright physical advantage. Other teams have a budget of $220 MIL to beat our team and an endless coaches budget to come up with a plan to stop what the Vikings ar trying to do. They too are making adjustments and changes to "derail" their opponent during games.The NFL is set up so that every game is close, any team can win any given Sunday. They want games to be close and come down to a TD or FG for the win.
@"rf54" said:@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:what happens that he seems to have the game in control and yet he/the O derails for a few drives and then has to have a 4th quarter comeback?@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
not every game needs to come to that point where the fans are muttering obscenities' under their breath as they pour yet another drink trying to dull their senses to the pending disaster.
It's called the NFL. No team has a outright physical advantage. Other teams have a budget of $220 MIL to beat our team and an endless coaches budget to come up with a plan to stop what the Vikings ar trying to do. They too are making adjustments and changes to "derail" their opponent during games.The NFL is set up so that every game is close, any team can win any given Sunday. They want games to be close and come down to a TD or FG for the win.
Bull shit. There are teams that can still just flat out control a game. Even KOC admitted that he got to conservative and we've seen it in other games this season. If it was parity as you suggest then the perennial cellar dwellers would emerge from time to time and would be in a constant state of shit. I know they won't get 6 on every drive, but if you watch the games you can see them lift and the resulting decline in results.I am taking about being able to drive the field for 3 possessions and then the next few can barely muster 20 yards, and then miraculously when they are in a must go situation they can turn it back on for the win, that is not due to parity, that is due to play calling and execution, and eventually that approach will fail.
@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:what happens that he seems to have the game in control and yet he/the O derails for a few drives and then has to have a 4th quarter comeback?@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
not every game needs to come to that point where the fans are muttering obscenities' under their breath as they pour yet another drink trying to dull their senses to the pending disaster.
It's called the NFL. No team has a outright physical advantage. Other teams have a budget of $220 MIL to beat our team and an endless coaches budget to come up with a plan to stop what the Vikings ar trying to do. They too are making adjustments and changes to "derail" their opponent during games.The NFL is set up so that every game is close, any team can win any given Sunday. They want games to be close and come down to a TD or FG for the win.
Bull shit. There are teams that can still just flat out control a game. Even KOC admitted that he got to conservative and we've seen it in other games this season. If it was parity as you suggest then the perennial cellar dwellers would emerge from time to time and would be in a constant state of shit. I know they won't get 6 on every drive, but if you watch the games you can see them lift and the resulting decline in results.I am taking about being able to drive the field for 3 possessions and then the next few can barely muster 20 yards, and then miraculously when they are in a must go situation they can turn it back on for the win, that is not due to parity, that is due to play calling and execution, and eventually that approach will fail.
not just parity, but the other team making adjustments that need to be adjusted to and counter adjustments made. That is what I was talking about other teams are paid to win as well.
@"rf54" said:@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:@"JimmyinSD" said:@"rf54" said:what happens that he seems to have the game in control and yet he/the O derails for a few drives and then has to have a 4th quarter comeback?@"Wetlander" said:
Hey, I lost faith in Kirk the past two seasons... But I'll be the first to admit that he's impressed the heck out of me the past couple games with leading the team to victories where he hadn't always come thru before.
That's just it, he has come through in the past, but the very bad Zim D couldn't hold late leads. I did a post in the offseason and IIRC Kirk led the team down the field in the 4th or in OT to take the lead or be in position to take the lead if not for missed FG (AZ) or fumble (Cincy) either 5 or 6 times last year. If the D had been at all average the Vikings would have won at least 2 of those games and they would have been in the playoffs.
not every game needs to come to that point where the fans are muttering obscenities' under their breath as they pour yet another drink trying to dull their senses to the pending disaster.
It's called the NFL. No team has a outright physical advantage. Other teams have a budget of $220 MIL to beat our team and an endless coaches budget to come up with a plan to stop what the Vikings ar trying to do. They too are making adjustments and changes to "derail" their opponent during games.The NFL is set up so that every game is close, any team can win any given Sunday. They want games to be close and come down to a TD or FG for the win.
Bull shit. There are teams that can still just flat out control a game. Even KOC admitted that he got to conservative and we've seen it in other games this season. If it was parity as you suggest then the perennial cellar dwellers would emerge from time to time and would be in a constant state of shit. I know they won't get 6 on every drive, but if you watch the games you can see them lift and the resulting decline in results.I am taking about being able to drive the field for 3 possessions and then the next few can barely muster 20 yards, and then miraculously when they are in a must go situation they can turn it back on for the win, that is not due to parity, that is due to play calling and execution, and eventually that approach will fail.
not just parity, but the other team making adjustments that need to be adjusted to and counter adjustments made. That is what I was talking about other teams are paid to win as well.
There is a pattern here, adjustments dont always work like a switch and this is a noticeable pattern through 5 games..
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