Kirk Cousins Was Worth Every Penny

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Sep 26, 2021

The Minnesota Vikings pulled out a massive, season-saving, win today vs the Seattle Seahawks in the first fan-packed US Bank Stadium game in nearly two years. And they did it without Dalvin Cook. How? By putting the game on the arm of their $33 million quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who wasn’t going to let his team fall to 0-3.

Kirk’s been good all season, coming into the game with over 500 yards passing, 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. But he went into another gear on Sunday, outdueling Russell Wilson to the tune of 30/38 323 yards and 3 touchdowns. With Cousins cooking, the Vikings offense was unstoppable, especially when the run game got going in the 4th quarter.

Not about the numbers

But Kirk Cousins has always put up numbers. What’s been different over the last couple of games, however, has been the full control he appears to have of Klint Kubiak’s offense and everything that’s happening in front of him. And when he’s needed to go off-schedule, he’s been successful. That’s always been the problem with our Michigan State grad. But not lately and certainly not today.

Every time the Vikings needed a big play from their big money QB, he delivered on Sunday. At one point, Kirk was 5/6 on 3rd downs and the Vikings QB was there to keep his team afloat in the first half while Zim’s defense got adjusted and the run game struggled without Dalvin Cook.

Think about the first two drives of this football game. Wilson easily picked the Minnesota defense apart and scored a touchdown in 4+ minutes. Worried? Not Kirk, who answered with his own 3+ minute scoring drive, starting his day 5/5 for 62 yards and a TD to tie the game.

In the second half, the Seahawk defense had to respect Kirk’s arm so much that the Vikings run game started eating the field in chunks. That, combined with an ever-improving defense ended this game. Alexander Mattison finished with 112 yards on 26 carries and the purple defense held Seattle’s offense to ZERO points through those last two quarters.

Money well spent

Think about all of the complaints regarding Kirk’s contract and the $33 million he’s paid per year. His play so far is well-deserving of that top-10 QB money. Without him, this team would be 0-3 and in huge trouble. And let’s not forget that Cousins’ overall consistency and streak of good health are worth a good chunk of change, even when he struggles.

But how often does he really struggle? Entering today, Cousins was on an 16-game streak of passer ratings over 90.0. But when Kirk is on fire like he is now, that dude is a bargain.

Through three games, Kirk Cousins is now 88/119 (74%) for 918 yards, 8 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Just look at some of these plays that we’re not used to seeing him make. If this continues, anything is possible for the 2021 Minnesota Vikings, especially if the defense can play more consistently and Cook comes back healthy.

I’m done doubting Kirk Cousins.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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