3 years, 8 months ago

Minnesota Vikings positional previews: A make or break year for QB Kirk Cousins?

Last year was the first year that the Vikings relied more on Kirk Cousins than they did their defense — and the end results weren’t great. Has a strong arm, good accuracy and excellent pre-snap reads make him a good red zone quarterback; of 43 QBs with 75-plus red zone attempts in the last three years, Cousins ranks third in first-down rate, seventh in touchdown rate and fourth in adjusted net yards per dropback. Strengths: Mond has a strong arm and a quick release and has blended those two assets together exceptionally well, finding ways to overcome tight windows and timing errors to get the ball to his receivers. His position as the primary backup isn’t particularly secure either; not only may Mond develop faster than the Vikings expect, but Stanley could improve enough to supplant Browning. There hasn’t been much opportunity to see if his mechanical changes have stuck — no 2020 preseason and limited 2019 preseason reps. Nate Stanley The Vikings have brought in quite a few rookie quarterbacks from the Big Ten over the years, but Stanley might be the first one to stick around, having already outperformed Mitch Leidner, James Vandenberg and Joel Stave in their camp showings.

Ball Nfl Rate Quick Break Good Arm Stanley Accuracy Tight Browning Kirk Cousins Mond His Accuracy Vikings Positional Yac Kellen Mond Tight Windows mond rate previews quick kirk cousins good ball break tight accuracy minnesota arm vikings positional qb

History of this topic

3 months, 1 week ago

Don’t write off Kirk Cousins just yet despite his benching: Analysis

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins didn’t forget how to play quarterback. There’s no sugarcoating the way Cousins played over the past five games. That prompted Falcons coach Raheem Morris to make the bold decision to bench Cousins for rookie Michael Penix Jr. in the middle of a playoff chase. “That guy has carried us,” Morris said after Cousins threw four picks in a …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

QB Kirk Cousins remains in a slump as the Vikings spoil his homecoming with 2 interceptions

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — When his last pass of the game sailed over the head of tight end Kyle Pitts and landed harmlessly in the back of the end zone, all Kirk Cousins could do was shake his head and begin the slow walk to the sideline. “I’d love to be playing with a lot more production,” said Cousins, who lingered on …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Sam Darnold tossed aside his stoic demeanor for a moment after realizing he was on the videoboard, aggressively twirling a towel to further stoke the crowd’s fire after the Minnesota Vikings had pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons late in the game. Darnold added yet another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings, …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Sam Darnold’s 5 TDs push Vikings past Falcons in Kirk Cousins’ return: Key takeaways

New York Times

By Alec Lewis, Josh Kendall and Chris Licata The Minnesota Vikings knocked off the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 behind Sam Darnold’s first five-touchdown game. — Alec Lewis, Vikings beat writer Atlanta needs to answer QB questions Cousins’ return to his last NFL home didn’t end the way he had hoped. I get it, but I don’t think the Atlanta Falcons are …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons’ problems go beyond Kirk Cousins as they lose fourth in a row, division lead

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — It was tempting Sunday, especially in this building against this team, to say the Atlanta Falcons have a Kirk Cousins Problem, but that’s inaccurate. “Ain’t nobody coming to save us,” Falcons safety Jessie Bates III said. “Hasn’t been our best suit all year long,” said wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who had six catches for a career-high 142 yards. …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota means more than the Vikings are saying

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — This is going as expected. Vikings players and coaches are being asked about Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota, and their responses all sound the same. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores called him a “great quarterback.” Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips is looking forward to chatting with Cousins before or after Sunday’s game. After the game, O’Neill, whose NFL career …

3 months, 3 weeks ago

Falcons QB Cousins is looking to avoid interceptions, have bounce-back game in Minnesota homecoming

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — This was not the homecoming scenario Kirk Cousins would have scripted. “It’s kind of the challenge always in pro football to be able to get back up off the mat and get back going,” Cousins said after Wednesday’s practice. “Got to go to Minnesota and get a big-time win and Kirk’s ready to go,” Morris said …

4 months, 3 weeks ago

Kirk Cousins' Comeback in Atlanta: A Turning Point for the Falcons

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins leads a massive turnaround in Atlanta, now he’s got to finish strong. The Falcons (6-3) have a firm grasp on first place in the NFC South, putting them in a strong position to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. Cousins is a big reason for the renaissance, showing he was very much worth …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins looks to build his postseason legacy with the Falcons

Associated Press

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — Kirk Cousins has a single playoff victory in his long career. “When the owner, general manager, head coach and quarterback are on the same page, that’s when you really have a chance to go win a Super Bowl,” Cousins said at the team’s suburban training facility. That’s exciting for me and why I’m thrilled to be …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins’ departure shifts Vikings’ team-building plan into new phase

New York Times

Last spring, the NFC coaches filled a ballroom inside the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. “If you are building a roster around one of those quarterbacks,” O’Connell said, “a quarterback who is resetting the market, as we’ve seen some of these guys do coming out of their rookie first four years, you’re probably in a good position.” O’Connell did not invoke the …

1 year ago

Cousins leaves Vikings for big new contract with Falcons in QB's latest well-timed trip to market

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. New coach Raheem Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson …

1 year ago

Cousins leaves Vikings for big new contract with Falcons in QB’s latest well-timed trip to market

Associated Press

Kirk Cousins is leaving Minnesota for Atlanta, landing another big contract with a well-timed foray into free agency. Cousins agreed Monday to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed with the Falcons, according to a person with knowledge of the terms, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the deal can’t be signed until Wednesday …

1 year ago

Atlanta Falcons hand Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180m deal after agreeing to sign outgoing Minnesota Vikings star... with QB guaranteed $100m

Daily Mail

The 35-year-old quarterback will reportedly be given a $100million guarantee Kirk Cousins has agreed a four-year, $180million deal to join the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is building a new-look offense, which will be headed by Cousins and also contains Bijan Robinson, Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts. Kirk Cousins has agreed a four-year, $180million deal to join the Atlanta Falcons …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins 'WILL hit free agency' with the Minnesota Vikings quarterback 'set to begin discussions with the Atlanta Falcons as soon as the tampering window opens'

Daily Mail

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins will reportedly enter free agency and begin 'discussions' with the Atlanta Falcons at 12 p.m., when the legal tampering window opens. The Falcons have been linked with acquiring Bears quarterback Justin Fields for months as the Bears hold the No 1 pick in next month's NFL Draft and could select former Heisman Trophy winner Caleb …

1 year ago

How to sum up Kirk Cousins’ six prolific seasons in Minnesota? It’s complicated

New York Times

After a victory, most postgame locker rooms are raging. GO DEEPER Kirk Cousins' Achilles injury leaves Vikings teammates emotional despite win over Packers A similar sentiment exists now among key locker room figures in the aftermath of Monday’s news. Cousins, a free agent who since 2018 has been the Vikings’ starter, informed the team that he would be leaving to …

1 year ago

Kirk Cousins to Falcons? Sam Howell to Broncos? QB predictions for every NFL team

New York Times

The quarterback carousel is spinning. Locked in, nothing to see here Safe, but with something to prove Young, unaccomplished, but safe Player Team Anthony Richardson Colts Bryce Young Panthers Young, unaccomplished, but probably safe Player Team Will Levis Titans To be determined Player Team Daniel Jones Giants Geno Smith Seahawks Open for business Bears, Broncos, Buccaneers, Commanders, Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, …

1 year ago

Where could Vikings turn at QB if Kirk Cousins leaves? Russell Wilson, Sam Darnold and more

New York Times

If news surfaces next week that quarterback Kirk Cousins has signed with the Atlanta Falcons, it’ll be easy to point to the one comment that foreshadowed all of this. GO DEEPER Vikings’ Kirk Cousins negotiation is test of discipline in front office's long-term vision The Vikings have until next week to secure Cousins before his contract voids and his $28.5 …

1 year, 1 month ago

What’s the Vikings’ plan? 5 thoughts ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of the NFL combine. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Adofo-Mensah, O’Connell and Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, are likely to converse this week before the crucial March 12 void on the 35-year-old quarterback’s contract. A couple of months later, in Arizona at the NFL league …

1 year, 2 months ago

Kirk Cousins makes surprise appearance at college class in heartwarming gesture... as Vikings quarterback calls on students' professor to give them extra credit!

Daily Mail

Kirk Cousins surprised a class of college students this week, with the Vikings quarterback joking afterwards that the students who got him to come in deserved extra credit. And when a recent trip to physical therapy introduced him to two students at Hope College in Michigan, he took them up on their offer to stop by their sports communication class. …

1 year, 2 months ago

Kirk Cousins says he 'would NOT' turn down an opportunity to play with Bill Belichick as quarterback teases possible Vikings exit: 'I have great respect for him'

Daily Mail

Kirk Cousins' time with the Vikings could be up, and if the quarterback does depart Minnesota there's one legendary coach he'd apparently love to play for. Cousins, 35, will be a free agent at the end of the season, and was recently asked about playing for Bill Belichick - who parted ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons and is …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings GM says he wants Cousins back at QB as roster remains under construction

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The arrival of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as Minnesota Vikings general manager two years ago initiated a personnel strategy he branded a “competitive rebuild,” shaped by an organization disinterest in tanking and a dire need for a younger and more financially flexible roster. It’s just competitive, in a window, and I think we’re close to that,” Adofo-Mensah said Wednesday …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings enter offseason as Kirk Cousins’ potential return at QB weighs on other pressing needs

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings have entered another pivotal offseason, revolving around the club’s still-uncertain plans at quarterback. Cousins, who had enough qualifying attempts to finish third in the NFL in passer rating despite playing in only eight games, didn’t directly answer a question on Monday about whether he would sign with the Vikings for less …

1 year, 2 months ago

Vikings still struggling to stop the quarterback carousel from spinning with Cousins out

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins naturally evoked the loudest roar of the night in Minnesota, further amping up a high-energy atmosphere for a crucial game against Green Bay. When Jaren Hall was benched for Nick Mullens at halftime, after an interception and a fumble each set up a Packers touchdown, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell switched quarterbacks for the fifth time in …

1 year, 3 months ago

Injured Vikings QB Kirk Cousins and his four-year-old son go shirtless to pump up fans before crucial game with rival Packers in Minneapolis

Daily Mail

Kirk Cousins' affinity for going shirtless has clearly been inherited by his four-year-old son, Cooper. The injured Minnesota quarterback led team fans in their customary 'Skol Vikings' chant before Sunday night's crucial matchup with the rival Green Bay Packers. Injured Minnesota Vikings QB rallied fans for their home game against the Packers on Sunday Cousins, 35, showed off his tone …

1 year, 4 months ago

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins undergoes surgery on torn Achilles after speaking with Aaron Rodgers as he battles back from the same injury: 'Grateful for your prayers... one day at a time'

Daily Mail

Aaron Rodgers was struck by the same injury in his debut for the New York Jets Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins underwent successful surgery on his Achilles tendon on Wednesday, a couple of days after speaking with fellow injured quarterback Aaron Rodgers about his ordeal. Cousins was treated by Dr. Chris Coetzee, a local Minnesota doctor, after suffering a torn …

1 year, 4 months ago

Cousins has surgery on his torn Achilles tendon. Vikings have yet to reveal a return timetable

Associated Press

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins had surgery Wednesday for his torn right Achilles tendon. “What re-energized me was talking with Kirk and, the way his mind works, he’s so process-oriented and so intentional, he’s talking about being back at OTAs, doing all the different things and what his schedule’s going to be,” Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Wednesday. “And …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings trade for Joshua Dobbs from Arizona Cardinals as Minnesota gets a new quarterback after Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles on Sunday

Daily Mail

Joshua Dobbs was previously the Cardinals starter, filling in for Kyler Murray From benched to starter once again for Joshua Dobbs, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings from the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday. The Vikings had a need for a starting quarterback after Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. Cardinals head coach Jonathan …

1 year, 5 months ago

The Vikings started 0-3. Now they’re 4-4 and really in crisis without Kirk Cousins

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have already endured the frustration of opening the season by losing three straight one-score games, an 0-3 start that has preceded an appearance in the playoffs only six times in the history of the NFL. They’ve already played three of the four teams that reached the conference championships last season and two of their …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings confirm Cousins is done for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in a devastating blow

News 18

EAGAN, Minn.: Kirk Cousins has a torn right Achilles tendon that will end his season, the Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday after his first career injury put a somber tone on their three-game winning streak. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has raised the possibility of returning yet this season from his torn left Achilles tendon, but after getting hurt …

1 year, 5 months ago

Minnesota Vikings’ Kirk Cousins set to miss rest of NFL season through injury

The Independent

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings confirm Cousins is done for the season with a torn Achilles tendon in a devastating blow

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — Kirk Cousins has a torn right Achilles tendon that will end his season, dampening the mood around the Minnesota Vikings after their recent resurgence and putting the front office and coaching staff in a scramble to figure out which quarterback to finish with. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers has raised the long-shot possibility of returning yet …

1 year, 5 months ago

Who can the Vikings get to replace Kirk Cousins at quarterback? 7 potential options

New York Times

Considering what’s next for the Minnesota Vikings is a disorienting undertaking. Following quarterback Kirk Cousins’ torn right Achilles tendon, which was confirmed Monday by the team and is expected to cost him the rest of the 2023 season, there are a considerable number of questions. “We’ll talk internally, getting a lot of opinions and thoughts on where we’re at.” GO …

1 year, 5 months ago

Cousins may have Achilles tendon injury; Stafford, Pickett, Taylor also hurt on rough day for QBs

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said the team fears …

1 year, 5 months ago

Cousins throws 2 TD passes before leaving with injury in Vikings’ 24-10 victory over Packers

Associated Press

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Kirk Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings back to relevance after their poor start to the season. Cousins threw a pair of touchdown passes before leaving in the fourth quarter of the Vikings’ 24-10 victory over the slumping Green Bay Packers 24-10 on Sunday. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game that the Vikings are “fearing …

1 year, 5 months ago

Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury leaves Vikings teammates emotional despite win over Packers

New York Times

GREEN BAY, Wis. — They knew. Head coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game the team is “fearing an Achilles injury.” Meanwhile, a league source told The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that the Vikings believe Cousins tore his Achilles tendon. GO DEEPER Vikings QB Kirk Cousins tears Achilles “I’m thinking of Kirk,” O’Connell said. Before Netflix’s “Quarterback” aired, a lot of …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins tears Achilles: How it impacts Minnesota

New York Times

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in his team’s 24-10 win over the Green Bay Packers, an MRI confirmed Monday. Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said after the game that the Vikings were “fearing an Achilles injury.” The Vikings improved to 4-4 with the win while the Packers dropped to 2-5. pic.twitter.com/8rXFyGtCZV — Minnesota Vikings October 30, 2023 …

1 year, 5 months ago

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins dazzles in prime time in statement MNF win over 49ers

New York Times

MINNEAPOLIS — Nine years ago, almost to the day, Kirk Cousins was benched at halftime of a football game. Tyler Polumbus, one of Cousins’ former teammates, said recently that two weeks after the benching, he and Cousins were seated on a cold, aluminum bench at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis before a game. GO DEEPER Cousins, Addison guide Vikings to …

1 year, 5 months ago

Why trading Kirk Cousins is an option the Vikings may soon have to consider

New York Times

The Athletic has live coverage of Broncos vs Vikings in Sunday Night Football action. Zygi Wilf, co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, had just exited the locker room following Sunday night’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. LIVE: QB Kirk Cousins speaks to the media https://t.co/fnL8U9YkEZ — Minnesota Vikings October 9, 2023 There is also a similarly complex slate of questions …

1 year, 6 months ago

The Vikings offense is doing everything it can through three games, but it’s not enough

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Kevin O’Connell looked and sounded exhausted. “We just didn’t make a couple of those plays,” he said, “and I’ve got to have a couple of better calls.” Juxtaposing these mishaps with the bigger picture — the fact that the Vikings offense has been one of the NFL’s most explosive — is a reflection of where his team …

1 year, 6 months ago

Chargers-Vikings prediction: Passing game a big worry for L.A.’s vulnerable defense

LA Times

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins sets to throw against the Eagles in a Week 2 loss. Cousins threw for more than 300 yards in each of Minnesota’s first two games. A week ago, the Titans’ Ryan Tannehill attempted only eight passes in the first half against the Chargers. Kirk Cousins might throw the ball eight times on the Vikings’ first series. …

1 year, 6 months ago

After years of self-criticism, Kirk Cousins is trying to chill out

New York Times

The teacher placed the graded quiz on the desk face down. “If you don’t want Kirk as your quarterback, you better cut him.” Washington didn’t cut him, but Cousins didn’t immediately thrive under new head coach Jay Gruden, either. “He felt horrible when he threw an interception,” Johnson said, “like he was letting everyone down.” After Cousins left Brown’s office …

1 year, 6 months ago

Vikings open vs. Bucs with Kirk Cousins once again playing for a job beyond this season

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — For all Kirk Cousins has achieved entering his 12th season in the NFL, his sixth with the Minnesota Vikings, he has rarely escaped the very situation that defines this cutthroat league of short-lived careers. The Vikings, who host Tampa Bay to open the season on Sunday, boast the league’s reigning receiving leader in Justin Jefferson, who’s barely beginning …

1 year, 6 months ago

Kirk Cousins is determined to maintain his durability as his future with the Vikings remains unclear

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — When Kirk Cousins takes the first snap for the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener, he’ll move into third place on the franchise’s all-time list for games started by a quarterback. “Shame on me if there was more out there to get and I didn’t do all I could,” Cousins said earlier this summer. “You can’t prevent …

1 year, 8 months ago

‘Quarterback’: What I learned about Kirk Cousins and the Vikings from the series

New York Times

You got to see Kirk Cousins in snowy Minnesota, in his black Ford truck and inside a run-of-the-mill hotel room. “Don’t get frustrated.” Cousins took off his helmet and said simply: “Oh, I’m getting frustrated.” This scene showed up in Episode 6 just before O’Connell recalled his thoughts on the situation. In Episode 1, during the Week 1 game against …

1 year, 10 months ago

Kirk Cousins talks Vikings future, contract extension: ‘I want to be in Minnesota’

New York Times

EAGAN, Minn. — Maybe you know the name Keith Nichol. The day Cousins committed, this was the first sentence in the “Lansing State Journal” story: “Michigan State didn’t get the quarterback it originally hoped for from the west side of the state.” Later in that same story, Cousins said, “I’m not considered to be Nichol’s caliber. The two sides did …

1 year, 11 months ago

Vikings’ quarterback conundrum: Is now the time to find Kirk Cousins’ successor?

New York Times

The Minnesota Vikings want to do this on their own terms. Considering The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, published “The Beast” on Monday, I felt it would be worthwhile to dig a bit deeper into the idea. The pass rush may be humming, but they’re not going to get home in time if we anticipate and see and feel.” So …

2 years, 2 months ago

Cousins dominates first half as Vikings beat Bears 29-13

Associated Press

CHICAGO — The Minnesota Vikings wanted nothing more than to wash away the bitter taste from a blowout loss and head into the postseason on a sweeter note. Kirk Cousins threw for 225 yards and a touchdown in the first half and watched the rest of the way as the NFC North champion Vikings tuned up for the playoffs by …

2 years, 4 months ago

Cousins relishes confidence of Vikings, as clutch wins come

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Somewhere along the line this season after Kevin O’Connell was hired as Minnesota’s coach, Kirk Cousins found the consistent winning touch in the clutch that too often was missing for him. One of the NFL’s most scrutinized quarterbacks delivered again for the 2022 Vikings, with three touchdown passes including the tiebreaking score in the fourth quarter to beat …

2 years, 4 months ago

Cousins, Vikings rebound from blowout to beat Patriots 33-26

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Vikings have quickly become a confident and resilient team under rookie coach Kevin O’Connell and his staff, and they sure showed it in this short week. Kirk Cousins threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, the last a go-ahead score to Adam Thielen with 9:34 left to push Minnesota past the New England Patriots in a …

2 years, 4 months ago

Cousins, Vikings under pressure with another sack-master foe

Associated Press

EAGAN, Minn. — The trouble Kirk Cousins had in Minnesota’s game with the Dallas pass rush won’t just go away on its own. “It’s tough, Kirk getting sacked before you even get out your break,” wide receiver Justin Jefferson said. If things are not working out the way we planned, we need to find a way to adjust and go …

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1 week, 5 days ago