Kevin O’Connell Wants Kirk Cousins to be like Stephen Curry
K. Joudry
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Recently, Minnesota’s HC sat down with the folks over at Purple Daily. Given the importance of the QB position, it’s unsurprising that Kirk Cousins was a major talking point for Kevin O’Connell and the guys from SKOR North.
A large part of O’Connell’s goal is to simplify the offense so that Cousins can operate without needing to overthink things. The HC wants his QB to operate in “a system where we continuously try to give him answers.” Folks, having a prepackaged answer is often better than needing to concoct one mid-play. Simplicity, O’Connell explains, is a fundamental part of what he’s trying to accomplish. He then goes on to make the basketball comparison:
People talk about jump shooters in the NBA being catch-and-shoot guys. ‘Hey, let’s get Steph Curry some open 3s; catch and shoot, he’s going to knock down a high percentage of those.’ Quarterbacks, in my opinion, in the NFL, on those early downs that’s what we should try to do. We should try to create plays where they can be catch-and-shoot type shooters.
He then goes on to note that he’s trying to install “premier plays” and instill a “premier mentality.” The idea is to have great plays that can answer the challenges that a defense presents.
The above clip features Curry showing off his shot (though, if I’m not mistaken, it’s not exactly catch-and-shoot). Curry demonstrates the elite play that comes from tremendous natural abilities as well as a remarkable amount of work. Shooting the basketball doesn’t require Curry to think very much. He has done it so much and has so much confidence that can he let the ball fly in a super efficient manner.
Cousins, unless something totally unforeseen happens, won’t become a player who changes the game of football. It’s unlikely he ever gets to four championships. What he can hopefully do, though, is work with a coach who allows him to be automatic with his throws. Sometimes, being a smart football player is a blessing and a curse. Guys who think a lot can understand the game at a high level, but there are moments when they overthink things. Kevin O’Connell is looking to eliminate this possibility for Kirk Cousins.
Before the play occurs, Cousins should certainly be dissecting what he sees from the defense. Once the ball is snapped, though, the goal is to play loose, unencumbered by too much mental processing. Accomplishing this goal will likely lead to a crisper, more dynamic Vikings offense.
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