Kirk Cousins Named a Top-10 Deep-Passing QB by Multiple Analysts
Josh Frey
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A common critique of Vikings starting QB Kirk Cousins is that he decides to checkdown far too often. The most damning evidence in recent years for this being the case is the pass made on 4th-and-8 at the end of Minnesota’s Wild Card loss to the New York Giants.
Cousins was flushed out of the pocket due to pressure from Dexter Lawrence, threw a pass to T.J. Hockenson about three yards downfield, and Hockenson was tackled by a duo of Giants defenders, thus ending the game. Cue the ‘not great Bob’ GIF.
That play certainly wasn’t Cousins’ greatest moment in what was overall a pretty strong year for the QB, but recently, Pro Football Focus‘ Lauren Gray laid out the case that Cousins was actually one of the best deep-passing QBs in the NFL last season. In Gray’s list, the Vikings QB snuck into the top-10, ranking No. 9 overall based on his performance in 2022. Here is a breakdown of the stats used to justify this ranking:
- 72 dropbacks, 91.5 PFF grade
- Deep Passing Yards: 996 (3rd)
- Deep Passing TDs: 5 (T-14th)
- Passer Rating: 79.4 (26th)
- Deep Comp%: 46.0% (7th)
And here is the commentary:
Cousins had a great connection with Justin Jefferson, as they connected for 594 yards (second) and 17 first downs (second). Minnesota boosted its receiving core with the T.J. Hockenson acquisition last season and the Jordan Addison (92.3) selection in this year’s draft. K.J. Osborn has also flashed as a deep threat for the Vikings (87.6 grade from deep since 2021). Cousins should have a nice trio of deep options to choose from in 2023.
A year ago, NFL.com analyst Nick Shook ranked Cousins just outside the top-10 due to statistics such as xComp (expected completion percentage) and CPOE (Completion Percentage Above Expectation). For his 2022 season, the Vikings QB came in at No. 5 on Shook’s list, trailing only Dak Prescott, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Geno Smith. Smith actually came out on top of Gray’s list as well, so he seems to be the consensus top deep-passing QB heading into 2023.
Cousins has been a very polarizing quarterback throughout his career, especially since joining the Vikings where the expectation has been to field competitive teams year in and year out. Missing the playoffs in three of his five seasons has, rightfully so, left fans wanting more from their team and quarterback.
Kevin O’Connell’s system seemed to begin the process of unlocking a different version of the QB, prompting him to take more risks by pushing the ball downfield in key situations. Ultimately, the season didn’t end the way Minnesota wanted, but it was certainly a great first step towards building a Super Bowl contender. With continuity all over the offense, fans should be hopeful that Cousins can improve even further in 2023.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.