Credit Where It’s Due: Klint Kubiak Has Stepped Up
Klint Kubiak has received more than his fair share of criticism this season. There was the no-show against Cleveland, the debacle against Dallas, and the mostly Jefferson-less effort against the Ravens. Oh, and let’s not forget the toiling against Detroit and the endless array of penalties against the Bengals.
The end result of all of that was some heated online discussion about Klint’s competence, or lack thereof.
I’ve gotten in on that criticism at various stages. I’ve wondered about the lack of play action, lack of Thielen and Jefferson, and how the offense ought to be more explosive, dynamic, and imaginative. Some have suggested we pump the brakes when it comes to praising the offense; others think the offense deserves most of the credit for the year.
Regardless of how things shake out the rest of the way, Klint Kubiak deserves credit for these past two weeks. Take a peak at this great play design:
This is such a remarkable play call. It’s 3rd and goal. Minnesota needs to get 9 yards to score the TD, so they line up Jefferson in the backfield. They have two WRs and a TE to the left side of the formation, forcing GB to devote resources to that side of the field. On the right side, it’s Thielen (a red zone monster) and then JJ just to the right of Cousins.
It’s a layered route. Thielen works deeper than Jefferson before turning in toward the ball. That creates space underneath for Jefferson to similarly work in toward the ball. An accurate ball from Kirk means it’s time for a double griddy.
Need another example? Take a peak at the play around the 0:26 mark:
Minnesota was facing a 2nd & 7 from around midfield. They come out in 21 personnel, forcing GB to respect the run. They play action to Mattison as Ham moves across the line to set up the seven-man protection, thereby offering Cousins plenty of time to keep his eyes down the field. Meanwhile, there is a three-player route combo working together on the right side of the field. Mattison is running a shallow out-breaking route, Thielen an intermediate out-breaking route, and Jefferson a deep out-breaking route. The play action alongside the layered routes leads to Jefferson finding all kinds of space. Though he didn’t snag the TD, the Vikes were able to score shortly thereafter.
As I discussed earlier, the 49ers will present a true test for Minnesota. Both of their lines are formidable, though I tend to spend more time stressing about the purple OL. Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead could very reasonably take over Sunday’s game.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”906621″ player=”26281″ title=”AdClipVT11%20Justin%20Jefferson” duration=”167″ description=”undefined” uploaddate=”2021-11-23″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/thumb/906621_t_1637709132.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/19439/sd/906621.mp4″]
What will Klint Kubiak come up with the nullify these two pass rushers? One can expect him to soften up the 49ers defense by targeting the edges early. If he can’t find success there, it will be difficult to progress toward the next step. So much of Minnesota’s recent game plan has begun with threatening the edge with their speed early. They’ve used those plays as the body shots to set up the upper cut that’s on the way later in the round.
Perhaps Bradbury’s return will allow for more success with screens. We also had a couple nice moments from K.J. Osborn last week. These are positive developments that will hopefully make things more manageable for Lil’Kub.
Last thing: Klint Kubiak deserves a ton of credit for helping to unlock Kirk Cousins. Through his ten-year NFL career, Cousins has established himself as a borderline great QB who often shrinks back into average to below average at inopportune moments. In 2021, Cousins is refusing to wilt under the pressure. Instead, he’s standing in the pocket and taking shots down the field. I don’t know what Klint is telling him, but it’s working. Cousins is playing far less scared. He has always had the arm talent to be a top-tier NFL QB. Now, he’s finally demonstrating the mental toughness and confidence to get the most out of those physical gifts.
Cousins is the 2nd best QB on PFF. His 21/2 TD-INT ratio is elite. He has three game-winning drives in 2021. His 106.3 passer rating is 3rd in the NFL. His 0.5 INT % is lowest in the NFL. His 68.2 completion % is sixth. Cousins, in short, is playing incredibly well in 2021. Klint – the former QB coach – deserves a lot of the credit for these incredible numbers.
Let’s hope Minnesota’s young OC has something special planned for Sunday afternoon.