Mike the Vike’s Weekly Musings, an Ode to Kirk “Clutch” Cousins
Mike Phetteplace
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A leopard might not be able to change its spots, but apparently, a certain quarterback in Minnesota (5-6) discovered an ability to adapt and overcome in a 28-27 victory over Carolina at US Bank Stadium today. Kirk Cousins (34-45, 307 passing yards, three TDs), despite finding himself without lead receiver Adam Thielen and against a defense geared to stop Dalvin Cook (18 carries, 61 yards), turned negatives into positives with a standout second half worth every bit of his mega-millions. Following a bizarre two-play stretch which saw the Panthers pounce on two fumble recoveries for scores, he orchestrated the inevitable comeback by spreading the wealth amongst his wideouts (Justin Jefferson, Bisi Johnson, Kyle Rudolph, Chad Beebe all hadseven catches each). With a clutch touchdown drive under the one minute mark and a missed Carolina field goal at the buzzer, we win a thriller!What doesn’t kill them makes them stronger!
Sometimes the absence of important artillery pieces like Adam Thielen and Irv Smith would cause an offense to wave the white flag, but Minnesota’s remaining receivers took it upon themselves to ensure a seamless transition. Lead by “seven catch club” members Justin Jefferson (70 yards, two TDs), Bisi Johnson (74 yards), Kyle Rudolph (68 yards), and Chad Beebe (63 yards, one TD), the passing game instead persevered and even prospered. Jefferson and Rudolph were already known commodities, but perhaps lesser names in Johnson and Beebe can springboard their momentum into something bigger and better like the third wideout position. Familiarity might even breed trust and comfort with Kirk Cousins, who prior to Sunday’s game had come to use certain players as security blankets. Who’s the next would-be stud to step up?
Eric Kendricks reached an All-Pro level in 2019, but the ascending linebacker’s performance in 2020 has been a few notches above even that! If there’s a switch to flip from great to greater, hehas done it, notching 107 tackles, five pass breakups, and three interceptions through eleven games. He might not wear the “C” patch on his jersey to designate as defensive captain, but Kendricks is its quarterback, the true heart and soul of a unit still trying to find their footing. Younger players look to him as he quietly sets a shining example by putting in the work, whether it be on the field or film room. He seems to come up with a impactful play whenever theteam needs one, like his second quarter quick pick Sunday. The third in four weeks, it occurred in the red zone and thwarted the Panthers from tieing the score. A case could be made that Kendricks is best in the league!
Congratulations to the Captain, Kirk Cousins, for becoming NFC Offensive Player Of the Week! Number Eight was nothing short of great against the Panthers, completing 34 passes on 45 attempts for 307 yards and three touchdowns for a passer rating of 115.7! It was the quarterback’s first such award in Minnesota and fifth overall of his career. His overall body of work since the bye week (1293 passing yards, 12 TDs, 1 pick, 127.2 rating) puts Cousins in strong contention for conference player of November, and gives fans the faith that his back is broad enough to carry the team should Zimmer’s run-first philosophy falter. Now, as the past month gives way to December’s playoff push, the question becomes just how far we can ride Cousins’ hot hand. Will he plow beyond his current threshold to parts unknown and wind up in the winner’s circle come February? I wouldn’t put anything past him!