Charting Cousins: Week 12 vs. Packers

In week 12, the Vikings earned a huge victory against the Packers, propelling back into the playoff discussion. Kirk Cousins played one of his better games of the year as he outdueled Aaron Rodgers.

Box Score Statistics

Cousins completed 29 of his 38 attempts for 342 yards and three touchdowns. He threw zero interceptions and took two sacks. Cousins was responsible for 15 first downs, and he converted seven of 12 third downs through the air. His completion percentage of 76 percent was great, as was his 9 yards per attempt.

Film Breakdown

Cousins was at his best in this game. He consistently found open receivers and delivered accurate passes. Despite facing pressure on 19 of his 42 dropbacks, he generally performed well against it. He had only one turnover-worthy pass this week.

Cousins and the Vikings struggled early, failing to move the ball until after the Packers had taken a 7-0 lead. However, they responded with a touchdown drive of their own. Despite two misses by Vikings’ kickers, Cousins and the offense consistently moved the ball after their initial struggles. Cousins led a late second quarter drive that kept the Packers off the field before Dan Bailey missed his second field goal.

In the third quarter, the two teams traded punts before the Vikings got a key third down stop. The Vikings took advantage of the field position, as Cousins led the Vikings on a field goal drive. He was accurate on all three of his passes for 31 yards before a sack forced the field goal. After another Packers’ drive stalled, Cousins connected with Adam Thielen for a 14-yard touchdown. On this play, Cousins drew the nearest defender with the threat of scrambling, before finding Thielen wide open.

Adam Thielen touchdown comes off of some good play design. Could have had Diggs, too pic.twitter.com/FhUMfAlNzz

— Arif Hasan (@ArifHasanNFL) November 26, 2018

Now entering the fourth quarter with a 24-14 lead, the Vikings shifted to a run-first attack. That didn’t stop Cousins from staying hot, as he delivered two elite throws in the quarter. The first was a touchdown that was dropped by Diggs. The second was a corner route that Cousins delivered as he was getting hit. Ultimately, the story of the second half was a dominant, shutout performance by the defense, but Cousins and the offense consistently moved the ball and kept Aaron Rodgers off the field.

Overall

On the day, Cousins was accurate on 27 of his 36 qualifying attempts for an accuracy percentage of 75 percent. That accuracy ranks as one of his best of the year, which is even more impressive given the pressure he faced. The Vikings travel to face the Patriots next week, but if the defense continues to perform at an elite level, Cousins and the offense are capable of outscoring Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Week 12 – Film Breakdown Statistics

Year-to-Date Film Breakdown Statistics

For more information on the “Charting Cousins” series, please check out Charting Cousins in his week one game against the 49ers.

– Madison Parkhill writes for Full Press Coverage and covers the Vikings and Fantasy Football. Follow him @MadPark44 and follow @FPC_Vikings.