Kirk Cousins is one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL, with a career marked by moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. As the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, Cousins has been under the microscope, with his every move scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. In this article, we'll delve into Kirk Cousins' game log, examining his career stats and performance to better understand the highs and lows of his NFL journey.
Kirk Cousins was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite being a relatively low pick, Cousins quickly established himself as a talented young quarterback, filling in for injured starter Robert Griffin III and leading the team to several victories. Over the course of his career, Cousins has played for the Redskins (2012-2017) and the Minnesota Vikings (2018-present).
Early Career: Washington Redskins
Cousins' early career was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also periods of inconsistency. In his first season as a starter in 2015, Cousins threw for 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns, but also tossed 11 interceptions. Despite these growing pains, Cousins showed promise, leading the Redskins to a 9-7 record and a playoff berth.
Breakout Season: 2016
Cousins' breakout season came in 2016, when he threw for 4,917 yards and 25 touchdowns, leading the Redskins to an 8-7-1 record. This performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection and cemented his status as a rising star in the NFL.
The Move to Minnesota
In 2018, Cousins signed a three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. The move was seen as a major coup for the Vikings, who were looking to replace the departed Case Keenum.
Minnesota Vikings: The Ups and Downs
Cousins' tenure with the Vikings has been marked by moments of brilliance, but also periods of inconsistency. In his first season with the team, Cousins threw for 4,298 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to an 8-7-1 record. However, the team missed the playoffs, and Cousins was criticized for his performance in several key games.
In 2019, Cousins had a more successful season, throwing for 4,083 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Vikings to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth. However, the team was eliminated in the Divisional Round, and Cousins was again criticized for his performance.
Career Stats and Performance
So how does Kirk Cousins' game log stack up against other NFL quarterbacks? Here are some key stats:
- Completions: 2,491
- Attempts: 3,824
- Completion Percentage: 65.1%
- Passing Yards: 30,142
- Touchdowns: 196
- Interceptions: 84
- Passer Rating: 97.9
Strengths and Weaknesses
So what are Kirk Cousins' strengths and weaknesses as a quarterback? Here are a few key observations:
- Strengths:
- Accuracy: Cousins is known for his accuracy, particularly on short and intermediate passes.
- Pocket Presence: Cousins is comfortable in the pocket and has a strong sense of awareness, allowing him to avoid sacks and make plays with his feet.
- Leadership: Cousins is a natural leader and has a strong work ethic, which has earned him the respect of his teammates.
- Weaknesses:
- Deep Ball: Cousins has struggled with deep passes throughout his career, often underthrowing or overthrowing his receivers.
- Decision-Making: Cousins has been criticized for his decision-making, particularly in high-pressure situations.
- Mobility: While Cousins is comfortable in the pocket, he is not particularly mobile, which can make him vulnerable to sacks and pressure.
Conclusion: The Future of Kirk Cousins
So what does the future hold for Kirk Cousins? Despite his inconsistencies, Cousins remains one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and his game log suggests that he is capable of leading a team to the playoffs. However, he will need to address his weaknesses and develop greater consistency if he is to take his game to the next level.
As the Vikings look to build on their success in 2020, Cousins will be a key player in their quest for a championship. With his talent, leadership, and work ethic, Cousins has the potential to lead the Vikings to greatness – but it will require him to overcome his weaknesses and perform at a consistently high level.
We invite you to share your thoughts on Kirk Cousins' game log and performance in the comments below. Do you think he has what it takes to lead the Vikings to a championship? Let us know!
What is Kirk Cousins' career passer rating?
+Kirk Cousins' career passer rating is 97.9.
How many touchdown passes has Kirk Cousins thrown in his career?
+Kirk Cousins has thrown 196 touchdown passes in his career.
What team did Kirk Cousins play for from 2012-2017?
+Kirk Cousins played for the Washington Redskins from 2012-2017.