Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Minnesota Vikings made multiple mistakes in a 20-17 loss. The catalyst to most of the mistakes was starting quarterback Kirk Cousins.
On Sunday, Cousins threw for 344 yards, but his two fumbles and interception were major factors in the Vikings losing the game with the interception being the point of major frustration.
Buy Vikings TicketsThe main issue with Cousins’ interception was the lack of decisiveness. It’s important, especially in condensed space like the red zone.
Cousins reads this play well. T.J. Hockenson is meant to clear out the passing lane. That is important on this play, as K.J. Osborn is running a glance route (deeper slant) behind him.
Cousins is waiting until a certain point to throw the ball so he can have a clear throwing window. That is what causes the hesitation. Unfortunately, the hesitation is what causes the inaccurate football.
Hesitating, or double-clutching the ball, can throw off both the timing of the route but most importantly the mechanics of the throw. You upper and lower bodies don’t sync up when you do that.
The throw ends up behind Osborn when it should have been right in the gut. You can make the argument that he throws it behind to limit the impact that he takes from the hit. Honestly, I don’t buy that because it’s a tight window throw in the red zone. That is a throw you make no matter what.
If he throws it a couple feet ahead, that’s a touchdown and he doesn’t need to hesitate in doing so. Fixing that will be key in helping the Vikings win games going into week two and beyond.
