Monday Night was the first double-header of the NFL season. It featured a pair of intriguing matchups, at least on paper. The Buffalo Bills, early Super Bowl favorites, against the Tennessee Titans and the pairing of two upstart teams in the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.
For both the Titans and Vikings, it would be an understatement to say that things did not go very well. The Titans were destroyed in Buffalo to the tune of 41-7 and the Vikings didn’t fare much better, falling 24-7.
Still, there was much more to the latter score than meets the eye. What did we learn about the Vikings from their trip to Philly? Will this result decrease the Minnesota Vikings odds 2022 of getting to the playoffs?
Kirk Cousins Isn’t The Guy
There has been great debate about Kirk Cousins, especially considering his contract situation. Back before the season began, Cousins agreed to a one-year extension with Minnesota for a fully guaranteed $35 million.
The topic of conversation generally revolves around whether or not he is worth that kind of money. On paper, his stats are good. He certainly looks like he is worthy of a fat contract as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Still, watching Cousins on Monday night, it became apparent that he does not thrive in big situations.
That has long been his reputation – someone who withers when the lights are their brightest. And wither he did against the Eagles.
Cousins turned in an awful performance Monday night. He completed 27 of 46 passes for 221 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Those three interceptions were much worse than they appeared on paper, hopeless heaves that stood no chance of finding anyone but the opposite team.
The Vikings were considered to be contenders in the NFC North this year, but with that kind of performance from Cousins, that is up in the air. When the big moments come, Cousins sees a major dip in his performance. Of course, he wasn’t the only issue at hand.
Primetime Kirk Cousins in full effect tonight 😅 @brgridiron
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/akaeXeQ9mG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2022
The Running Game
Given the talent they have at the running back position, it should ring the alarms that Cousins was the team’s leading rusher on Monday night with 20 yards on 2 carries. Dalvin Cook was a ghost, picking up just 17 yards on 6 carries for an abysmal 2.8 yards per carry.
The Eagle defensive line was the dominant presence on the night, consistently shutting down the run and getting to Cousins on passing downs. Given that Cousins isn’t the best quarterback in the league when under pressure, there were several spots where he aimlessly threw to avoid the sack.
Given Cousins’ apparent weaknesses and their need to drive the ball to talented receivers Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, the running game needs to be more present. That’s not even considering the fact that Cook is supposed to be one of the top backs in the league and he was a no-show.
If the Vikings are going to contend in the NFC, they are going to need to address this issue. Cousins can play well when the weight of the world isn’t on his shoulders and he can delegate. When the pass rush has its ears pinned back, that’s when the problems begin.
.@bigplay24slay with his 2nd interception 🗣
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC pic.twitter.com/KnV0evoizI
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2022
Mobile Quarterbacks are a Problem
On the defensive side of the ball, it became apparent quickly that the team struggles with mobile quarterbacks. Jalen Hurts, the second-year quarterback, absolutely shredded the Vikings from start to finish.
He was very accurate, particularly on the move, completing 26 of 31 passes for 333 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He did just as much damage on the ground, rushing 11 times for 57 yards, including a pair of 26-yard touchdown runs.
The Vikings never seemed to have an answer for Hurts. Granted, he is one of the better mobile quarterbacks in the league. That said, Minnesota was constantly picked apart and it opened up the running game at large. Mile Sanders, one of the most inconsistent backs in the league, ran for 80 yards on 17 carries over the course of the evening.
The Minnesota defense has talent. Whether they can shore up the issues with the run and get to the quarterback more frequently remains to be seen.
Jalen Hurts first half:
17/20
301 TOT YDS
3 TDVikings entire offense:
93 yards
1 TDPut some respect on QB1. 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/KARK7O2eny
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2022
The Rest of the Season
It is far too early to deem the Vikings in trouble. Even great teams have down weeks, and the Eagles are considered to be one of the best teams in the conference. That said, the performance was a troubling one, to say the least.
The Vikings will need to figure a few things out if they are going to take on the Green Bay Packers for the division crown. In the meantime, they should have more than enough talent to make the playoffs. It is just a matter of the ceiling when they get there.
Despite a Monday Night Football loss, Minnesota lands around the Top 10 in most lists.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 20, 2022
Credits on Featured Image: Jack Kurzenknabe on Flickr
