Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins may be the most polarizing athlete in the area since Joe Mauer hung up his cleats a couple of years ago. At his best, Cousins can put up strong stat lines and lead a comeback as long as the game is on a Sunday at noon. Anything else and all bets are off.
On Sunday, Cousins provided the full experience in the Pro Bowl, which started at the dreaded time of 2 p.m. CT. Relieving Drew Brees and Russell Wilson, Cousins came in and had plenty of “Good Kirk” moments, throwing for 181 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Unfortunately, “Bad Kirk” also made the trip to Orlando. As the NFC was trying to make a late-game comeback, Jacksonville’s Calais Campbell sacked Cousins from behind, putting the ball on the turf. Pittsburgh’s T.J. Watt was more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity, returning the fumble for a 90-yard touchdown.
Campbell & Watt help Kirk Cousins blow a 4Q comeback in the Pro Bowl. pic.twitter.com/if04KKtsEG
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) January 26, 2020
With Cousins also throwing an interception, it’s clear to see the decision that Minnesota needs to make this offseason. Cousins has been good enough for the Vikings to compete the past two seasons, but there are also moments like this that make life after Cousins appealing.
Cousins enters the final year of his three-year, $84 million contract signed in March of 2018 and there have been whispers that the team will approach him for an extension. If that happens, the Vikings will have to try to limit moments like this, something that may not happen for the 31-year-old.
