Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins have never played together on the same team, but they have something in common. They’re both playing the best football they have in their careers.
Cousins has been a reliable gauge for average quarterback performance in recent years. He epitomized the term “mid” in his position, being competent enough to secure victories with skilled teammates and strategic playcalling, but never reaching the level of excellence needed to consistently win due to his own exceptional performance. Since the hiring of Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, Cousins has shown significant improvement and resilience. In the early part of this season, his EPA/play has surpassed his performance in 2022, indicating growth and development within the offense. This progress was evident in the Vikings’ triumph over the San Francisco 49ers, where Cousins displayed exceptional accuracy, achieving a 0.34 EPA/play and a 48% success rate.
O’Connell has done a great job of bringing out a more aggressive side of Cousins in his second year as his playcaller. Instead of settling for singles, Cousins is now going for doubles and homers. I love watching this play because it gives us a glimpse into Cousins’ decision-making process. He had the option to go for a short hook route to TE TJ Hockenson against cover 2, but he chose to go for the intermediate route to Brandon Powell. While the single would have been a safe choice, Cousins has the ability to make the intermediate throw and really challenge the defense. It was a fantastic throw by Cousins, and Powell ran a great route.
As for Goff, fresh off their first road loss of the season at Baltimore, the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions were handed a harsh reality check reminding them they still must address some major areas for improvement. One of those areas is strengthening the chemistry between veteran quarterback Jared Goff and second-year receiver Jameson Williams, who jumped back into the mix for the second game after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
Goff’s journey with the Detroit Lions has been a lengthy one, but his growth and progress have played a vital role in revitalizing the team and franchise. In a remarkable feat earlier this season, Goff came close to breaking the record for the most consecutive passes without an interception, throwing an impressive 383 passes without a pick. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has taken notice of Goff’s remarkable improvement, recognizing him as one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the league. Prior to joining the Lions, Goff had experienced three seasons with a minimum of 12 interceptions. However, since becoming a Lion, his performance has soared, resulting in a significant decrease in turnovers. Without a doubt, this is the finest version of Goff that the NFL has witnessed.
So, both Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins are playing what’s arguably the best football of their careers. It’s a definite treat for those who watch the Lions and Vikings week in and week out. Let’s get ready for some more football.