Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo?
The Minnesota Vikings travel into San Francisco Saturday afternoon for a chance to advance the NFC Championship. Kirk Cousins is coming off a solid game in which he led a game-winning drive in overtime to upset the New Orleans Saints. Kirk Cousins was helped by running back Dalvin Cook who had 28 touches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Now with the team taking on the number one team in the NFC, can Kirk Cousins pull off the impossible?
“I got three words for ya … YOU LIKE THAT!?”
–Kirk Cousins after his first playoff win 📈 (via @Vikings) pic.twitter.com/gDJzWqaD71
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 5, 2020
As for Jimmy Garoppolo, this is the first playoff game of his career as a starter. Kurt Cousins now has two playoff games under his belt. Who would you rather have?
Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t throw deep often this year, but was successful when he did.
Only 6% of his throws were 20+ yards downfield this season (lowest in NFL).
But he completed 66% of those passes (19-of-29), the best for any qualified QB since ESPN began tracking that in 2006. pic.twitter.com/Nvpu9HDQ3O
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 7, 2020
When looking at the 49ers team as a whole, it is complete. They have one of the best front four on the defensive side of the ball in the league. That is what makes the team go, defense. Although they have an offensive coach, the 49ers defense has been the spark to their successful season. Garoppolo is a good quarterback. However, when you think of the 49ers this year, it has been the defense, and if they don’t do their part, no one knows if Garoppolo could pull it off by himself.
When it comes to the Vikings, it’s about the running game. Dalvin Cook is what makes this team go. However, last week, Cousins proved that he could lead his team to a victory. The question is, can he do it against one of the top defenses in the league. He went into one of the toughest places to play in the NFL and pulled off an overtime victory. I know it was just one game but right now, Cousins has more to his playoff resume than the guy he is facing this weekend.
I don’t think the Vikings win this weekend against the 49ers, but everyone said that last week when they took on the New Orleans Saints. It is going to be a fun game and we will see what both quarterbacks are capable of during the big moments.
–Zachary Connell (@ZackConnell2)