The Vikings big-time win over the Green Bay Packers in week 11 seems like it was one hundred years ago at this point. Two difficult losses and an insane prime time game later, the Vikings are 6-7 and barely holding onto playoff hopes. But, when one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time breaks down your current quarterback it’s worth traveling back in time to take a look.
Enter Peyton Manning.
Kirk Cousins won over many of his doubters after going 24 for 35 for 341 yards against the Green Bay Packers. But keen observers noticed that Cousins could have potentially thrown three interceptions in that game. Adam Thielen batted one down. Another was dropped. But the third looked like Cousins threw the ball directly to Packers safety Darnell Savage when Jefferson was wide open in the end zone.
Typical Cousins mistake, right?
Well, it turns out that one was on Jefferson. Minnesota’s superstar receiver reeled in two of Cousins’ three touchdown passes on the day and finished with 163 yards. However, he was supposed to cross Savage’s face on the play and threw off Cousins’ timing, according to Peyton Manning on his ESPN+ show, Detail.
The Vikings quarterback was thrown off by Jefferson’s mistake, and the ball was picked. Fortunately for the Vikings, Green Bay was called for a roughing the passer penalty, which negated the interception. Manning breaks down the film in the video below. Cousins can be seen embracing Jefferson after the play, and later discussing what he did wrong.
The entire 10-minute clip is worth watching. Manning breaks down the tower concept, which got Jefferson open for a big gain early in the game. He also explains how the flood concept works, looks at how Jefferson scored out of the backfield, and has footage of Cousins navigating the pocket well on a linebacker and “casino” blitz.
Oh yeah, and Manning reveals that his son is a die-hard Jefferson fan. He even has a jersey.
It’s an incredible breakdown of a memorable game from an, ahem, shaky season so far.
