Kirk Cousins' Checkdown Rate Ranks Among NFL's Lowest

Cousins often gets criticized for being a checkdown machine, but the data doesn't support that idea.

One of the narratives that has followed Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins during his career is that he's one of the NFL's checkdown merchants, meaning he's quick to rely on his underneath options and safety nets.

Although there may have been some truth to that idea at times, it really hasn't been the case during Cousins' recent years with the Vikings. When he has had to check it down — like the infamous pass to T.J. Hockenson that sealed last season's first-round playoff loss — it's typically been due to elevated pressure rates allowed by his offensive line.

In fact, Cousins had the seventh-lowest checkdown rate among QBs last season, according to a new PFF article, with 38 checkdowns on 643 attempts for a rate of 5.9 percent. Of the six QBs with lower rates — Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Justin Fields — three ran for at least 760 yards in 2022. All six finished in the top ten in rushing yards among quarterbacks. Cousins finished 26th, with 97 rushing yards.

On third downs, Cousins' checkdown rate was only slightly higher at 6.5 percent, the 15th-highest mark among QBs. Notably, Cousins finished third in third-down yardage (1,205) and led the league in third-down TD passes with 14. He was also third in sacks taken on third down with 21. On the season, Cousins finished near the middle of the pack in time to throw, sack rate, and throwaway rate.

The idea that Cousins is a "Checkdown Charlie" who is hesistant to throw the ball downfield just isn't based in truth. He said as much in a postgame sideline interview a couple years ago when the reporter mentioned that narrative. After all, Cousins finished third in deep passing yards and seventh in deep passing completion percentage last season.

Cousins has some flaws, but after last season, it's unfair to say aggressiveness is one of them. He threw the ball downfield frequently in Kevin O'Connell's offense, helping Justin Jefferson continue to ascend and put up gaudy numbers.

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