Ben Solak opens his Week 6 NFL preview by noting the busy slate ahead, including Seahawks-Broncos on Thursday, the Texans facing the Jaguars in London on Sunday morning, and Caleb Williams's expected return for the Bears against the Falcons. He also flags Micah Parsons's apparent absence from his revenge game against the Cowboys on Sunday night.
Solak's weekly column looks at uncertain topics rather than concrete takeaways. This week he expects a quarterback change soon, sees a couple of defenses in need of major talent upgrades, and anticipates improvement from an undefeated team. The first topic is Kirk Cousins, who has been solid for the Raiders this season relative to expectation and contract.
The Patriots pressured him heavily on Sunday. Defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr blitzed Cousins on 41.2% of his first-half dropbacks, per NFL Next Gen Stats, producing a 53% pressure rate and two sacks. With starting cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III out injured, Kuhr aimed to disrupt the passing game at the pocket before Cousins could attack his inexperienced cover men.
The plan worked in some situations but not others. Cousins finished the first half 10-for-15 for 123 yards and a score, yet the Patriots got off the field when they needed to. Solak notes that at 38 years old, Cousins is not especially mobile, which leaves him vulnerable to pressure schemes like these.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing