Don’t Be Stupid about the Cousins-Zimmer Celebration
The Minnesota Vikings found a way to make a win feel rotten on Sunday versus the Detroit Lions.
Of course, the sentiment is likely not applicable to the team’s players, but fans, on the whole, bemoaned the win because Minnesota tried to lose the game to the 0-4 Lions.
Vikings kicker Greg Joseph — with a redemptive maneuver — nailed a game-winning 54-yard field goal to end Detroit’s afternoon with a loss. And that was after a Kirk Cousins game-winning drive, one ferociously desired from him by many fans and detractors. Never mind the fact Cousins led game-winning drives in Week 1 and Week 2 that were canceled by non-Cousins mistakes. The quarterback is accountable for everything — running back fumbles, missed game-winning field goals, the works.
So when Joseph actually hit the kick of relief to win the Week 5 game, Cousins and his head coach, Mike Zimmer, celebrated with guy stuff.
This is an embrace after a win. This is what you asked for — fire from the quarterback, cohesion between the man and his coach. Accept it.
Folks speculated the two men perhaps intended to be peeved or violent with each other. Come on. After the first Vikings walk-off field goal when trailing before the kick since 2008, do you really think the reaction here between QB1 and HC is violence?
Conversely, Cousins reportedly used his catchphrase with Zimmer:
Per Allen’s clarity, Zimmer probably replied with something to the effect of “I do like that, mother—–.” It would be on-brand for Zimmer.
While it looked awkward with shoving, this game-winning moment encapsulated victory, relief, and “thank God” vibes. It was not a precursor to schism as some seek to insinuate with pot-stirring.
This Vikings moment can be the instance the team came together inside Zimmer’s tell-all season. That is — finding a way to win after a frustrating day at the office. Or it can live in infamy — a last gasp of victory on a schedule peppered with formidable opponents. Next up for the Vikings: at Carolina, vs. Dallas, at Baltimore, at Los Angeles Chargers, and vs. Green Bay.
What is wasn’t? Two men trying to fight each other.
Cousins and Zimmer have never been best friends, but they’ve also never been enemies. Zimmer is a defensive coach who outwardly focuses on the defensive side of things. Meanwhile, Cousins and various offensive coordinators over the years are in charge of their areas. Only recently did Cousins and Zimmer get together for organized game-tape chats about opponents. Now, that part is indeed a little strange. But it doesn’t mean they’re prone to blows on the sideline.
Embrace the moment for what it was — a sports celebration. Don’t be stupid.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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