Cousins apologizes to Thielen, admits to missed opportunities

Kirk Cousins can see the error of his ways.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback took plenty of the blame for the offense's poor output in Sunday's 16-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. In particular, receiver Adam Thielen took issue with the passing game, saying after the defeat "you have to be able to throw the ball ... You have to be able to hit the deep balls."

Cousins responded to those comments Tuesday on local radio.

"I really want to apologize to (Thielen) because there's too many opportunities where we could have hit him on Sunday," Cousins said on KFAN, according to Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. "Postgame when I talk to the media I always say, 'Hey, until I watch the film, it's hard for me to really give you a straight answer.' Well, now it's Tuesday night. I've watched the film and the reality is there were opportunities for (Thielen).

"The one that's obvious is the third-and-10 at the beginning of the game. We're near midfield. That's arguably seven points. If you put the ball where it needs to be, he's shown ... that he will make that play and he'll probably finish the play in the end zone and pull away from the defender."

Cousins badly overthrew the receiver on the play in question.

Cousins finished the contest 27 of 36 for 233 passing yards. Thielen had just two receptions for six yards.

If the Vikings are to make a move in the NFC North, Cousins knows he needs his Pro Bowl receiver.

"Adam's not just a really good player or one of the best players on the Vikings, he's one of the best players in the NFL, one of the best players in the world, period, regardless of position," the passer said. " ... I need to get him more opportunities, get him the football."