The Minnesota Vikings signed their missing link to a massive contract before the start of the 2018 season. Kirk Cousins agreed to go to Minnesota for three years to the tune of $84 million, all guaranteed. The Vikings finished 8-7-1 in a weak NFC North conference last season. They missed the playoffs after reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2017. Cousins will look to lead the Vikings back to the postseason in 2019.
Cousins received criticism during his first season in Minnesota for not performing up to the standards of a fully guaranteed contract. He is playing with the best receiving core that he has ever had, and that propelled him to throw 30 touchdowns for the first time in his career. Cousins has been a full-time starter for four years now. He has eclipsed 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in each season. His individual numbers are there, so what can be done for him to take the next step as a player in 2019?
Win a Big Game
There have been many quarterbacks who struggle to win the big game, the Super Bowl. For Cousins, he struggles to win a big game, no matter what point of the season that it is. In 2018, Cousins threw for his second most yards in a season (4,298), most touchdowns (30), and least interceptions (10). His problem has always been winning a big game. It seemed to stay with him from Washington to Minnesota.
Cousins has a record of 5-13 in prime time games and 0-7 in his career on Monday night. The most alarming stat for Cousins is his record against teams with a winning record. Cousins is 4-25 in his career when playing against a team with a winning record. No, this is not a mistake. Cousins has played in two playoff games and is 0-2.
Despite their struggles in 2018, the mindset in Minnesota is positive. They are expecting to be one of the top teams in the NFC. Their division will be much improved compared to last season. For Cousins to lead the Vikings to the postseason, he will have to win a big game. Cousins will be immediately tested in week one when the Vikings welcome the Atlanta Falcons to town.
Turnover Struggles
Cousins threw just 10 interceptions last season. His fumble problems were still very much present. Cousins fumbled nine times and lost seven in 2018. He played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Cousins has been criticized for his awareness in the pocket. He has fumbled 46 times in his career, losing 22. There is a mental clock that a quarterback must have in their head, and it looks like Cousins needs some new batteries at times.
If Cousins holds onto the ball, he will have a strong season. The Vikings have gone out and improved the offensive line, both in free agency and in the draft. Kevin Stefanski will take over as their offensive coordinator after the whole John DeFilippo debacle. The Vikings also brought in Gary Kubiak who will serve as their assistant head coach and offensive advisor. Kubiak is a respected coach around the league and will bring a strong offensive philosophy to Minnesota.
The Vikings will look to run the ball more in 2019. This will open up more options for them in the play action game. Cousins has succeeded off play action. Minnesota has a plethora of offensive weapons, and they will do their best to get them all involved. For Cousins, if he holds onto the ball and beats good teams, it is hard to imagine that the Vikings will miss the playoffs.
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