- CLUTCH SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been heavily criticized in his NFL career.
- Cousins is facing plenty of pressure after failing to take the Vikings to the playoffs in Year 1 of his three-year, $84 million deal.
- Expect Cousins to bounce back and lead the Vikings back to the postseason.
Kirk Cousins' NFL career has been heavily criticized. Since Cousins became a starter in 2015, every move of his has been observed. As a member of the Washington Redskins, Cousins played under the franchise tag two seasons in a row. He was building his reputation as a solid starting quarterback, but could not land that long-term deal in D.C.
Cousins finally landed that deal with the Minnesota Vikings. He signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million prior to the 2018 season. In Minnesota, the trend of being looked at under a microscope did not change for Cousins. After an 8-7-1 season for the Vikings, Cousins' contract was already being considered a mistake and a bust.
Let's take a look back at Cousins' debut season in Minnesota, then a look ahead at what to expect in 2019 as the NFL season approaches.
Season 1 in Minnesota
Believe it or not, Cousins had the best statistical season of his career in 2018. He threw 30 touchdowns, which was the most in one season since he became a full-time starter. Cousins also threw 10 interceptions, the lowest amount of his career. Cousins completed 70.1% of his passes on his way to a 4,298-yard season.
So, why would this be considered a failed season for Cousins? He failed to take the Vikings to the postseason, and Cousins was given a monstrous contract because Minnesota viewed him as the missing link to a Super Bowl champion.
During the 2017 playoffs, the Vikings pulled off one of the wildest wins in NFL history. Stefon Diggs caught a pass down the sideline and found the end zone as time expired. Named the “Minnesota Miracle,” this play will go down in Vikings history.
The Vikings then proceeded to get blown out in the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Case Keenum was the quarterback at the time. He had a solid year, but the Vikings felt they needed a quarterback who was better. In comes Cousins on a historic contract. He turned down a big offer from the New York Jets to play in Minnesota because he felt they were ready to win.
The Vikings have arguably the best receiving duo in the league with Diggs and Adam Thielen. Kyle Rudolph is still a productive tight end, while Dalvin Cook is a good running back if he can stay on the field.
The NFC North is expected to be better in 2019, including the Vikings. It starts with Cousins.
Expectations for 2019
Cousins is one of the X-factors for the Vikings this season. However, he is not the No. 1. The Vikings' offensive line was one of the worst in the league last season. Cousins was never comfortable in the pocket because he did not have much time to throw the ball.
Minnesota made strides in improving its offensive line for the 2019 season. This will improve the running game as well as give Cousins more time to throw. With time and a strong running game, Cousins can pick apart a defense. He excels in the play-action passing game.
In 2019, Cousins will lead the Vikings to the playoffs. They are one of the best teams in the NFC North, and maybe even the entire NFC. Despite underachieving last season, Cousins is still the leader of the team and can win with the right pieces around him. In Minnesota, he has plenty of pieces around him to win.
This will be the season where Cousins begins to earn his contract. The Vikings were able to reach the NFC Championship Game two seasons ago with a lesser quarterback under center. There are no mulligans in football, but Cousins will not need to adjust to a new team and a new city coming into this season.
This is not to say that Cousins will lead the Vikings to the Super Bowl or win MVP. However, he has the skill and ability to make the postseason and win some games.
As far as his personal numbers, there is no reason Cousins should be worse than last season. He can easily have a 4,500-yard season with 30-35 touchdowns. The key for Cousins will be his turnovers. He will have to keep his interceptions low and not fumble, which has been a problem over his career.
The players who are paid the most are always criticized the most. Right now, Cousins is one of those players. Expect him to quiet some of his doubters and critics this season.
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