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The Minnesota Vikings are struggling to be consistent after their fairytale playoff run in 2017. They missed out on Wild Card football last season and are seemingly on pace to miss out again.
There's a common denominator that's tying last season to this season: Kirk Cousins was the man making the pass from the pocket. And this fact begs one simple question.
Is Kirk Cousins still the quarterback the Vikings can count on to lead them to another deep playoff run? Are they going to be able to turn things around and make a playoff appearance this season?
Based on his most recent performances, the answer seems to be a resounding no.
The 31-year-old struggled to get things going and make important passes for the team. His performance this season has been mediocre at best, and we're not even talking about the two games where he threw for less than 200 yards.
It has been a problem for the team that they struggle to step up whenever they play against the league's better teams. It was evident in Week 2 against Green Bay that the quarterback tends to be messy with his chances. He completed less than half of the throws he made that game (14 of 32).
His teammates and coaches are frustrated and puzzled with his play. Mike Zimmer, the team's head coach, didn't even bother trying to cover for his QB1 and deflected all questions related to him.
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Vikings star receiver Adam Thielen was even harsher compared to his coach. He said that QBs have to be able to hit deep balls because even the best running back in the NFL isn't “going to be able to run the ball for 180 yards” every game.
The most frustrating thing about the entire Cousins ordeal for the Vikings? They paid him top dollar to be this inconsistent.
Cousins is owed $28 million to play this year. His wage bill will balloon to $30 million more in his final year with the team. The money they're wasting on him could have been used on positions of need.
However, there's nothing they can do but simply wait it out. Cousins will have to play to standards or he might see himself get booted out of the team by next offseason.
There's also reason to believe that Cousins will eventually come around and play like an actual franchise quarterback. However, there's a huge doubt as to whether he'll be able to improve his play on time.
It's more likely for the Vikings to cut him loose rather than risk another year with him unless he turns things around in a big way. And with the talent they have on offense, they better do it sooner rather than later.
