The Minnesota Vikings are looking for a clean start after hiring former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell as head coach. As NBC Sports reporter Michael David Smith reported, O'Connell sees a lot of similar qualities in Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins and Matthew Stafford.

O'Connell expressed his eagerness to coach his new quarterback.

“I know he’s under contract and I’m excited to coach him. We’ve already started thinking about how we’re going to build those systems for him and our other quarterbacks,” O’Connell said. “I’m anticipating Kirk being a part of what we do… Matthew Stafford is one of the most talented players I’ve ever been around… I see Kirk being able to do a lot of those things.”

O'Connell was formerly Cousins' quarterbacks coach in Washington for one season prior to leaving for Los Angeles. So, he is familiar with the Vikings QB's attributes and abilities as a quarterback. But still the comparison is interesting. Stafford has been lauded for his ability to play his best under pressure. That is something that has been a knock on Cousins throughout his pro career.

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The Vikings fired former head coach Mike Zimmer on “Black Monday.” Most people expected the firing but acknowledged that Zimmer is a really good football coach. His message had just lost its meaning over time and the franchise needed a new voice.