Vikings news: Minnesota GM calls Kirk Cousins 'phenomenal'

In his first year with the Minnesota Vikings, Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins has made a tremendous impact on the franchise behind his play on the field. Cousins has quickly stepped in to provide stability under center that the franchise has been looking for to take them to the next step toward competing for a Super Bowl.

According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, general manager Rick Spielman has been quite impressed by what the 30-year-old has brought to the table with his franchise, saying he has been “phenomenal” this season.

“I think Kirk not only has done extremely well in how he's performed, especially when he's been getting pressured in the pocket, but you see some of the throws that he makes in games, those are some throws that are unique,” Spielman said. “There's not a lot of people who can make those type of throws.”

“But it's also how he's developed into a leader of this football team. I know I've sat in a couple quarterback meetings where they're sitting in there going over the game, and just sitting there listening to him talk, and being critical of himself and how he can improve. He's always looking to try and get better. It's pretty fascinating to sit there and listen to him sitting there breaking down game tape, and how important this is to him.”

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The Vikings have had their struggles running the ball effectively, but Cousins has been the driving force offensively in the passing game leading their potent attack with Cousins currently ranking third in the league with 2,685 passing yards along with being third with a 71.4 percent completion rate, eighth with 17 touchdown passes, and ninth with a 102.2 passer rating.

Following a subpar start out of the gate that has seen them take steps in the right direction over the last several weeks winning four out of the last five games with the only hiccup being against the New Orleans Saints. Cousins has thrown for more than 230 yards in four of those contest while compiling seven touchdown passes over that stretch.

Minnesota will have their work cut out for them in the second half of the season, but the addition of the Pro Bowler under center should put them in the position to compete for the playoffs and possibly much further than that.

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