Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins efficient in Week 1 victory
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins played a clean and efficient game in Week 1, something that the offense needs him to continue.
Kirk Cousins certainly earned his new contract on Sunday in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. It was a solid and efficient day for Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings, with the new quarterback demonstrating chemistry with Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph and Dalvin Cook. The team’s new front man finished his debut going 20-of-36 for two touchdowns and no interceptions for a total of 244 yards.
The talent at the Vikings skill positions allowed Cousins to find massive success in the “game-manager” role. Protect the ball, be decisive and stay healthy. That’s how Cousins can earn his $84 million guaranteed over the next three years. It seems like an extraordinary contract, but rarely do we see a star quarterback hit free agency.
The Cook and Latavius Murray combo at the running back position will continue to take pressure of Cousins. The skill positions as a whole also help to mask the Vikings weakness on the offensive line.
Head coach Mike Zimmer spent four seasons putting the pieces together, building a dangerous football team. The road hasn’t been easy. Quarterbacks are hard to find in the NFL.
In his first season with the Vikes, Zimmer moved up to draft young Teddy Bridgewater. After leading the 2015 Vikings to the playoffs, Bridgewater suffered his 2016 injury mere days before Week 1. This led to a Sam Bradford and Case Keenum’s impressive 2016 and 2017 campaigns. But these quarterbacks were not the answer for the long term.
Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman remained focused during the quarterback chaos of the past few years. They built a strong squad and waited for the perfect opportunity, spending money on all other aspects of their team. Notably, signing contracts with all four defensive lineman in the past two seasons.
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Cousins presented a win-win situation that the Vikings front office and coaching staff had to seize. Cousins knows how to win. He has the trust of the Vikings staff and a budding rapport with the team. Zimmer must be pleased to see four years of team building coming together.