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5 NFL players under pressure to step up in 2019 season

By William Ricks

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Kirk Cousins

When the Minnesota Vikings signed Kirk Cousins to a three-year, $84 million dollar contract (that was fully guaranteed), they thought he was the piece they needed to get them to a Super Bowl. Cousins bet on himself twice with the Redskins and now found a team who was willing to commit to him for the near future. After year one, things must get better.

The Vikings went from 13-3 in 2017 to 8-7-1 last year. They missed the playoffs in 2018 and Cousins had an underwhelming season. He failed to show up when the Vikings needed him most, in the clutch moments and in primetime showdowns. Cousins failed to execute in these situations and, if he had, the Vikings could’ve squeaked into the playoffs.

Cousins can’t afford to have a season like 2018. Yes, his stats look gaudy, but there was a point in the season where the Vikings offense as a whole lacked synergy and efficiency. Being the quarterback, that shouldn’t happen, especially with a team in Minnesota that has weapons at receiver and running back.

One could blame the offensive line for Cousins’ and the Vikings’ struggles on offense. They allowed Cousins to be sacked 41 times last season. He was constantly under pressure which seemed to affect him as the season went on. He didn’t look like the confident passer that screamed “you like that!” to cameramen after a win a few seasons back.

The Vikings made big pickups to fix their O-line, drafting Garrett Bradbury and Dru Samia. They also signed Josh Kline, who is sure to make his presence felt with the O-line group in Minnesota. However, it still comes back to Kirk Cousins and how he needs to play more confidently.

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With weapons around him, a rebuilt offensive line and solid defense to back him up, the pressure now falls on Cousins to deliver for the Vikings. There are no excuses now and having a fully guaranteed contract only adds more pressure for him. In year two of a three-year deal, Cousins needs to produce big for Minnesota, particularly in the clutch moments and primetime games. Vikings fans expect a playoff appearance from Cousins (and maybe even more) and now it is time for him to deliver.

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