Can the Vikings win a Super Bowl like the 2012 Ravens?

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a second half pass against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a second half pass against the New York Giants at M&T Bank Stadium on December 23, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins

The Mercurial Quarterback

One of the Vikings’ biggest complaints has been the tendency of Kirk Cousins to run hot and cold. While Cousins has had big games when the Minnesota Vikings have needed it (think Week 2 against Green Bay), he’s also had games where fans have wondered what was Rick Spielman thinking to hand this guy a fully guaranteed contract (think last week against Seattle).

Cousins play has been a hot topic all season, but back in 2012 Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco found himself in a similar situation. Through the first 13 games, Flacco had modest numbers throwing for 3,220 yards, 18 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. At that moment, it appeared that the Delaware product’s days in purple were numbered.

Then Cam Cameron was fired and Flacco went off. Over the his final two full games, Flacco threw four touchdowns with one pick. When the playoffs started, he went on one of the greatest postseason runs in NFL history throwing for 11 touchdowns, no interceptions and a ridiculous 117.2 quarterback rating.

Say what you want about Cousins’ performance to date, but he currently has better numbers than Flacco did with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Although he has fallen off from his torrid early-season pace, Cousins is capable of catching fire which could make the Vikings a dangerous team heading down the stretch.

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