3 reasons why the Vikings made the right call with Gary Kubiak

Potential for Improvement

Gary Kubiak takes over a Vikings offense that was very impressive for large parts of the 2019 campaign, eventually finishing eighth in points per game (25.4) and sixth in rushing yards (133.3).

Minnesota’s marked turnaround can be attributed to the arrival of Kubiak, who Mike Zimmer described as “the best thing that’s happened to me since I’ve been here” during the season.

That is high praise from a man who is seldom complimentary about others in public and with even more influence during the offseason, there are plenty of encouraging signs that this gifted core of Vikings players can be even better when September comes around and competitive action returns.

The weapons surrounding Kirk Cousins are well documented and although he started and ended the year frustratingly, not even the most staunch Vikings fan would have seen the turnaround in his performance following public criticism from the team’s star wideout duo of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. These are two playmakers who need the ball in their hands to keep them happy and help them make the contribution that their high salaries demand.

Perhaps it was the calming influence of a former quarterback in Kubiak that gave him the support and encouragement at the right time in order to succeed. There is no doubt how much Cousins respects his new offensive coordinator and he shared some of his feelings on Kubiak earlier in the season.

"“Ultimately I think Gary, having been a quarterback in this league, knowing how difficult it is, knowing what you need to be successful, I think there’s an awareness of all that has to take place for a passing game and an offense to come together and to be productive and I think that awareness makes a difference.”"

With the likes of Diggs, Thielen, Dalvin Cook, Kyle Rudolph, and Irv Smith Jr. all expected to be at the top of their game in 2020, Kubiak has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal.

Minnesota’s offense could be the envy of most in the NFL in 2020 if he comes up with the right package on a consistent basis.