Vikings Training Camp 2020: Previewing the quarterbacks

Can Cousins take more control?

If you’re the kind of Vikings fan that thinks the team should move on from Kirk Cousins, this past offseason was not a fun one. Not only did Minnesota not draft a quarterback to compete with Cousins, but they also went all in and gave him a contract extension to make sure he’s the team’s starter under center for the foreseeable future.

Part of the reason for the extension was to create much needed financial flexibility, but it wasn’t like Cousins’ play did nothing to earn the extension either.

Although there was a decrease in volume, Cousins had the most efficient season of his career in 2019, throwing for just 3,603 yards, but throwing 26 touchdowns to six interceptions. His 8.1 yards per attempt were also his highest number since 2016.

But just like the rest of Cousins’ career, the stats have looked great even when the play on the field hasn’t. While there were times where he looked like an MVP candidate, there were others (including key losses to Green Bay and San Francisco late in the season) where he folded under the pressure, ultimately costing the Vikings a division title.

In 2020, Cousins needs to take things into his own hands. The volume should increase considering Minnesota will be playing a more difficult schedule and the offense will be utilizing Gary Kubiak’s more aggressive play-calling style.

But what Cousins does with this is what will be key. If he puts together performances like the game-winning drive in New Orleans last January, the Vikings should be fine. If he plays like he did against the Packers in Week 16 last year, Minnesota’s offense could hit another speed bump.