How does Kirk Cousins rank compared to other NFL quarterbacks in 2020?

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins /
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Minnesota Vikings
(Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) Kirk Cousins /

Sporting News

Ranking: No. 12

Moving on up, inch by inch. Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer wrote the following about Kirk Cousins.

"“Cousins didn’t need to throw as much with Minnesota’s highly successful run-heavy offense, and he never threw the ball better. When he needed to bring the big pass plays, he did, showing off his signature zip. Most important, his much-improved high efficiency got the Vikings to the playoffs. Going into his age 32 season, he has the challenge of adjusting to a new offensive coordinator and new, rookie starting wideout in Justin Jefferson.”"

Iyer’s apropos statement on Cousins throwing the football better than ever is mirrored in his 2019 numbers. Last season, Cousins accrued the highest passer rating and the top Pro Football Focus grade (84.4) of his eight-year career in the NFL.

One of the interesting items of note in Iyer’s assessment is that Cousins tops Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan by one spot. That rarely happens anywhere as pundits still think of Ryan and his 2016 MVP trophy.

In addition, this list places Lamar Jackson over Russell Wilson, which hands the young Baltimore Ravens quarterback a lot of instant credibility, albeit heavy on the recency spectrum.