4 Minnesota Vikings players entering boom or bust seasons in 2022

Kirk Cousins – QB

Every season seems to be a boom or bust one for Kirk Cousins. The quarterback is among the league’s most polarizing players at the position, with some unfair criticism coming his way in 2021 despite putting up some outstanding numbers en route to another Pro Bowl appearance.

Cousins does have limitations that aren’t really hard to see. However, the Minnesota Vikings appear confident in the signal-caller’s ability to take this offense up a notch working once again with Kevin O’Connell.

Everything seems to be in place for Cousins. He has an abundance of pass-catchers, the return of Irv Smith Jr., a bookend tackle tandem to protect him, and a strong running game led by Dalvin Cook.

Couple this with an improved coaching relationship, and there are no more excuses.

Cousins signed a one-year extension this offseason and could be poised for some career numbers in a more expansive scheme. Something that would almost guarantee Minnesota’s presence in the postseason.

Consistency in situational football is key for Cousins. Coming through in the clutch has been a complication on occasions, which the Vikings can ill afford in pursuit of better fortunes in 2022.

There aren’t many with more pressure on their shoulders than Cousins next season. How he handles it will be the deciding factor between success and failure.