NFL
By Steve Rogers
The Minnesota Vikings continued their current winning streak to three games. However, it cost them the starting quarterback and clear captain of not only the offense but the entire locker room Kirk Cousins. During the fourth quarter, Cousins dropped back to pass, and without contact, his leg buckled. Did Cousins crumble to the ground in a heap grabbing his ankle and writhing in pain? Hell, no Cousins felt the “Pop” and immediately tucked the ball and tried as he might to RUN and gain as many if any, as he could. After being hit and sacked shy of the line of scrimmage Cousins again in an epic display of heroism got up on his own and hopped on his left good leg to the sideline and sat down on the bench before being taken to the blue medical tent. When Cousins came out of the tent he was assisted onto a waiting cart. Once on the cart, Cousins clapped and cheered on his Vikings team, never showing pain, sadness, or weakness. This is also Cousin’s first real injury in his career. Cousins went down with honor and glory like a champion even the late Kobe Bryant would tip his cap to.
What’s Next?
For Cousins, it’s preparing for surgery and a long road full of rehab to get back on the field next year. Cousins should be looking into joining New York Jets star quarterback Aaron Rodgers’s medical plan staff and team. Rodgers also tore his Achilles four plays into the season. Seemingly defying all logic Rodgers is already off crutches and walking with special shoes?!? Cousins needs to get with that team of doctors ASAP!
As for the Vikings?….. That becomes a much bigger and more challenging question. First of all, the team has dug themselves out of a 0-3 start. Offensively on the strength and MVP caliber numbers Cousins was putting up. Equally, the Vikings defense being constructed by defensive coordinator Brian Flores has come to life by making plays all over the field. Whether it’s strip-sack fumbles or interceptions in the open field by the secondary this defense is shutting down offenses and getting the ball back to its offense. Complimentary football, winning football three in a row and four out of the last five.
This team has invested too much in itself to cave and fold up now. So, with limited funds to attract a top free agent or really assets worth giving up to acquire any kind of upgrade on a top ten and maybe even a top five guy like Cousins. The best course of action is to stay the course lean on the defense and the other star players to step up and allow either Rookie fifth-round pick Jaren Hall some reps and experience as the guy and starter for the purple and gold, or soon-to-return from injury veteran back up Nick Mullens.
That’s not all though I do believe the Vikings will make at least 1 or 2 moves. The first would be to add another pass rusher to help defensive end Danielle Hunter who currently leads the league in sacks and tackles for loss. Get that man some help! The other is just wishful thinking on my part. Dalvin Cook is unhappy after leaving for New York, Alexander Mattison hasn’t filled Cook’s shoes why not attempt a reconciliation? There is no reason even without Cousins this Vikings team can’t take the seventh and final wild-card spot in the playoffs.
Where does Cousins Play Next Year?
Cousins was playing out the final year of his contract that will expire this off-season. Making him a free agent. Has Cousins being in purple been expensive? Absolutely, but has Cousins being here been costly? unequivocally NO! Based on the numbers he has been worth every penny. For starters, Cousins’ availability is second to none as he has started 88 out of the 90 games he has been in a Vikings uniform. One of those was a coach’s decision to rest starters for the playoffs. The other was when Cousins was in Covid protocols.
In other words in a league where injuries run rampant Cousins has remained constantly ready and available each and every Sunday. In his five seasons in Minnesota Cousins has a three to one touchdown-to interception ratio with 171 to 55. How bout some more numbers? Like the 23,265 yards he has passed for with a 101.2 QBR. Yes, Cousins will become a free agent but he has expressed his interest in not only staying but finishing his career here in Minnesota as a Viking.
As much as this is a business and hard choices are made all the time this seems like an unnecessary divorce. Cousins has such a connection with head coach Kevin O’Connell and super report with ALL the wide receivers the Vikings have. None more so than the special bond he seems to have with superstar wideout Justin Jefferson. Between now and training camp I believe both sides will come together on a meaningful but also financially manageable from an organization standpoint. Cousins by no means should be hearing whether or not he’s thrown his last pass in purple.
