The Minnesota Vikings have been a top contender in the NFL for many years, but one position that has often been criticized is their quarterback. Many national outlets have deemed the quarterback position as the team’s primary weakness, or at least a cause for concern. However, it’s time to shed some light on this topic and showcase the potential and talent that the Vikings have at the quarterback position.
First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room – the departure of Case Keenum. After leading the Vikings to the NFC Championship game last season, Keenum signed with the Denver Broncos, leaving many fans and analysts questioning the team’s decision. However, the Vikings made a bold move by signing Kirk Cousins, a proven quarterback who has consistently put up impressive numbers throughout his career.
Cousins may not have the same underdog story as Keenum, but he brings a level of experience and talent that the Vikings have been missing at the quarterback position. In his last three seasons with the Washington Redskins, Cousins threw for over 4,000 yards each year and had a combined total of 81 touchdowns. He also has a career completion percentage of 65.5%, which ranks him among the top quarterbacks in the league.
But Cousins isn’t the only quarterback on the Vikings’ roster. The team also has two promising young quarterbacks in Kyle Sloter and Trevor Siemian. Sloter, who spent last season on the Vikings’ practice squad, has shown great potential in the preseason and could be a valuable backup for Cousins. Siemian, who was acquired in a trade with the Broncos, has also proven to be a capable quarterback during his time in Denver. With these two quarterbacks as backups, the Vikings have a strong and reliable depth at the position.
Another factor to consider is the Vikings’ offensive line. Last season, the offensive line struggled to protect Keenum and create running lanes for the running backs. However, the team made significant improvements in the offseason by signing guard Josh Kline and drafting center Garrett Bradbury. These additions, along with the return of a healthy Pat Elflein, should provide better protection for Cousins and give him more time in the pocket.
Let’s not forget about the weapons that Cousins has at his disposal. The Vikings have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. Both receivers had over 1,000 receiving yards last season and have established themselves as top targets for any quarterback. In addition, the Vikings also have a talented running back in Dalvin Cook, who is coming off an injury but has shown flashes of greatness in his short time with the team.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Vikings have a strong defense, which can take some of the pressure off of the quarterback. With players like Danielle Hunter, Linval Joseph, and Harrison Smith, the Vikings have one of the best defenses in the league. This will allow Cousins to focus on leading the offense without having to constantly play catch-up or make risky plays.
In conclusion, it’s time to put the doubts and criticisms to rest. The Minnesota Vikings have a solid and talented quarterback in Kirk Cousins, along with capable backups in Kyle Sloter and Trevor Siemian. With an improved offensive line, a strong group of weapons, and a dominant defense, the Vikings’ quarterback position should no longer be considered a weakness. It’s time to have faith in Cousins and the rest of the team as they strive for success in the upcoming season. SKOL!
