Vikings HC explains why Kirk Cousins could have a career year in 2023
The Minnesota Vikings are dead set on letting QB Kirk Cousins play out the final year of his contract. Despite leading the NFL with eight fourth-quarter comebacks, Cousins’ play was full of ups and downs in the 2022 season. Cousins did throw 29 touchdown passes, but his 14 interceptions marked a career high. Cousins also […]
The Minnesota Vikings are dead set on letting QB Kirk Cousins play out the final year of his contract.
Despite leading the NFL with eight fourth-quarter comebacks, Cousins’ play was full of ups and downs in the 2022 season. Cousins did throw 29 touchdown passes, but his 14 interceptions marked a career high.
Cousins also posted a 92.5 quarterback rating which was his lowest since 2013 when he started just three games in Washington.
That being said, Cousins’ career hasn’t been filled with much continuity. Entering his second season under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, the quarterback has been in close communication with his play caller.
“Kirk and I have had a ton of dialogue throughout the offseason, just really in anticipation and excitement of his year two in our offense. He actually brought this up to me, the last time he had the same voice calling plays in the same system in his ear was Sean McVay, 2015 to 2016,” O’Connell stated. “This’ll be really cool for him to be in the same system, call the same formations, the same plays. I’m just excited to see him in year two and my goal is that 2023 is one of the best seasons Kirk Cousins has had playing quarterback in the NFL.”
Cousins is one of the NFL’s most highly scrutinized signal callers. Even in his shortcomings, he quarterbacked the Vikings to a 13-4 record and its first NFC North title since 2017.
Ultimately, if Cousins is to remain a Viking beyond 2023, he’ll have to prove it in the upcoming season. With Justin Jefferson on the outside and T.J. Hockenson at tight end, Cousins has an arsenal of pass catchers some quarterbacks go their entire careers without.
It’s a put up or shut up year for Cousins. While the Vikings continue to navigate the future of the quarterback position, Cousins is good enough to turn Minnesota into a true contender in 2023.
