Many candidates were turned away from the Vikings head coaching position that ultimately went to Kevin O’Connell. As a team that needed guidance on both sides of the ball, the hiring of the offensive minded coach wasn’t a stretch. But when it was announced that O’Connell would be in charge, it was clear that new GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would be trying to get the most out of Kirk Cousins. After all, Cousins and O’Connell worked together in the Washington QB room back in 2017. Surely the shared history of coach and player would be enough to bring out the best in Cousins, right? Maybe not.
Cousins’ Time in Washington
Once becoming the starter in 2015, Cousins seemed to have promise. His three seasons averaged 4,500 yards with 27.5 touchdowns and 12 interceptions per season. Not exactly a superstar, but he was good enough for his team not to worry about needing a new quarterback. But the season in which Cousins was starting and O’Connell was on Washington’s staff was his least impressive of the three. Not that it mattered too much with his 4,000 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
The most notable achievement for Cousins’ time in Washington was his selection to the Pro Bowl for his performance in the 2016 season. Granted, he was added as a replacement for Aaron Rodgers. And O’Connell was working on the 49ers staff at the time.
Kirk Cousins Needs The Right Scheme
While adding a familiar face in the quarterback room will be nice for Cousins, by itself, O’Connell’s addition adds little to Cousins’ game. Rather, it is O’Connell’s time under offensive guru Sean McVay that will elevate the Vikings. As I mentioned in my article about Justin Jefferson’s potential contract, I talked about how Jefferson will benefit from O’Connell’s new scheme and the same applies to Cousins.
Cousins is the type of player that thrives in the right circumstances. A quarterback you win with, rather than because of his on field abilities. With the adopted Rams’ philosophy regarding the “illusion of complexity”, O’Connell will do everything he can to surround Cousins with the right circumstances.
And if Kirk Cousins can be elevated the same way Matthew Stafford was in Los Angeles, look for the Vikings to be in the Super Bowl conversation.