Enjoyed your writing about “later bloomers” or fireworks by Year 3. I’m feeling strongly about one who I believe will flourish “late” in a different way and am wondering your thoughts on this wearisome narrative:
I fully get the adage that QBs often get too much credit for wins and too much blame for losses. As Vikings fans, we’ve all heard the negative talk and lack of recognition that Kirk Cousins is largely becoming a reliable and quality QB.
While he is not yet Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, etc., I fully believe Kirk is following another former Viking’s path: Rich Gannon took a while to fully mature as a quarterback. Regretfully, he didn’t do so as a Viking (although a good Vikings team did well with him), but after about 10 years in the league, he went on to All-Pro status and even became league MVP.
I see Kirk following a similar path (he has already played pretty well). What is it with shortsighted national pundits who tread out the old narratives of Kirk being mediocre and some of our own fans — those who just don’t seem to recall how difficult it was around Vikings land not that long ago without a consistent, quality, injury-free QB?
Your thoughts are appreciated.
I’m so curious to see if Cousins can play not scared and like a leader. Put this team on his back. I know it takes a team to win, but you need a leader to follow and believe in. I hope these coaches and his experience with all the other coaches can mentally help him. I believe he has the arm and tools. But he needs to stop playing scared!
An interesting comparison for Chris to make to start us off this week.
The career trajectory of Gannon, who joined Minnesota in 1987 after initially being selected that year by the New England Patriots, certainly places him among late bloomers who eventually reached an elite level.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…