12-24-2022, 02:11 PM
Kirk Cousins is climbing the charts in Vikings record books and among NFL's top quarterbacksIn the past, the quarterback put up gaudy numbers but not winning plays. This season he's taking more risks and is a primary reason The Vikings are 11-3.
With 885 yards and six touchdowns passing in the past two games, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins is climbing the charts, whether they be statistical or theoretical.
He has established himself statistically as the second-best quarterback of any longevity in franchise history, behind three-time Super Bowl starter Fran Tarkenton.
Cousins' only challenger for the No. 2 slot, statistically, is Tommy Kramer.
Kramer played in 128 games and produced 24,775 yards, 159 touchdowns, 157 interceptions and a 72.9 passer rating. His career record was 54-56.
Cousins is in his prime and has played in 77 games for the Vikings. He has produced 20,205 yards, 148 touchdowns, 47 interceptions and a 101.1 passer rating. His record with the Vikings is 44-32-1.
The eras were different, and passing statistics from Kramer's time pale in comparison to those in the modern era. Even accounting for context, Cousins has been the more impressive passer.
Daunte Culpepper, Wade Wilson, Brad Johnson, Warren Moon, Brett Favre and Randall Cunningham are among the many Vikings quarterbacks who excelled for a season or two. Cousins has been highly productive and durable for five.
Former Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman signed Cousins to end the franchise's constant search for a long-term starter. It's almost cruel that Cousins is having his winningest season in the first year after Spielman's firing.
Ranking Cousins in Vikings history is simple at this point. What's more intriguing is the current theoretical ranking among his peers.
Entering the season, most respected analysts, relying on either statistical models or conversations with NFL insiders, had Cousins ranked somewhere around 14th among NFL quarterbacks.
This season, he has climbed into the top 10.
https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-vikings-kirk-cousins-franchise-record-books-and-among-nfls-top-quarterbacks/600238414/
