If Stafford Can Do It

With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

I think you can take two different things away from this
weekend.

If Stafford can do it, so can Cousins and we should
definitely stay on this path.

and

Getting rid of perpetually mediocre Dalton and replacing him
with a young winner at QB was the best thing the Bengals could have done and we
should definitely get rid of Cousins.

@"Vikergirl" said: With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

@"JustinTime18™" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

We're a RG away from that OL. Already have comparable WRs...

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"JustinTime18™" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

We're a RG away from that OL. Already have comparable WRs...

You forgot about the defense, that is a little more complicated. 

My thought was that Cousins contract is all wrong for keeping him now.  I know nothing about contracts but at this point I just cant imagine the Vikings wanting to keep working with Cousins for another three years on a do over contract.
I do believe if Cousins get on a good team like Stafford he could shine too.
Again though, neither WB can be counted on to carry the team like Rodgees/Brady so you will have to keep a strong supporting cast around them at all times.  

@"JustinTime18™" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

We're a RG away from that OL. Already have comparable WRs...

The stat that really stands out to me is the Game Winning Drives (GWD). Stafford earned most of those in Detroit.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"JustinTime18™" said:

@"Vikergirl" said: With that OL, defense and receivers I should hope so. 

We're a RG away from that OL. Already have comparable WRs...

and a Center,  and potentially a LG too.

This team is way more behind the Rams than just a player or two or three.  Then you can add the coaching.  Zimmer (his staff) was about average as you can get while McVay (his staff) is looking as good as it gets.  

Let's see what a new coaching staff can accomplish in one year in terms of overall coaching and in getting those 3+ players.  

Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 
The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury.
For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side. 
The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

And opposing DBs that can't catch.  

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

to date KC has been unwilling to offer any discounts,  why would he now, especially since the guy that brought him to Minny is no longer in the picture and everybody knows that the new guys are going to be working hard at finding his replacement.  Kirk has stated that he owes it to the union and other QBs to push the salary ceiling when he has the chance.  I just dont think he is suddenly going to get rid of his mercenary mentality and start doing what is best for the team.... sure you try and get him into a deal that gives you some relief this year as well as a manageable average each year after this... but lets be honest,  this is his last chance for a big pay day... he isnt likely to change now.

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

We want a young QB to build around that has the capability of being a superstar on the right squad early in his career.  I would love the Lance-Cook-Kene-Jets-KJ-Irv future with Adam, Conklin, and Mattison around in 2022.  That could be dynamic and would give cap flexibility plus picks to address a DE opposite Hunter, a CB (Sauce) opposite Peterson, and a playmaking LB to pair with Kendricks.

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

to date KC has been unwilling to offer any discounts,  why would he now, especially since the guy that brought him to Minny is no longer in the picture and everybody knows that the new guys are going to be working hard at finding his replacement.  Kirk has stated that he owes it to the union and other QBs to push the salary ceiling when he has the chance.  I just dont think he is suddenly going to get rid of his mercenary mentality and start doing what is best for the team.... sure you try and get him into a deal that gives you some relief this year as well as a manageable average each year after this... but lets be honest,  this is his last chance for a big pay day... he isnt likely to change now.

I dont begrudge the players for trying to make the most $$$ they can - especially in a short career game. 

I think he'll be open to a more team friendly contract myself. 

We'll see if the new GM/HC combo even want him around? I can't imagine they wouldn't want that kinda production with the right cap #. And want him around until they find kid qb of tomorrow. 

Cousins has had 4 years to take us to the Super Bowl. How many more years you need  :3 :3

Matthew Stafford cap hit is 23M this year & the Rams traded multiple picks to “build the team.” Get back to me when Kirk is willing to cut his next year cap hit in half.

@"purplefaithful" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"Havoc1649" said: Cousins is not why we are out of the playoffs and a championship caliber team. I don’t understand how this is so difficult for people to get their heads around. I get that it is easier to blame one person from an emotional standpoint. However, an objective look at what is wrong with our team clearly shows the defense as the reason we consistently lost close games all year. They were truly bad and we had a coach who refused to play the superior players (Breeland over Dantzler) or bring out a team prepared to play at a high level. 

The San Francisco 49ers led by Cousins this year is likely a Super Bowl favorite. Unfortunately for them, they had a QB who routinely made bonehead plays that risked their games and it finally caught up with them. Cousins can win a championship, but he has to play on a balanced team (like every other QB). Like Stafford until now, he hasn’t been afforded that luxury. For whatever reason, it seems like many Viking fans really struggle to appreciate what they have. As for me, if a coach and GM cannot win with a QB who performs like Cousins, they are the problem and thank god the ownership finally caught on to that. Cousins is far from perfect, but he’s plenty good enough to be playing in a Super Bowl. Cousins and our offensive skill position players are all more than capable. They just need some help from the other side.  The one legit complaint regarding Cousins is that contract. He has to be willing to be in it for the team and sign a deal that is compatible with putting together a winning combination. If he does, there’s no reason why this team isn’t competitive next year. If the coaches and GM are worth a shit, this is not a difficult turnaround. 

to date KC has been unwilling to offer any discounts,  why would he now, especially since the guy that brought him to Minny is no longer in the picture and everybody knows that the new guys are going to be working hard at finding his replacement.  Kirk has stated that he owes it to the union and other QBs to push the salary ceiling when he has the chance.  I just dont think he is suddenly going to get rid of his mercenary mentality and start doing what is best for the team.... sure you try and get him into a deal that gives you some relief this year as well as a manageable average each year after this... but lets be honest,  this is his last chance for a big pay day... he isnt likely to change now.

I dont begrudge the players for trying to make the most $$$ they can - especially in a short career game. 

I think he'll be open to a more team friendly contract myself. 

We'll see if the new GM/HC combo even want him around? I can't imagine they wouldn't want that kinda production with the right cap #. And want him around until they find kid qb of tomorrow. 

It’s hard to have these conversations when I haven’t given it any thought and don’t know any of those numbers. But I know that I want to be a Viking, and that’s kind of the foundation of it all. From there, it’s pretty easy to make those conversations happen when you want to be a Minnesota Viking.”
Unless the 33-year-old is outwardly lying, he has no desire to start over — again. Minnesota will likely employ a new head coach, perhaps one more in-tune with the offensive operations (Zimmer is a defense-always personality).
Too, the quote by Cousins suggests his contract is flexible. His money is guaranteed through 2022, but he could accept an extension with the franchise or enter restructuring talks. Fans would like nothing more than “Cousins at a discount.” Cousins has never taken a discount for the team’s sake before, but strangers things have happened.

At least one indication.