Pressure On Vikings QB Cousins Entering His Fourth Year In The Twin Cities

The Minnesota Vikings were counting on the offensive showcase featuring quarterback Kirk Cousins, who the team inked to a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million deal in 2018.

The team instead has been up and down since Cousins was handed the starting job, going 25-22-1 in his three seasons as quarterback.

Cousins was very outspoken about wanting to do whatever he can do to win, and lead the city of Minnesota deep into the postseason.

"Winning is what I said it would be all about, and it's true," Cousins said.

"I think (Minnesota) is the best chance, and that's what truly matters."

Two teams that have had the number of Cousins is that of NFC North rivals Green Bay and Chicago.

Cousins is 8-16 in night games, and has been awful on Monday night going 1-9. Overall the Pack and Bears have gone 6-7-1 against the former Washington QB.

Cousins is a top notch QB when he's on his game. The question now is can he be on his game in 2021, and if so will it be enough to get Minnesota to the NFL's 'second season' known as the playoffs.

Former NFL tight end Irv Smith watched the Vikings training camp recently and said he felt that Cousins is ready for a big season.

"I mean Kirk, he's done a great job, obviously, with the Vikings. Last year, we were a top-five offense. Defensively, obviously, we didn't play too well so our record didn't show for it," Smith said.

"But this year, I'm very excited. We've got a lot of weapons on offense. Kirk, he told us he's just a point guard out there. He's just going to deliver the ball and put it in the playmakers' hands and we're going to make some plays. He's playing with a chip on his shoulder. He's got a lot more swagger this year, for sure, and I'm very excited. It's going to be fun."