The Minnesota Vikings signal-caller is striving to be better in 2023. Kirk Cousins is taking a cue from reigning Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.
He's been a pretty steady and effective performer for two different teams. Not bad for a fourth-round draft choice that took a back seat to the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Current Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Kirk Cousins has been leading the offense of the Purple Gang for the past five seasons. Before that, he was a member of the then-Washington Redskins. He was that team's starter for three seasons before signing with the Vikings in 2018. In the past eight years, he missed just two games and neither were due to injury.
The 11-year pro has certainly dealt with his share of criticism. While unnecessary, he has taken his share of the blame for postseason failures by both clubs he started for. His 1-3 playoff record is a popular topic for his critics, despite the fact that he's thrown for 1,016 yards and five scores (1 interception) in four playoff starts.
Vikings: Kirk Cousins wants to be more like Patrick Mahomes
Some have seen Cousins in a different light as of late thanks to the Netflix's documentary "Quarterback." It features himself, current Eagles' backup quarterback Marcus Mariota and two-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. Being involved with a project that includes the reigning NFL MVP has obviously been a very positive experience for the four-time Pro Bowler, who led Minnesota to a 13-4 record this past season and the club's first NFC North title since 2017.
Mahomes was asked recently about who the most underrated quarterback in the NFL was and his choice was Cousins. "Wins every year. Puts up great stats. Did it in Washington. Does it in Minnesota. Talk to any other quarterbacks in the league, and they're gonna say the same thing."
That's high praise. Perhaps more importantly is that that the four-time Pro Bowl signal-caller has obviously been watching and listening to what Mahomes has done in terms of preparation. It will be interesting to see what's in store for Cousins in 2023, especially if the Vikings' defense continues its struggles of recent seasons.