Detroit Lions: Ranking the Starting Quarterbacks of the NFC North
By Bob Heyrman
Although he’s currently ranked second of all-time in career completion percentage only to the future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, I have Kirk Cousins ranked as the divisions’ third-best quarterback.
Kirk Cousins is a product of the Michigan State Spartans, and yes he currently sits second all-time in completion percentage–that’s true. It’s a very impressive stat, but Cousins hasn’t proved yet in his career that he is a franchise quarterback.
He’s a quarterback that can win a lot of games for you. He’s clearly an accurate passer, a chain mover. Does this remind you of anyone? Maybe…Alex Smith? In the correct situation, a quarterback like this can be extremely effective.
Just look at what Alex Smith accomplished before pairing up with Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco and then look what Andy Reid out of him in Kansas City. Reid turned the ‘game manager’ into a pro bowler. Kirk Cousins played a very similar style with the Washington Redskins.
Something very interesting to consider when talking about Cousins. Did you know that his offensive coordinator in Washington was Sean McVay? If you’ve ever had a cup of coffee in the presence of McVay at any time in your life; it seems you can likely land yourself an NFL head coaching job.
With McVay’s guidance, Cousins produced some of the most significant numbers of his career. McVay might also be the coach to thank for his passing efficiency, drawing up plays that perfectly fit his skill-set. Just look at how effective Jared Goff is playing for McVay.
Cousins did put up incredible numbers last season, his first with the Minnesota Vikings but look at his supporting cast. Cousins is standing in and delivering to the best one-two wide receiver punch in the entire NFC North. Stefon Diggs, along with Adam Thielen, makes up the best-receiving tandem in the division.
If the Detroit Lions gave Matthew Stafford the same weapons, he’d throw for 5000 and 40 again. Even with those weapons in the passing game, the Vikings only dialed up a mere ten total passing plays in their week one victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Vikes controlled the clock moving the football on the ground with Delvin Cook. The Vikings defense smothered the high flying Falcons offense.
Cousins went 8-10, totaling 98 yards and 1 touchdown in week one. It appears the Vikings are planning to use Cousins in a conservative role, managing the game, not turning the ball over and controlling the clock. It doesn’t surprise me with Mike Zimmer, a defensive head coach needing to win to save his job.