Kirk Cousins May Need Everything Stacked Up Around Him… but Who Doesn’t?

By Brian Heintz |

Updated: Jun 27, 2020

Quarterback Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings stands on the sideline with teammates during the singing of the National Anthem on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. PHOTO: Dustin Bradford | Getty Images

Through the ups and downs of the 2018-19 Minnesota Vikings’ season, there was a lot of talk about what was needed around Kirk Cousins in order for him to be successful.

“Everything” was the common thread.

That’s not Kirk Cousins. He goes as his supporting cast goes. He’s not a QB that can consistently elevate others play around him. https://t.co/BSlgFatltT

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) March 20, 2018

Mark Malone on Kirk Cousins: “He’s a capable guy but he’s not Dan Marino, he’s not Joe Montana Kirk’s 1 of those guys you’ve got to help by putting people around him You have to be able to run the FB. He’s not a guy you want throwing the ball 35-40 times a week in order to win.”

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 12, 2018

Does Kirk need a good rushing game and offensive line to be successful? Yes.

But, is Kirk the only one? We asked this about another common criticism of him last week and it was telling. We know most Super Bowl winners have really good QB’s. But, what did their run games and O-lines look like? I took a look back at the recent Super Bowl winners and where their rushing/o-lines ranked across the NFL. Now remember, defense is what won SB 50 for the Denver Broncos and SB 48 for the Seattle Seahawks.

2018 Patriots – 5th in rushing/4th ranked OL
2017 Eagles – 3rd in rushing/1st ranked OL
2016 Patriots – 7th in rushing/10th ranked OL
2015 Broncos – 17th in rushing/20th ranked OL
2014 Patriots – 18th in rushing/23rd ranked OL
2013 Seahawks – 4th in rushing/20th ranked OL
2012 Giants – 14th in rushing/11th ranked OL

(Via Pro-Football-Reference.com)

As I said, there will always be exceptions to any rule; but for the most part, the QB’s that win Super Bowls are the ones who are surrounded by talent, especially in the run game and offensive line. Now, there are obviously things Kirk Cousins can improve on but it all starts with improving the 29th ranked OL and the 30th ranked rushing attack. Start there, and I think we see that step forward we’ve all been waiting for with Kirk Cousins.