Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield Share a Common Trait: Zone Coverage

Baker Mayfield's career took a turn after the Browns delayed his contract extension, similar to Kirk Cousins' situation.

In the lead-up to the season, this particular quarterback had garnered immense popularity and support. He had become a prominent figure in commercials and had captured the attention of the public. He had even become the face of his team and was due for a new contract.

You might assume that I am referring to Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings entering this season. However, the story actually begins two years ago and revolves around Baker Mayfield, who happens to be Cousins' Week 1 opponent.

After the 2020 season, Mayfield, a former No. 1 pick, had the city of Cleveland under his spell. He had led the Browns to their first playoff victory in years, and his success was attributed to the guidance of first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Everything seemed to be falling into place for Mayfield's long-term success in Cleveland. His commercials were a regular feature on Sunday afternoons, and his "dangerous" persona made him a beloved figure among fans. However, when it came time for a contract extension, the Browns chose to wait and see if he could replicate his achievements.

Hindsight allows us to pinpoint where things went awry in the 2021 season. Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury early on but pushed through, determined to support his team and secure his contract extension. Unfortunately, his connection with Odell Beckham Jr. faltered, leading to rumors of conflict with the coaching staff.

The Browns ended the season with a disappointing 8-9 record, and reports indicated that the team desired a more mature presence. Eventually, Deshaun Watson joined the Browns, and Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers a few months later.

This trade marked a turning point in Mayfield's career, as he became a journeyman quarterback. He made stops in Carolina, Los Angeles, and now Tampa Bay, experiencing new cities, systems, and teammates. In other words, Mayfield encountered numerous variables that were beyond his control.

When asked about fellow No. 1-overall pick Bryce Young, Mayfield reflected on his own experience and identified the one thing he failed to do to secure his place in Cleveland. He emphasized the importance of overcoming obstacles and focusing solely on winning and losing.

So, how does Mayfield's story relate to Cousins' current situation? Surprisingly, there are several parallels.

Cousins has achieved considerable success throughout his career, particularly with the Vikings. In his five seasons in Minnesota, Cousins has consistently thrown for over 4,000 yards and recorded at least 30 touchdowns three times. By examining the statistics, one can draw comparisons between Cousins and legendary quarterbacks like Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and John Elway.

Cousins reached new heights last season, orchestrating eight fourth-quarter comebacks and embracing his nerdy side. His alter ego, Kirko Chainz, became a hit among teammates and fans, and the Vikings clinched their first 13-win season and division title since 2017.

Mayfield himself recognizes Cousins' talent and leadership qualities, stating that Cousins is a great quarterback who delivers the ball effectively and commands the offense. Mayfield believes this reputation extends throughout the league.

Despite falling short in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Cousins' popularity soared during the offseason. His performance at the NFL Honors, where he serenaded Kelly Clarkson, garnered significant attention, as did his appearance on the Netflix docuseries "Quarterback."

Similar to Mayfield a few years ago, there was a strong case for awarding Cousins a lucrative new contract. However, the Vikings opted to delay any long-term commitment, choosing to keep their options open.

Analyzing Cousins' track record, one might find it perplexing that the Vikings didn't at least offer him a one-year extension, as they had done in the past. The reason behind this decision is that Cousins needs to overcome the obstacles surrounding him and secure victories.

Since his draft in 2012, Cousins has faced numerous challenges throughout his career. He was a fourth-round pick by the Washington Commanders, a team that had also selected Robert Griffin III as the second-overall pick in the same draft. Even when Cousins became the starting quarterback, he still had doubters, which led to his famous catchphrase, "You Like That?" However, this wasn't sufficient to earn a long-term commitment from the Commanders.

When Cousins joined the Vikings, who had reached the NFC Championship Game in 2017, he encountered further obstacles. He faced clashes with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo, who was eventually fired midseason. The offensive line struggled, and the defense aged. Cousins had to adapt to three different offensive coordinators and navigate a tumultuous relationship with head coach Mike Zimmer. Despite these challenges, Cousins managed to win games and even triumphed in prime time. However, he ultimately stumbled at the final hurdle against the New York Giants.

With no contract extension, Cousins finds himself in a situation similar to Mayfield's two years ago. If Cousins can lead the Vikings to a successful run, something they haven't experienced since 1987, there is a strong likelihood that the team will invest in him once again. However, if he fails to deliver, Cousins may be seeking a new team in the near future.

But don't just take my word for it. Cousins himself acknowledges this reality and emphasizes that winning football games should be the primary focus. According to Cousins, if the team is successful, everything else will fall into place, leaving little else to worry about.

In conclusion, Mayfield and Cousins share similar narratives, with both quarterbacks facing uncertainties regarding their future contracts. Mayfield's experience serves as a cautionary tale for Cousins, highlighting the importance of overcoming obstacles and prioritizing winning. The upcoming season will determine whether Cousins can secure his place as the Vikings' long-term quarterback or if he will face a similar fate to Mayfield.

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