The Minnesota Vikings are a winless side through three weeks with a defense that is unable to stop any offense from succeeding.
With that being said, they also possess the best quarterback and wide receiver duo in the league.
Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson have been nothing short of incredible to start the 2023 NFL campaign, with Cousins posting a league-leading 1,075 yards and nine passing touchdowns (ESPN.com). The latter half of the duo is atop the table in receiving yards with 458 (Pro-Football-Reference.com). Clearly among the league’s elite, the two deserve more praise, despite being on an 0-3 squad.
What I have loved about Cousins so far this season is simply his consistency. In the past, a big downfall to his game was his turnovers and frequent miscues with receivers. This season he has improved his completion percentage nearly four percent compared to last year and it has paid off. Jefferson is able to torch corner backs with ease and Cousins’ improved play makes the superstar shine even more.
While Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins may be more popular picks for the top pair in the NFL, the two from Minnesota are playing at an elite level and because of it, I do think that “Captain Kirk” has a good chance of winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, even on a team that may finish below the playoff line.
No QB in the league has been more clutch over the past few seasons, with the Vikings going 11-0 in one score games a year ago. Last December, Cousins also led them to the biggest comeback victory in NFL history after being down 33-0 at halftime to Indianapolis. Even with the mediocre defense that Minnesota possesses, this team will find a way to win down the stretch even in an always tough NFC North division.
While the MVP award does take into account team success, the impact of #8 in the purple and gold has been outstanding and well deserving of that title come February.
