Dominating much of the 2022 NFL regular season, the Minnesota Vikings secured the NFC North title with a strong record of only four losses, showcasing their ability to excel during the year.
Their momentum faltered in the playoffs, where they suffered a home defeat against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. This loss raised questions about the reliability of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins under postseason pressure.
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The team’s 13-4 record began to feel less convincing after the playoff disappointment, sparking debates about Cousins’ future with the franchise.
Despite this, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed confidence in Cousins, further demonstrated by the team selecting wide receiver Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to complement Justin Jefferson on offense.
Loaded with offensive talent, the Vikings now face a season where expectations are high, and excuses for underperformance will hold little weight. Should Cousins fail to lead the team deep into the playoffs, his role as the starting quarterback could come under scrutiny.
With the Green Bay Packers parting ways with Aaron Rodgers and the Detroit Lions emerging as a competitive force, the NFC North remains within reach for Minnesota in the near term. Their division rivals are not yet at a level to dethrone them.
The NFC’s power dynamics have shifted, with no team other than the Philadelphia Eagles standing out as a clear contender. For Cousins, this season could be his defining opportunity to silence critics and secure postseason glory.
