Kevin O'Connell Needs Kirk Cousins To Work This Season

The Minnesota Vikings wasted little time addressing the quarterback position before the trade deadline, following an embarrassing offensive performance with Carson Wentz starting at quarterback. Kyler Murray is injured, but that no longer matters after the trade for Kirk Cousins. 

First, let me commend the Vikings' aggressiveness given the defensive performance and how the NFC is viewed. The offense has an all-world receiver who is clearly frustrated, but not rocking the boat. With only two losses, Minnesota is still in prime position to clinch a playoff berth and the defense for a deep playoff run. 

Now, that's out of the way. The time is now for Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. Whether he gave himself the name or not, being a "QB whisperer" and not being able to get the most from your starter for two seasons has to fall on the play-caller and head coach. 

Sam Darnold left and won a Super Bowl. Daniel Jones was gone for Indianapolis, but checking back in on trading for him after having him in the building is something that's for sure. The J.J. McCarthy narrative is low-hanging fruit, but if he plays well consistently, it's another indictment of O'Connell's time. 

After McCarthy lost a "competition" to Kyler Murray, he was traded for a late-round pick and will have the rest of the season to prove he's worth it. Oh, right, Murray was the starting quarterback. Well, the funny thing is, Murray was never a fit for the offense of timing throws and rhythm completions.

This isn't a dig at Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer either, but neither is starter quality, but one would expect a play caller and coach of O'Connell's reputation to lift them? I'm willing to look past these two options, but there is no reason for the offense to be this bad under O'Connell, period.

So yes, Kirk Cousins is O'Connell's final chance to fight this narrative. This defense is so good that an average offense would lead the Vikings to a promising place, right? Well, you couldn't do that with McCarthy or Murray. 

If it's a quarterback problem, I'll entertain that, because despite the Raiders' record, Cousins has been a top-12 QB this season, and some could argue top ten. If Cousins drops off, then the problem is clear. I don't suspect that will happen, but these are the stakes of trading for Cousins. 

Make it happen, O'Connell. This is it.