Fansided

5 reasons Vikings can win with Kirk Cousins in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Grarett Bradbury, Minnesota Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 08: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings on the field in the third quarter of the game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

4. Minnesota’s offensive line has upside

The Vikings’ offensive line did a solid job of protecting Cousins in 2019, but there’s definitely room for improvement. Fortunately, there are two players who could give the group a significant boost in 2020.

The most obvious candidate for internal improvement on the line is center Garrett Bradbury. He faced high expectations as a rookie but struggled to really perform as anything more than an ordinary starter. If he can take a big step forward in his sophomore campaign it could help Cousins avoid suffering from pass rush up the middle.

The team also spent a second round pick on Ezra Cleveland in this year’s draft. He won’t necessarily be counted on as an immediate starter, but the team wants to see him find a way on the field this season. In particular, his quick feet give him a chance to become an excellent pass blocker. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if he takes over for Riley Reiff at left tackle before the year is through.

Cousins doesn’t need his offensive line to take a massive step forward in 2020, but a solid step in a positive direction could make the quarterback’s job much easier. It’s a subtle area where Minnesota can improve next season.

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