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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Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 05: Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings makes the game-winning touchdown reception against P.J. Williams #26 of the New Orleans Saints during overtime in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. The Vikings have two quality tight ends

Cousins doesn’t have elite arm strength which means he needs to work the intermediate area of the field. The Vikings are fortunate to have two quality tight ends who can help their quarterback do just that.

Kyle Rudolph gives Cousins a steady veteran he can count on. He’s lost some of the speed that made him such a dangerous receiving threat earlier in his career, but he still managed to notch 39 catches for 367 yards a season ago. The departure of Stefon Diggs at wide receiver might give him a slightly higher target share in 2020.

The real upside player here is Irv Smith. The former Alabama star is still learning what it means to be a complete tight end in the Vikings system, but his receiving talent is obvious. He caught 36 balls for 311 yards in his rookie season. Minnesota’s coaching staff expects him to take a meaningful step forward in his second season as a professional.

The presence of both quality tight ends on the roster gives Minnesota a lot of flexibility in terms of formation and offensive tactics in 2020. Don’t be surprised if the Vikings lead the NFL in using sets with two tight ends. Both guys will be a huge help for Cousins this season.

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