Vikings: Mike Zimmer’s relationship with Kirk Cousins turning into a problem

When a head coach and quarterback aren’t on the same page, trouble looms. Mike Zimmer and Kirk Cousins are creating a problem with the Vikings.

Zimmer has come out as a major proponent of the COVID-19 vaccine, while Cousins refuses to comply. We can debate the merit of Cousins’ complaints all we want, but it’s inarguable that Zimmer and his quarterback are on opposite sides of this argument, creating animosity in a locker room that cannot afford debate.

The Vikings coach went on the record last week, stating he started watching film with Cousins for the first time. While that fact is astonishing enough, Zimmer’s quote about potentially giving Cousins some say in play-calling is alarming.

“I think he does, yeah. I think he’s got opinions on a lot of things, yeah,” Zimmer said.

Ouch.

Vikings: Mike Zimmer clearly doesn’t like Kirk Cousins

Does that mean the two cannot work together? No, of course not. But Zimmer’s response to potentially allowing Cousins some say in offensive play-calling shows how much he values his opinion. That is the issue.

You don’t have to like your coworker — or even subordinate, in this case — to respect them. Zimmer doesn’t have much respect for Cousins, due to his play on the field and how he’s hurting them off of it by not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

I wouldn’t go as far as to say that’s Zimmer’s fault, as Cousins is voluntarily putting his team at further risk. Not to mention, he’s putting the Vikings in a curious spot, as one of their most important players could be forced out for several games due to pure circumstance.

Minnesota is in the same division as Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, as well as the up-and-coming Chicago Bears with Justin Fields. They don’t have much room for error, and Zimmer and Cousins’ squabbling isn’t doing them any good.