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Denver Broncos: Comparing the impact of Case Keenum vs. Kirk Cousins

By Sayre Bedinger

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 09: Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 10: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after an incomplete pass on 4th down in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 10: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings walks off the field after an incomplete pass on 4th down in the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 10, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Kirk Cousins

Contract: Three years, $84M (fully guaranteed)

Key Stats

W/L record: 6-6-1
370-524 passing (70.6%), 24 TDs, 9 INTs, 32 sacks
One fourth-quarter comeback, no game-winning drives
Opponents beaten: 49ers, Eagles, Cardinals, Jets, Lions, Packers

It’s safe to say that the Vikings expected more from Cousins than he has given them this year.

Despite Cousins’ overall passing statistics looking fine on the surface, the fact of the matter is he’s not elevating his team like a quarterback being paid $84 million should.

The Vikings’ record is reflective of Cousins’ inability to step up and make plays in big moments, and the quality of the wins we have here is not strong at all.

Essentially, the Vikings have been unable to beat the best teams on their schedule, including the Rams, Saints, Bears, Patriots, and Seahawks.

That’s a tall order for any team, but the Vikings have one of the most well-rounded rosters in football and were supposed to be even better than they were last year given the visual ‘upgrade’ at the quarterback position of Cousins versus Keenum.

Cousins has no game-winning drives this season. The Vikings had five quarters earlier this season to get an overtime win against the Packers and couldn’t get it done. Their offense has been held to 20 points or less in all but one of the aforementioned losses against some of the better teams in the league.

It takes an entire team to win in the NFL, but more is expected when you sign for $84 million.

Cousins looks very good statistically, but anyone who has watched the Vikings this season knows he’s not coming up with plays when the team needs it the most against some of the best teams they have faced.

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