EAGAN, Minn. – Kirk Cousins has become adept at steering the mammoth conversion van he bought from his grandmother.
When Cousins wheeled the 2000 GMC Savana into the Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center lot this week, he also was transporting a license to lead that was previously issued by Vikings coaches and teammates during the offseason program.
Minutes before Cousins addressed media members on Thursday, Vikings Offensive Coordinator John DeFilippo had explained the importance of having a designated starting quarterback heading into training camp.
“I’ve been at spots before where there is quarterback competition, and you’re worried because neither guy is really stepping in front of the other one and separating himself from the other guy,” DeFilippo said. “To be quite honest with you, if there’s a quarterback competition, usually, you don’t have one.
Cousins was then asked about the benefits of avoiding a “quarterback competition” and being able to hit the ground running in Minnesota.
Cousins used his career at Michigan State as an example, during which he initially didn’t know when – or if – he would be a starter.
So what does that place of leadership look like for Cousins?
The quarterback pointed out that it can play out in a variety of ways, from sharing thoughts or comments with teammates after practice to speaking up in a team meeting about the way a route is drawn up.
Cousins emphasized that designation as the starter from coaches allows him to speak freely in that way.
Now four-plus months into signing with the Vikings as a free agent, Cousins has been able to spend time digesting Minnesota’s playbook and growing even more confident in his ability to lead the offense.
A greater comfort level has allowed Cousins to think less and react more.
“I feel like I’m able to just go play,” Cousins said.
Another piece of Cousins’ increased comfort level is his evolving relationships with teammates.
Fans may have observed from afar a slew of social media interactions between Cousins, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, during which the three Twitter-quipped back and forth in anticipation of training camp.
Fans were entertained by the public exchange, but more important is the genuine chemistry growing between Cousins and his new teammates as they prepare for the 2018 season.
When asked about the friendship, Cousins smiled before explaining that what he most appreciates about his comrades in Minnesota is their very real passion for the game of football.
He added that teammates like Thielen and Diggs are “easy to work with” and easy to lead because of their drive to compete and to constantly improve.