I can't argue on that point, but Cousins did make that incredible throw to Rudolph on the first score and he made some other nice throws. He wasn't as good as Prescott in that game, nor did he perform the miracles one might expect from a $30 million QB, but he executed the offense as it was called.S197 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 24, 2020 2:24 pm Carrying the team was poorly worded as I agree there were several players who stepped up at key moments. But it would be hard to argue that Cook was not the offensive showcase that night. He did it on the ground and through the air, even if they were predominantly screens. And that's basically my point, we don't really need a $30 million dollar QB to throw screen passes to your RB or a couple of 1-yard TD's to your TE. How many passes did Cousins have down field? There was the pass to Diggs, which looked badly underthrown but lets give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it was intentional based on the coverage. Other than that, maybe a 10-yard pass here and there?
Look, I don't want it to seem like I don't think Cook is a good player or anything. I think he's a very good player and all things considered I want him on the Vikings of course.
I just don't think he's earned a big payday yet, mostly due to his inability to stay healthy, but also on the general principle that he signed a contract and should hold up his part of it. I have a more general concern related to investing big chunks of cap in the RB position, both because of the history of the star RB on past Vikings' teams, but also from looking at the teams that are competitive for Superbowls in recent history. The available evidence suggests it isn't a good investment no matter how good the RB is, and that is true even for RBs who have stayed healthy and been consistent.
But I'll admit Stump, Cliff and you all make good points too.
I'm OK if the Vikings trade Cook if that is the way forward provided Spielman gets compensation. I'm OK if they can work out a reasonable extension that pays Cook if it also benefits the Vikings as a team and doesn't cause future issues. I'm also OK if they let Cook sit if that's what he wants to do. I think between their investments at OL over the last few offseasons and the other RBs on the team they can survive and even thrive without him.
With that said I really hope the Vikings and Cook can find a way for everyone to get what they want without anyone else getting hurt in the process.