“It’s definitely been tough without him being there.”
Justin Jefferson expressed his support for the idea of the Minnesota Vikings re-signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, emphasizing the impact Cousins has on and off the field. Jefferson, speaking on Wednesday, acknowledged the challenges the team has faced in Cousins’ absence and highlighted the veteran QB’s contributions.
With Cousins set to become a free agent at the end of the season, speculation about his future in Minnesota has intensified, especially considering the team and Cousins couldn’t reach an extension agreement in the offseason. The situation is further complicated by Cousins’ age and a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 8.
Jefferson, however, made it clear that he believes in Cousins’ value to the team. The wide receiver mentioned that he doesn’t feel the need to extensively voice his opinion because the stats and on-field performance speak for themselves. He praised Cousins, especially noting his contributions before the injury.
The uncertainty about Cousins’ future gained momentum as the Vikings experimented with different quarterbacks in his absence. Jaren Hall initially took the helm but left early due to a concussion. Subsequently, Josh Dobbs stepped in, quickly learning the offense after being acquired at the trade deadline. Dobbs had notable performances, including a 31-28 win over Atlanta and a 27-19 win over the Saints, but struggled in subsequent games, leading to his benching.
Nick Mullens replaced Dobbs in a game against the Raiders, securing a 3-0 win, but faced challenges in his subsequent starts, throwing four touchdowns to six interceptions. The quarterback carousel has created uncertainty about who will lead the Vikings offense in the final two weeks of the season.
Despite the turbulence and inconsistencies in the quarterback position, Jefferson emphasized the importance of Cousins to the team. He mentioned how he consistently voices his appreciation for Cousins, even when others may downplay the quarterback’s contributions. Jefferson highlighted the positive aspects of Cousins’ leadership, game knowledge, and awareness, stating that these qualities are sorely missed in his absence.
While the future remains uncertain for Cousins and the Vikings, Jefferson’s remarks underscore the impact the veteran quarterback has had on the team, both on and off the field. Whether Cousins remains with the Vikings or explores opportunities elsewhere, his presence has left a lasting impression on Jefferson and the team.
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