Kevin O'Connell will be next Vikings coach

[J. Kapp 11]

Just watched KOC's introductory press conferences. For what they're worth, here are my thoughts.

First, I appreciated the way he answered questions. He was respectful of the media as people, and because of that he answered them in a way that was more than just coach speak. He called each reporter by name and was incredibly professional in his approach to communication. It was such a refreshing change from 8 years of Mike Zimmer acting like talking to the media was beneath him and looking for the door from the minute he took the podium.

He gave detailed answers when it came to Xs and Os. More detail than I expected. It was especially interesting to hear him talk about defensive football from the point of view of an offensive guy. It's clear he's going to collaborate with Donatell on defense by giving him the point of view of what the offense will be looking for. Again, such a change from Zimmer. I always felt the Vikings were operating in silos with Zimmer — offense, you just run the ball and don't turn it over; defense is mine, so stay out of the way. When KOC and KAM talk about collaboration, I think that sharing of information and points of view is what they're talking about.

He talked a lot about vision and culture. That's incredibly refreshing. I am definitely biased in this regard — as a leader in my career, I felt it was my job to provide to those who were working for me everything they needed to succeed. If they fail, then I failed. If they won, we all won. That's KOC's attitude. Again, we just went through a period of Mike Zimmer continuously talking about how he tells the players what to do, and they don't do it. A culture of blame never works.

Sorry to continually bust on Mike Zimmer. It's just that KOC is everything that Zimm wasn't — a communicator, a collaborator, a person who believes in instilling a great culture and work environment. He talks about systems and processes, not his own brilliance.

Of course, all this only turns out positive if the Vikings actually win on the field. Looking forward to seeing what the Vikings look like in 2022.

One last note ... I instantly liked his wife when I saw her wearing purple shoes.

[StpViking]

Whatever KOC and KAM decide to do with Cousins, I hope they open up the QB position for competition. Their ability to find the franchise QB will make or break their careers.

If I had to make a guess right now. If the competition is fair, Kellen Mond beats Cousins out for the starting job. Then you have the issue of how to do you trade Cousins if he couldn't even beat out this back up?

Anyway, if I'm wrong about Cousins I will happily eat crow. Unlike what the internet would have you believe. Admitting you're wrong about something won't destroy the universe.

[J. Kapp 11]

Whatever KOC and KAM decide to do with Cousins, I hope they open up the QB position for competition. Their ability to find the franchise QB will make or break their careers.

If I had to make a guess right now. If the competition is fair, Kellen Mond beats Cousins out for the starting job. Then you have the issue of how to do you trade Cousins if he couldn't even beat out this back up?

Anyway, if I'm wrong about Cousins I will happily eat crow. Unlike what the internet would have you believe. Admitting you're wrong about something won't destroy the universe.

Dude, please.

Open up the competition? For a $45 million quarterback?

If Kirk Cousins is a Viking next year, he'll be the starter.

[StpViking]

Dude, please.

Open up the competition? For a $45 million quarterback?

If Kirk Cousins is a Viking next year, he'll be the starter.

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

[VikingsVictorious]

Dude, please.

Open up the competition? For a $45 million quarterback?

If Kirk Cousins is a Viking next year, he'll be the starter.

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

There's also the thing where Cousins is good and Mond sucks.

[J. Kapp 11]

Dude, please.

Open up the competition? For a $45 million quarterback?

If Kirk Cousins is a Viking next year, he'll be the starter.

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

That's your opinion.

The Vikings don't owe Kellen Mond anything. He's miles behind Kirk Cousins as a quarterback.

And it's not a "classic mistake." It's called fiduciary responsibility. You don't take a $45 million cap hit for a backup. If you're not going to play Kirk Cousins, then you trade him. At THAT point you can have a competition between Mond and whoever else is on the roster.

Since you mention Russell Wilson, let me ask you ... if Wilson somehow came into the picture, say the Seahawks traded him to the Vikings for Kirk Cousins, would you say the same thing? Would you say just because Wilson makes the most money, that doesn't automatically make him the starter? Didn't think so.

Is this really about money? Or is this about the fact that you (and many others) don't like Kirk Cousins? Again, I'm not a Cousins fan (or hater), but you're not making a good argument here.

But hey, you want to have a competition, be my guest. Mond will lose, and he will lose huge. Which means the point is moot.

[VikingLord]

Dude, please.

Open up the competition? For a $45 million quarterback?

If Kirk Cousins is a Viking next year, he'll be the starter.

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

Mond would have to outright be better than Cousins to beat him out. While it's possible he could do that, it's highly unlikely. Mond ran a handful of plays last season. Even if he's in great shape physically and has studied the playbook inside and out, Cousins has not only been a starting NFL QB for a long time in multiple systems, he's worked directly with the new head coach for a year when both were in Washington. That familiarity will likely be the deciding factor in sticking with Cousins even if Mond shows up and is as good or better during the offseason and preseason.

Plus, no way the Vikings pay Cousins and sit him. I'd have to agree with Kapp that if it were that painfully obvious that Mond should be the starting QB this coming season, KAM would have to find a trade partner for Cousins.

Personally, I think KOC could breathe new life into Cousins. I was pretty down on the Vikings sticking with Cousins going into this next season and I wouldn't be happy if they extended him again (yet, anyway), but I think sticking with him for this coming year makes a lot of sense given all the other upheaval that has happened and is likely to continue to happen.

[J. Kapp 11]

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

Mond would have to outright be better than Cousins to beat him out. While it's possible he could do that, it's highly unlikely. Mond ran a handful of plays last season. Even if he's in great shape physically and has studied the playbook inside and out, Cousins has not only been a starting NFL QB for a long time in multiple systems, he's worked directly with the new head coach for a year when both were in Washington. That familiarity will likely be the deciding factor in sticking with Cousins even if Mond shows up and is as good or better during the offseason and preseason.

Plus, no way the Vikings pay Cousins and sit him. I'd have to agree with Kapp that if it were that painfully obvious that Mond should be the starting QB this coming season, KAM would have to find a trade partner for Cousins.

Personally, I think KOC could breathe new life into Cousins. I was pretty down on the Vikings sticking with Cousins going into this next season and I wouldn't be happy if they extended him again (yet, anyway), but I think sticking with him for this coming year makes a lot of sense given all the other upheaval that has happened and is likely to continue to happen.

It was interesting at KOC's intro press conference. Two different reporters asked him point-blank if Kirk Cousins would be on the Vikings in 2022, and while KOC didn't totally confirm it, he did say that he was looking forward to working with Cousins and maximizing what he does well.

Was KOC saying Kirk would be the Vikings QB in 2022? Or was he simply deflecting the question while enhancing Cousins' perceived value so they can trade him? It was impossible to tell, which tells me how skilled a communicator KOC is. It was deft.

This is going to be the most interesting offseason for the Vikings in a very long time.

[CharVike]

Mond would have to outright be better than Cousins to beat him out. While it's possible he could do that, it's highly unlikely. Mond ran a handful of plays last season. Even if he's in great shape physically and has studied the playbook inside and out, Cousins has not only been a starting NFL QB for a long time in multiple systems, he's worked directly with the new head coach for a year when both were in Washington. That familiarity will likely be the deciding factor in sticking with Cousins even if Mond shows up and is as good or better during the offseason and preseason.

Plus, no way the Vikings pay Cousins and sit him. I'd have to agree with Kapp that if it were that painfully obvious that Mond should be the starting QB this coming season, KAM would have to find a trade partner for Cousins.

Personally, I think KOC could breathe new life into Cousins. I was pretty down on the Vikings sticking with Cousins going into this next season and I wouldn't be happy if they extended him again (yet, anyway), but I think sticking with him for this coming year makes a lot of sense given all the other upheaval that has happened and is likely to continue to happen.

It was interesting at KOC's intro press conference. Two different reporters asked him point-blank if Kirk Cousins would be on the Vikings in 2022, and while KOC didn't totally confirm it, he did say that he was looking forward to working with Cousins and maximizing what he does well.

Was KOC saying Kirk would be the Vikings QB in 2022? Or was he simply deflecting the question while enhancing Cousins' perceived value so they can trade him? It was impossible to tell, which tells me how skilled a communicator KOC is. It was deft.

This is going to be the most interesting offseason for the Vikings in a very long time.

I thought KOC said Cousins was under contract. Then KAM and KOC did some type of WTF did you just say. It comes down to if KOC and KAM want to win. They could draft a guy but it will take a few years for that guy to get up to speed and there contracts will be up. Off course they could draft a guy and he will be the best in the game. Make Rodgers look like a bum. That's unlikely to happen. If they want to win they need a QB. We only have one guy. The rest could be cut right now and wouldn't impact our team at all. None of them can play. Maybe they deal Kirk to SF for Jimmy G. Maybe no deal will be made. Maybe??????

[J. Kapp 11]

It was interesting at KOC's intro press conference. Two different reporters asked him point-blank if Kirk Cousins would be on the Vikings in 2022, and while KOC didn't totally confirm it, he did say that he was looking forward to working with Cousins and maximizing what he does well.

Was KOC saying Kirk would be the Vikings QB in 2022? Or was he simply deflecting the question while enhancing Cousins' perceived value so they can trade him? It was impossible to tell, which tells me how skilled a communicator KOC is. It was deft.

This is going to be the most interesting offseason for the Vikings in a very long time.

I thought KOC said Cousins was under contract. Then KAM and KOC did some type of WTF did you just say. It comes down to if KOC and KAM want to win. They could draft a guy but it will take a few years for that guy to get up to speed and there contracts will be up. Off course they could draft a guy and he will be the best in the game. Make Rodgers look like a bum. That's unlikely to happen. If they want to win they need a QB. We only have one guy. The rest could be cut right now and wouldn't impact our team at all. None of them can play. Maybe they deal Kirk to SF for Jimmy G. Maybe no deal will be made. Maybe??????

He started with Cousins being under contract, but he said much more after that, including how he had worked with Kirk in the past, how Kirk and Stafford have many of the same qualities, how accurate Kirk is, how talented he is, etc., etc. And I have no idea what you're talking about with some "WTF did you just say." KAM did nothing but support every single point KOC made.

None of it pointed to Kirk Cousins being anything but a Viking. And none of it actually pointed TO him being a Viking. As I said, KOC is quite the communicator. If nothing else, he did a great job of not showing the Vikings hand.

[JJBreaksRecords]

That's the classic mistake of sticking with the guy that makes the most money. If your QB of destiny is there, it doesn't matter what the other guy is getting. See Brady and Russell Wilson.

There's also the thing where Cousins is good and Mond sucks.

Whats Cousins good at? Oh, padding stats, your right, hes good at one things. How many game have you seen Mond play to know that he sucks? Right, just 3 frigging plays. And because Zimmer said he's seen enough of him. Maybe try thinking a bit before you speak. No know if Mond sucks. Im guessing with a good HC we will get a chance to see.

[halfgiz]

Probably going to be a learning experience the next 6 weeks. Seeing who ends up where.
Do we have any ideas about backup QB?
Not sure where Mond is at. He started 44 games at Texas AM running a pro style offense.
Set the passing record...
Assuming that Mannion will be gone.

[StpViking]

So on this board I guess I am labeled as a Cousin "Hater" even though I have his cadence in my signature. I'll accept it as long as some of the members here accept being a Cousin Apologist.

I don't think Kellen Mond is "miles" behind Kirk Cousins at all. Of the little I see of him in his rookie year and his Texas AM tapes. He has all the skill sets you want in the modern franchise QB. The pocket movement, the athleticism, the ability to throw side arm.

His preseason game tape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDHFxkX ... otaVikings

His Texas AM highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edfoLyy ... roductions

I realize those a just highlights, but look at the location of those throws. That's what you are looking for in a franchise type QB.

Whether he is a franchise QB only time will tell, but I still want him to get the opportunity to prove it.

And to the Cousins Apologist, given all the advantage Kirk Cousins has over Mond, his familiarity with KOC, his starter experience. etc. etc. If in a fair competition, Cousin still lose to Mond for the starting Job. Be honest, would you really be surprise or would it be the most Kirk Cousin thing ever?

[J. Kapp 11]

So on this board I guess I am labeled as a Cousin "Hater" even though I have his cadence in my signature. I'll accept it as long as some of the members here accept being a Cousin Apologist.

I don't think Kellen Mond is "miles" behind Kirk Cousins at all. Of the little I see of him in his rookie year and his Texas AM tapes. He has all the skill sets you want in the modern franchise QB. The pocket movement, the athleticism, the ability to throw side arm.

His preseason game tape:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDHFxkX ... otaVikings

His Texas AM highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edfoLyy ... roductions

I realize those a just highlights, but look at the location of those throws. That's what you are looking for in a franchise type QB.

Whether he is a franchise QB only time will tell, but I still want him to get the opportunity to prove it.

And to the Cousins Apologist, given all the advantage Kirk Cousins has over Mond, his familiarity with KOC, his starter experience. etc. etc. If in a fair competition, Cousin still lose to Mond for the starting Job. Be honest, would you really be surprise or would it be the most Kirk Cousin thing ever?

Since you’re talking about me without actually quoting me, I’ll respond.

You are welcome to believe Kellen Mond is anything you want. I see him as miles behind Cousins for the simple reason that Kirk Cousins has 10 years of NFL experience with at least 7 of those as a starter. But you’re free to disagree, and I never said you weren’t.

My main point is that the Minnesota Vikings aren’t going to open up some sort of competition as long Kirk Cousins and his $45 million cap hit are on the roster … and I don’t care who the competition is. You don’t pay a backup that kind of money.

The only way Kellen Mond is the starter for this team is if Cousins is injured or gone. That’s not a slam on Mond. It’s just reality.

[StanM]

Probably going to be a learning experience the next 6 weeks. Seeing who ends up where.
Do we have any ideas about backup QB?
Not sure where Mond is at. He started 44 games at Texas AM running a pro style offense.
Set the passing record...
Assuming that Mannion will be gone.

Some are saying that due to the weaker than normal QB class that Mond would be a first rounder this year. I watched his college hilites when we drafted him and he looked like a worth while project. Zim basically held last years draft class hostage because his job was on the line and he doesn’t trust rookies. Mind appears to be at least a serviceable backup if not more. It didn’t make sense that Zimmer was down on him after one series while they were looking at Mannion on the sideline. I like Monds pocket awareness and ability to move around to extend plays. We might have a very good backup and eventual starter. This year will be like a rookie season with most of last years draft class. I could see Zim being pissed at Rick for not drafting a corner or something and sabotaging most of last years rookie class. It might be a pleasant surprise having two draft classes getting their first serious look the same year.