Vikings fans are asking the wrong question

 The Vikings had three names that were under fire when their disappointing season came to an end. General Manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer were let go, but quarterback Kirk Cousins remains. It's hard to argue that it was time for a refresh to the leadership for the organization (my picks would be Monti Ossenfort for GM, Eric Bienemy as head coach, if you were interested), leaving the status of Kirk Cousins up in the air, and up for debate. 

I was wrong about Cousins before he signed here. He's been a very productive quarterback, and has proven more impressive in tight situations than I ever believed he would be. Many people are asking "who would be better than Kirk Cousins?" Next year, there aren't any better options than Cousins that could be had. But that's just for next season. The real question should be "is Kirk Cousins going to be the quarterback for the next good Vikings team?"

I think the answer to that is probably not. While the team has some very good piece on offense. they also have a defense that completely fell apart last season, and an offensive line that renders their skill position players useless. They aren't far off, not at all, but Cousins' contract expires after next season, and by that point, he will be in his mid-30s. If the O-Line isn't sorted out this offseason (unlikely) he will be bruised and battered as well. Another long term investment might be possible, but carries more risk. 

Cousins contract, though, might compel the Vikings into an extension, if for no other reason than the soften his cap hit. The good news, however, is that this would make him a more appealing asset for a team angling for wins in 2022. For the next winning Vikings team, the best value Cousins may deliver to the Vikings is in the form of picks they can use to revitalize the defense and give Garret Bradbury and Christian Darrisaw linemates for the next half decade. 

While the quarterback pool in this draft class is pretty shallow, a look at Matt Corral would be good, in my opinion, but also, if Cousins is moved for additional draft picks, they could bide their time and wait for a more bountiful crop in the 2023 draft. Not tanking, mind you, because they should have excess picks from a Cousins trade, but patience. And heck, maybe Kellen Mond, or a reunion with Teddy Bridgewater is a revelation, and those picks could be used on other holes, or Mond could be traded for more picks. If not, they have a better pick to work with of their own.

But none of this happens if Cousins stays. The Vikings weren't good enough this year, and a simple swap of the coach and GM isn't going to change their fortunes, especially not without a new approach to the franchise. The best version of the 2022 Vikings probably has to include Kirk Cousins. Beyond that? For long term success, the Vikings will have to do it without Cousins. 

Iowa working to challenge perceptions

 

The University of Iowa's women's team has been very good for several years now. They were lead by one of the best front courts in the game, and by serviceable guards. This year and last, however, they have had one of the most dynamic players in the country, guard and local product Caitlin Clark. While Iowa is still good, they aren't the team of four or 5 years ago.

It often seems that having one really good player can steer the fortunes of a college basketball team. I call it the Carmelo Anthony principle. Syracuse consistently failed to break through, but finally shook the label of an underperforming team that failed in the clutch when they had the best college player in the country. They had been good before, but they were the cream of the crop when they had Anthony.  

And that's generally been my impression of college basketball. It's nice to have a well rounded roster, but to be truly successful, it's absolutely vital to have the single best player on the court. Carmelo Anthony, Michael Jordan, Britney Griner, whomever it may be. When you reach a certain level, the best players are transcendent.

Clark is that player. She is one of the top players in the country, and has the accolades to prove it. She was an All-America player in her freshman year, and was co-Freshman of the Year with Connecticut's Paige Bueckers last season. This season, she is really coming into her own, but the Hawkeyes are less impressive. 

They have been blowing out lesser opponents, as good teams should, but they've yet to claim a victory to hang their hats on. They were soundly beaten by Duke in the ACC/Big Ten challenge, and were handled by their in state rival Iowa State, in the only game they've had with a ranked opponent. Most troublingly, they recently lost at home to IUPUI. Yikes.

That game and the box score gives a pretty good insight into the team though. Clark was ice cold in the game. She was 6-16 shooting, and 1-7 from behind the arc. Monika Czninano was effective inside, but beyond those two, there was nobody else capable of stepping up. Worse still, their Horizon League opponent was able to put up 74 points on their Big Ten foes. 

Rebounding was nearly equal, so the poor shooting was not overcome. IUPUI didn't shoot well either, but they were able to get some more shots from behind the arc to go down. Iowa didn't have anywhere to go but Clark, and when she had an off night, her teammates weren't able to compensate, in any facet of the game.

For anyone, like me, who sees a star player, and is convinced their team is destined for greatness should look at these Hawkeyes and be reminded that there are 5 players on the court, and everyone needs to pull their own weight.