Adam Thielen’s Defense of Kirk Cousins is a Double-Edged Sword
Few things in today’s world are viewed as controversially as the COVID-19 pandemic. First, it was arguing over whether or not the virus was dangerous, then it was masks, and now, it’s whether or not vaccine should be mandated. However, one topic that may be at least in the same realm of heated debate among Vikings fans is QB Kirk Cousins. Whether it’s his clutch ability, leadership skills, or his breakfast cereal, everything has been put out there regarding the Vikings QB1. So, it was only natural that Cousins’ own stance on the pandemic stoked the flames once more.
Since its inception, Cousins has been asked about COVID-19 regularly, as have other professional athletes. Cousins has given plenty of clickbait-able quotes such as “if I die, I die”. More recently, he vowed to set up Plexiglas around his seat to avoid missing time. Some of these quotes can seem innocent, but then when Cousins missed time after Kellen Mond’s positive test, people began getting restless. A world where the Vikings have to start Jake Browning because their QB wouldn’t get a shot? Well, that would just be Minnesota Vikings luck.
That said, star receiver Adam Thielen was quick to defend the quarterback that he connected with for 14 TDs last year. Prior to Wednesday’s practice, Thielen told KFAN’s Paul Allen that Cousins “doesn’t care what people say”. He praised the consistency and grit that his QB has shown under scrutiny. “He’s going to be the same guy, and he’s going to have passion and energy and is a great teammate.”
Adam Thielen is yet another of Minnesota’s leaders that, at least as of June, has not received aa COVID vaccine. Back in June, he and Harrison Smith both commended the organization for providing information about the vaccine and allowing it’s players to make their own decisions.
That said, the Vikings are walking a very slippery slope as the season approaches. With at least three star players unvaccinated and the NFL’s newly enforced forfeit rules, the 2021 campaign could fall off the edge very quickly. Should any of them test positive and miss time, or God forbid force the Vikings to forfeit games, any playoff hopes will likely be dashed.
Of course, the COVID situation is and will continue to be a massive concern until shots are taken (queue the LMFAO song). However, from a pure football standpoint, it is very nice to see the Vikings’ star receiver getting along with his QB.
There have been instances in the past where Vikings fans have had to worry about how much chemistry there was between Cousins and his receivers. As recently as last year, there was a heated moment between him and Justin Jefferson during a loss to the Chicago Bears.
Prior to that, Thielen himself has made some questionable comments about his QB. Back in 2019, he had a quote with The Athletic suggesting that Cousins had to be better. “You have to be able to throw the ball…you have to be able to hit the deep balls.”
No matter what, 2021 is supposed to be a “prove it” year for the Vikings. There weren’t supposed to be any excuses for Cousins, or Mike Zimmer for that matter. The offensive line is on track to be better, the defensive line got beefed up, and they have former All-Pro Patrick Peterson in the secondary.
Hopefully this never comes to fruition, but the season could be derailed with COVID absences. As frustrating as it would be, what is the organization supposed to do with that? Do they run it back again and push the decisions back another year? Or do they jump the gun and clean house? Again, we may never have to know, but it will loom over this season
