Questions Answered: Opinion on Adofo-Mensah, Theory on Cousins Future, Now What for HC?
Dustin Baker
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The following questions are about current Minnesota Vikings topics, answered by VikingsTerritory. Today’s is the January 27th edition, addressed in a from-the-hip fashion. If you have questions, please email them to [email protected].
Also, please note: These are opinion-based responses. Some answers will be incorrect from time to time. But we’ll try to keep that to a minimum.
Q: You guys wanted Ryan Poles, right? What is your reaction to Adofo-Mensah getting the GM job?
A: We believe Poles was an apt choice for the Vikings for one primary reason — his offensive line track record. Poles played offensive line at Boston College and helped quickly rebuild a trashy Chiefs line showcased in the Super Bowl last year. We wanted that — a human who understands the vitality of a sturdy pass-protecting offensive line. Bold, we know.
On the other hand, Adofo-Mensah totally seizes the pendulum from the Zimmer era, swinging that son of a gun from right to left — and we fully support his addition to the Vikings. The Vikings certainly didn’t shun analytics during the Spielman-Zimmer era, but Adofo-Mensah and his head coach will wrap both arms around the philosophy like a big ‘ol hug.
In this regard, the Vikings are pioneers, hiring a youthful man to shove Minnesota into the modern age of sports. You have every reason to be stoked. Vikings football won’t feel the same.
Q: What does the hire of Adofo-Mensah mean for the future of Kirk Cousins?
A: Our answer will surprise you.
Some predict the signing of Adofo-Mensah effectively ends Cousins’ tenure with the Vikings.
Why? We don’t get it. The Cousins naysayers base their opinion on an eye test, insisting the quarterback doesn’t have the “it” factor needed to win. Well, the numbers — which Adofo-Mensah embraces — prove otherwise.
While Adofo-Mensah could indeed start a new era with a fresh QB1, a “numbers guy” is more likely to retain Cousins with an extension because analytics prove Cousins is actually quite good. If you don’t believe “the numbers” on Cousins, have a look.
Q: The Vikings have a GM. Who will he hire as Mike Zimmer’s replacement?
A: This feels like a four-horse race between Nathaniel Hackett (Packers), DeMeco Ryans (49ers), Raheem Morris (Rams), and Kevin O’Connell (Rams). The latter three men have ties to Adofo-Mensah.
Plus, the vibe is Vikings ownership already like those four men — they interviewed all four without an Adofo-Mensah in the house — so bet on one of those names as the next skipper. Of course, Adofo-Mensah could have a dark horse in the chamber, but we’ll be safe in spitballing potential coaches the Wilfs already enjoy.
If forced to predict, we say DeMeco Ryans.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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