The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a crossroads heading into Week 15. At 6-6-1 on the season, Minnesota is hanging on to the final playoff spot in the NFC.
In no way does this mean the team is happy with its performance. Following Monday night’s humiliating 21-7 loss to the Seahawks in Seattle, Minnesota fired offensive coordinator John DeFilippo.
This comes after DeFilippo found himself as a hot head coaching commodity. Certainly, the firing was more about Minnesota’s offensive players struggling within his scheme than his ability to call a game. That includes a high-priced free agent acquisition in quarterback Kirk Cousins who has struggled big time this season.
In talking about the firing of DeFilippo, Cousins seemed to take full blame.
#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins on the offensive struggles lately, leading to firing of coordinator John DeFilippo: "Myself, I’d be the first one to say, if I had played at a higher level, we’re probably not talking about the things we’re taking about. I take ownership as well.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) December 12, 2018
“Myself, I’d be the first one to say, if I had played at a higher level, we’re probably not talking about the things we’re taking about,” Cousins said. “I take ownership as well.’’
In no way is Cousins wrong here. Following Monday night’s loss to Seattle, he boasts a 0-5 record against teams that are .500 or better on the season.
If Cousins played better, DeFilippo would not have been fired. It’s that simple.