Steve Palazzolo over at Pro Football Focus ranked all NFL quarterbacks in a three-tier system.
Vikings’ fans won’t be thrilled to see quarterback Kirk Cousins in the third tier of the rankings. But for what it’s worth, only eight quarterbacks in the league are in the first two tiers.
Here’s what Palazzolo wrote about Cousins:
Cousins was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league last season, producing a career-high 84.1 overall grade, including the playoffs. He made big plays outside the pocket, and while the new system certainly provided more downfield opportunities, Cousins also did a fine job of keeping the offense on point despite injuries on the outside and uneven play from the offensive line. Fans are always left wanting for a “next step” from Cousins, whether it’s a big playoff win or a get-on-my-back stretch of play in which he carries the team, and while those may never happen, he’s a capable starter who will keep the Vikings in position to win games once again this season.
In two years with the Vikings, Cousins has combined for 7,901 yards, 56 touchdowns and just 16 interceptions. During that time, he’s led the Vikings to a record of 18-12-1. He won his first playoff game last winter against the Saints in the wild card round of the playoffs.
To round out the NFC North, Aaron Rodgers is in the second tier while Matthew Stafford, Mitch Trubisky and Nick Foles all join Cousins in the third tier.
You can view Palazzolo’s full tier system rankings here.