Vikings roster analysis: three storylines surrounding the quarterback position

Kirk Cousins is almost certainly the starter, but after that, it’s a wide open race at quarterback.

Is Sean Mannion the backup quarterback?

Photo: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

Mannion was the backup quarterback last season, but in his one start, he didn’t light up the stat sheet.

With the Vikings having low stakes for their game against the Bears in Week 17, Mannion was given the start. Granted, the Bears have a good defense, and Mannion hadn’t attempted a pass in a game until that one. But still, he threw for 126 yards, two interceptions and no touchdown passes.

I think if Cousins goes down, the Vikings are in trouble if Mannion is the full-on replacement. Sure, you can say that about a lot of teams with their starting quarterbacks. But the Chiefs beat the Vikings with Matt Moore this year.

A player who’s good enough to manage a game and win when the starter goes down, can really change the outlook of a season. I’m not so sure Mannion is that player, despite the Vikings re-signing him this offseason.