Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,552
- 0
While Cousins is penciled in as the starter, one of the most intriguing position battles in training camp will be for the spot(s) behind him.
Mannion and Sloter have limited regular-season experience but have been in the league for a few years, while Browning is a rookie.
Kubiak went in order of age when describing the signal-callers, starting with Mannion, who started one game over the past four seasons as the Rams backup.
“Sean is a professional. He comes in and he’s one of the hardest-working quarterbacks I’ve ever been around,” Kubiak said. “He is very bright; nothing surprises him. He asks incredible questions, and he runs the show when he’s in there like a veteran. We’re really fortunate to have him.”
Sloter is entering his third season with Minnesota but has yet to take a regular-season snap. He has been a preseason standout in 2017 with the Kubiaks in Denver and in 2018 with Minnesota. Sloter was lured to the Vikings after being released by the Broncos during final roster reductions before the 2017 season.
“Kyle’s been a pleasure [to work with]. He’s really worked hard and made the most of his opportunities,” Kubiak said. “Mannion and Cousins had a head up on him because they knew this system better, and Kyle had never been in this type of system, so he’s had to put in a lot of extra time, which he has. I’m proud of his efforts.”
Browning was signed this spring as an undrafted free agent from the University of Washington, where he threw for 12,296 yards and 94 touchdowns in 53 games as the Huskies starter.
“I was watching his college film, and we were really excited to get him in the building,” Kubiak said. “[Vikings General Manager] Rick Spielman and [Vikings Assistant General Manager] George Paton did a great job of getting him to us because we know he’s a great player, and he’s done a great job.
“I wouldn’t say we’re surprised he’s done a great job because we knew him going into the draft, so we got a steal by getting him as a free agent,” Kubiak added.
Kubiak will be tasked with helping Cousins elevate his game in 2018, while also helping determine which quarterback will win the battle for the backup spot.
Kubiak said he takes plenty of pride in his group, and added they take plenty of pride in commanding the offense, no matter which quarterback is in the huddle.
“They don’t go face-to-face every day in a tackling drill where it’s Browning vs. Mannion, although I’m sure they’d like that every now and again,” Kubiak said with a laugh. “Once they’re on the field, they have to run the show with 10 other guys with them.
“I think in the room, you don’t get a feeling that guys are butting heads. They work really well together and complement each other, and they compete mentally. Who can be the most prepared for that day? Every practice is like a game for us in the offseason,” Kubiak added. “Who can ask the best questions? Who can answer the tests we give them most correctly? We have a board, and guys get points for who had the test right that day. They compete that way. But at the end of the day, they all work well together and know they have a job to do. They’re all professionals.”