Harrison Phillips: Vikings will use ‘division of labor’ to carry leadership torch vacated by Kirk Cousins

That still holds true at quarterback, as Sam Darnold, a journeyman who was selected in the first round of the Phillips’ 2018 draft class, brings 56 starts to the position.

After the Vikings traded up to draft quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10 overall, it is still unclear whether Darnold will start at quarterback one for the entirety of 2024, start there and gradually give up snaps, or start September only as seasoned depth to the Michigan product. Not everyone thinks McCarthy is green. Although he led his Wolverines to the College Football Playoff National Championship and made 28 starts in his college career with just one loss, he is not a lock to start on opening day coming from a team that prioritized a potent run game and excellent defense.

However Phillips is certain that the handoff will go smoothly for whoever succeeds Cousins.

“I believe it’s quite simple with the culture that Kevin (O’Connell) established here in Minnesota,” he remarked when asked if supporting Darnold or McCarthy at the outset was easier. “I do go back to Josh Allen’s early leadership contributions and his improvement since we joined the NFL together. Additionally, to observe how well that transfer procedure can proceed. Sam has my whole faith that he will go out and win as many football games as he is permitted to win for our team. I have a ton of confidence in him.

“And I’m hoping that the players in that room, especially the leadership—Nick Mullens, who is a fantastic player with a wealth of organizational experience and is a great professional—will do everything in their power to help J.J. As I previously stated, the way the chips fall is above my pay grade.

An further justification for optimism in Minnesota’s first season without the Cousins since 2017? Phillips feels much better in control of the defense.

“We’re excited that coach (Brian) Flores is back,” he stated. “We’re happy with the new players, and, really, it makes the quarterback position much simpler if neither team ever scores a point. So let’s attempt to concentrate on it.

The Vikings defense indeed appears to be on the rise, jumping from three straight seasons as a bottom-10 scoring unit to 13th in Flores’ first year as defensive coordinator.

On that side, Minnesota will again spread the onus of replacing a Pro Bowl talent among the many, this time using the aforementioned pass-rushing signings and the draft to cover for Hunter’s departure following a 16.5-It’s bag season.

Just as McCarthy is anticipated to gain from Darnold and Mullens, Greenard and Van Ginkel should have a significant positive impact on the development of Dallas Turner, the Vikings’ other 2024 first-round selection at No. 17 overall. The Harrisons, Phillips and Smith, cover the other two defensive levels for Minnesota, so the team is well-positioned to expand on gains made under Flores.

It’s evident that Phillips exaggerates when he says that his defense would prevent any newcomers from scoring any points, but there are good reasons to think that this D will assist the Vikings enter a new era with fewer growing pains.