On The Run: Cousins, Vikes Realize QB Needs To Scramble More

EAGAN, Minn. -- AP -- Kirk Cousins made significant strides last season as Minnesota's quarterback. He might need to repeat that progress for the Vikings to stay in the championship chase. The next step in his development could be running the ball more.

Cousins has never been much of a scrambler, with only 509 yards rushing over five full seasons as an NFL starter. Last year, he took off only 31 times and gained 63 yards. That ranked 23rd and 31st in the league in those categories, respectively. Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton has encouraged Cousins to run more.