Cousins' energy infectious at Vikings OTAs

EAGAN, Minn. (KMSP) - Usually when you see a quarterback pumping his fist or enthusiastically high-fiving his teammates, it's after a touchdown pass or a highlight-reel play--but for the Vikings new playcaller Kirk Cousins it's 100 percent all the time, and that includes organized team activities this week.

"I've come a long ways in about six weeks," he said after a practice Wednesday. "I think as a seventh-year player [in the NFL] you have a little more freedom to just be yourself and to not take a backseat and be vocal. To their credit, the guys have received it well."

Coach Mike Zimmer says Cousins is picking up the system and connecting well with teammates--both literally and figuratively--despite having a steep learning curve as a first-year Viking. 

As they work toward another playoff run and--if all goes according to plan--a Super Bowl appearance, the Vikings say the most important thing to do right now is get used to each other and keep their expectations high. Nowhere is this more true than the relationship between new quarterback and receivers

"I think the biggest thing is learning [Cousins'] personality," wide receiver Adam Thielen said. "His sense of humor, how fun he is to be around--it was great to get an early jump on that."