Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings’ offense has been a focal point for several seasons, and not for good reasons. The team has struggled to find an explosive mix on offense, with quarterback Kirk Cousins often singled out for perceived underachievement.

That’s what makes Vikings coach Mike Zimmer’s comments Thursday so interesting. Zimmer said he and Cousins recently watched film together for the first time, adding that Cousins would likely prefer more autonomy on offense.

Zimmer doesn’t exactly say Cousins is going to get the autonomy he may want. It certainly doesn’t sound like the two are close, though it’s worth remembering that Zimmer is a defensive coach who doesn’t take on much of a role in the offensive gameplanning.

It’s worth noting that Zimmer has hinted at more freedom for Cousins in the past, but nothing has really changed. The veteran quarterback threw 35 touchdown passes and accumulated 4,265 passing yards for Minnesota last year, but the team went just 7-9 with him at the helm.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pacers ride bench to first playoff series win in 10 years
Knicks guard joins NBA royalty in closeout win against 76ers
Maple Leafs force Game 7 with 2-1 win over Bruins
Georgia makes Kirby Smart the highest-paid coach in college football
Dodgers ace to make first start in nearly two years on Monday
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott provides significant update on contract negotiations
Clippers will need to fight for their playoff lives in Game 6 without injured star
Why Steelers declining RB Najee Harris' fifth-year option does, doesn't make sense
Watch: Grandson of Red Sox legend homers at Fenway Park
Suns owner after disastrous season: 'The house is not on fire'
Knicks' Villanova trio knocks out the 76ers in Philadelphia
Chargers add another target for QB Justin Herbert
Report: If Lakers fire Darvin Ham, ESPN analyst would be candidate
Watch: William Nylander gives Leafs a 1-0 lead over Bruins
Hurricanes restrict ticket sales for series against Rangers
Yankees 2B after loss to Orioles: 'We got punched in the face'
Bucks getting one of two stars back for Game 6 vs. Pacers
Ex-Knicks GM emerges as candidate for Pistons' president role
Encouraging sign emerges about Timberwolves HC Chris Finch after sideline injury
Patriots HC Jerod Mayo open to a reunion with Tom Brady

Want more Vikings news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.