For the Vikings, 2018 is sliding toward the perfect storm of unflattering comparisons based on won-loss records for the quarterbacks who start for the Vikings, Redskins and Broncos.

At this point last year, the Redskins were 5-7 with Kirk Cousins. This year, they're 6-6 with Alex Smith, Colt McCoy and Mark Sanchez.

At this point last year, the Vikings were 10-2 with Sam Bradford and Case Keenum. This year, with Cousins and his $84 million expectations, they're 6-5-1 and slipping while Case is 6-6 and surging in Denver.

But let's not use a team's record to assess a bottom-line, final-answer judgment on an individual. There are far, far too many other variables.

A quarterback's record can be a piece to the puzzle. Just don't let it be the only piece. Look deeper into what happened in the games. Better yet, watch the games before looking at the numbers.

MARK CRAIG