This is why Jim Harbaugh reportedly wanted the Vikings job so bad. Historically Vikings management always finds a way to assemble at least a decent defense, often an excellent one, regardless of draft position. And it appeared the Vikings were set at quarterback with Cousins.
In the opposite direction, the 49ers are often blowing out teams when their entire superstar talent, particularly on offense, is on the field.
It’s just that given their recent history, I have zero confidence by the time of the Super Bowl or even the NFC Conference championship game that the 49ers will still have all of their superstar talent on the field.
To be honest, the Steelers being held back from a higher playoff ceiling because of their quarterback has bedeviled innumerable teams from the 1970s until now.