Vikings: 3 games Kirk Cousins will have to win with his arm
By John Buhler
2. Week 12: vs. New England Patriots (Thanksgiving, Nov. 24)
Again, another big spot for Cousins in a standalone affair. While this one will be at the friendly confines of U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the Evil Empire is coming to town, on Thanksgiving nonetheless. Yes, the Vikings will host the New England Patriots in the final of three Thanksgiving Day games this season. All things equal, this is a game Cousins will have to find a way win or else.
See, New England is a borderline AFC playoff team at best this year. Mac Jones showed a ton of promise as a rookie quarterback coming out of Alabama. Too bad his offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left for the Las Vegas Raiders gig after one season. Do you really think failed former head coaches like Joe Judge and Matt Patricia are going to devise an elite offensive game plan?
With Cousins reuniting with Kevin O’Connell from their days with Washington, he needs to go out and play one of his best games of the season. Everyone will be watching this game if they are not watching the Egg Bowl or are experiencing a tryptophan-induced power snooze. The Vikings will have 10 days to get ready for the New York Jets after this, so they better make this one count.
This could be an even matchup but one where Cousins must be the catalyst for the Vikings to win.