Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a three-year, $84 million fully guaranteed contract before last season. He received criticism for not making the playoffs, but he has his best statistical season. Through four games in 2019, Cousins deserves all the criticism he has received.
The Minnesota Vikings are 2-2 after an ugly 16-6 loss to the Chicago Bears. Adam Thielen has voiced his displeasure with the offense so far. The saving grace for the Vikings is that they are preparing for a matchup with the New York Giants and their putrid secondary. This is an important game for Cousins to get back on track. Here are three predictions for the Vikings quarterback.
3. Cousins Connects With Thielen Eight Times
At minimum eight times. When a receiver goes public and criticizes the offense or the quarterback, they are usually targeted in the next game.
Thielen has six games last season with eight or more catches and three of those games went into double-digits. He had 113 catches in 2018 and proved to be Cousins' favorite target. No pass catcher on the Vikings has had success this season, but Thielen does have two of the three touchdowns that Cousins has thrown. Against a struggling defense, this is the time for Thielen to break out.
2. First Multi-Touchdown Game
In Washington, Cousins was a gunslinger. So far this season, he has taken a backseat to Dalvin Cook. And rightfully so with how good Cook has been, but it is time that the Vikings become more balanced.
This cannot be stressed enough, this game has come at a perfect time for the Vikings. They will be on the road but the Giants are not a strong team. Cousins needs to throw at minimum two touchdowns in this game and silence the critics for at least one week.
1. Finally No Fumbles
Throughout his entire career, Cousins has had issues with pocket awareness and fumbling. That is clearly continuing in Minnesota. Cousins has fumbled six times this season in four games. Those fumbles have been broken up into pairs. He has fumbled twice in three games this season.
This is an important game for Cousins and the Vikings. It is a game that they are expected to win. To win, their quarterback must take care of the football. Cousins has thrown just one interception this season, so that has not been a problem. The fumbles are. If Cousins goes out and puts up 270 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions or fumbles, the feeling in Minnesota will completely turnaround.
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