4 reasons why Kirk Cousins is entering the biggest game of his career

He can regain the trust and support of the Vikings fan base

Kirk Cousins has definitely felt the heat from Vikings fans and members of the media during his short tenure in Minnesota.

After his first bad outing or two last season, Cousins was hearing the rumblings that the Vikings should’ve kept Teddy Bridgewater or Case Keenum instead of paying a bunch of money for him.

Things went to a new extreme after the loss in Lambeau in Week 2 when Cousins made that awful decision to throw off his back foot on first and goal that led to the game-sealing interception for the Packers. Some fans even went as far as saying backup Sean Mannion should be the starter.

That talk is crazy and extreme, but it’s fair for Minnesota’s fans to be upset with Cousins so far. He has failed in big spots and his worst performances come when the lights are the brightest.

He is a stand-up guy and he will always put the blame on himself, even if he’s not totally at fault. That is a very admirable trait, but Cousins simply has to play better in big spots.

If he can win a handful of big games or even just play well in them, the fans will come back to his side and support him fully.

His first chance to regain their trust is this Sunday against the Bears. Cousins needs to play a mistake-free game and battle to the end.

If he fumbles, looks lost in the pocket, and throws a pick or two, it will be the same old story for No. 8. If he can eliminate the mistakes, show some fight, and will the Vikings to a huge victory in a hostile location, the fans will begin to flock back to supporting him.