5 games that will define Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in 2022
By Dean Jones
Vikings at Saints (in London) – Week 4
Although this is classed as a road game for the Vikings, Kirk Cousins will not be returning to the scene of his finest playoff victory at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome as the game is set to take place in England at the home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
Nevertheless, this is another must-win scenario for Cousins as he looks to make a splash on the international stage. Minnesota has a good record in the United Kingdom and if they can pick up another win against a team with some promise, then it will be another major confidence boost heading into the midway stages of the season.
The New Orleans Saints don’t have Sean Payton as head coach anymore, but they look strong across the board after some unbelievable salary-cap manipulation from the front office saw them go from $84 million over the cap to a position that allowed them to sign the likes of Jarvis Landry, Marcus Maye, and Tyrann Mathieu.
Much will depend on how Jameis Winston performs. But the neutral atmosphere these international games provide is a big boost for Cousins and the Vikings compared to how hostile things can get in a normal New Orleans road environment.
If Cousins can win and shine on the big stage, then it will further silence some who questioned Minnesota’s decision to give him another bumper payday this spring.