5 games that will define Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in 2022
By Dean Jones
Vikings vs. Cardinals – Week 8
This game might not seem like much, but the Vikings will have an enormous amount of pressure on their shoulders coming off the bye week. It’s gone either way for the franchise in recent years, so a home tie against the Arizona Cardinals is another huge statement game for Kirk Cousins after some adjustments have no doubt been made following the first few weeks of the season.
The Cardinals boast a wealth of exceptional talent on both sides of the football despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s contract situation. This should not prevent the signal-caller from continuing an outstanding start to his career and this is a contest Minnesota has to be ready for in no uncertain terms.
It’s going to tell us plenty about Cousins’ development within Kevin O’Connell’s scheme. This will probably be a case of fine-tuning rather than a complete overhaul during the bye depending on how things unfold, but it represents a solid chance to try new things and potentially take this high-octane offense to new heights.
If the Vikings fail to meet expectations in this one, it will raise doubts that don’t need to be there. However, a win in front of their home fans will be a tremendous platform from which to build over the second half of the campaign.
Arizona has a dynamic and explosive defense full of the right blend of youth and experience. So this will be a good measuring stick for Cousins at this stage of the season.