Comeback win over Patriots is latest example of Vikings' culture shift

The toxicity in the Minnesota Vikings locker room under former head coach Mike Zimmer has been documented ad nauseam.

But in a moment of candor following Thursday’s 33-26 Thanksgiving win over the New England Patriots, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins disclosed exactly what’s kept him from spiraling in moments of adversity.

“(Head coach) Kevin (O’Connell) has empowered me so much; this team has empowered me so much,” Cousins told reporters after Thursday’s win. “The guys have just been tremendous. I can’t say enough about the way that they have had my back after these interceptions, support me all week long, support me pregame in the locker room.

“Adam (Thielen) came over to me before we kicked off in the locker room and pulled me aside and shared an encouraging word. At times it almost brings me to tears the way these guys support me and have my back. It really adds to the fun of playing and working together.”

Despite a first half interception that directly led to a Patriots field goal, Cousins rebounded to lead the Vikings back from a 23-16 deficit in the second half. Minnesota scored on its first three possessions in the third quarter and held off a New England rally in the final minute to move to 9-2.

Cousins completed 30-of-37 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns to pick up just his 11th prime-time win in 29 tries. He set new season highs in completion percentage (81.1) and touchdown passes while his 299 passing yards were his second-most this year.

"(We told him) he's not carrying the weight of the team on him,” Thielen added. “I think that's something that we try to continually talk to him about is, 'Hey, just go out there and play football. You're a dang good football player and you prove it week in and week out. … Just go out there and let it fly. And when he does that, and he did that [against New England], he's one of the best in the league and we're thankful to have him on our side."