Kirk Cousins’ return from Atlanta Falcons to Minnesota seen as potential ‘best revenge game’ of 2024

The Athletic’s Mike Jones celebrated the release of the 2024 NFL schedule by posting superlatives for this year’s games, including the best and worst primetime matchups and the wildest streak of games. One of the article’s categories was “Best Revenge Game,” and there were many deserving candidates, including Atlanta Falcons starting quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​returning to Minnesota during the week 14. Others rewarded were the 49ers Chiefs in week seven, for obvious reasons, and Russell Wilson’s return to Denver in week two.

On the surface, this should be as bitter a revenge game as possible. The older, veteran quarterback, coming off a major injury and still believing he has some juice left in the tank against the team that decided they couldn’t bet on him anymore, and the team that was willing to make that bet… sort of.

To add to the potential drama, with the game so far away, the Vikings could already be starting Cousins’ heir apparent, JJ McCarthy.

Talk about a scenario: the jilted veteran versus the talented young gunslinger. Unfortunately, this game will not be broadcast in prime time. It will be a regular 1 p.m. EST kickoff, but it could be one of the most compelling stories of the weekend, especially with the possible playoff implications for Atlanta.

Movie storylines aside, Cousins’ return to Minnesota will be a perfect moment for the soon-to-be 36-year-old. He spent six years in Minnesota and won several games as a Viking. He brought stability and leadership to the position that players in the Minnesota locker room gravitated toward, the same traits that made him an instant hit with Atlanta’s players. On Sunday, December 8, Cousins ​​can prove to those who doubted his mettle in Minnesota that he still has it. Cousins ​​can prove that he still has what it takes to become a successful quarterback in the NFL.