Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has been widely mocked for his poor record in primetime games, and his coach knows it. That is why Kevin O’Connell had some fun with the narrative after Thursday’s win over the New England Patriots.

The Vikings’ official Twitter account uploaded a video of O’Connell handing out game balls after Minnesota’s 33-26 win over the Patriots. While handing a game ball to Cousins, O’Connell made a not-so-subtle reference to Cousins’ big win in a primetime game against a good team.

“Last time I checked, that game started at 7:25. That makes it a primetime football game. Your quarterback went 30/37 for 299 and three touchdowns,” O’Connell said.

Even after Thursday’s win, Cousins’ teams are just 11-18 in primetime with him at quarterback. That is where the reputation comes from.

In the past, Cousins has alluded to that knock on him, so he is well aware of the narrative. A few more games like that and he will not have to put up with it as much.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Xander Schauffele proves doubters wrong with historic win at 2024 PGA Championship
Canucks won't have linchpin forward for Game 7 vs. Oilers
Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
Watch: Aaron Judge blasts 13th home run in Yankees' seventh straight win
Knicks' Jalen Brunson suffers serious injury in Game 7 vs. Pacers
Phil Foden lifts Manchester City to fourth consecutive English Premier League title
Dodgers add recently acquired left-hander to active roster
Report: 2023 No. 7 pick expected to terminate KHL contract, join Flyers
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship