Vikings' Cousins amid struggles: 'My confidence is strong'

The Minnesota Vikings have lost twice in the first month of the season, and they now field the league's 31st-ranked passing offense, raising more questions about quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The 31-year-old, who has yet to lead the Vikings to back-to-back 20-plus-point games this season, remains optimistic after a 16-6 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 4.

"My confidence is strong," Cousins said on Wednesday, according to Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I think I'm trying to be self-aware… and be honest and say, 'Hey, when I mess up, I'm going to own it and point to it.'"

Cousins hasn't eclipsed 300 passing yards in any of the Vikings' first four games, a career-worst stretch since becoming a starting quarterback in 2015.

"I've played a lot of football in this league, and I think you take confidence from the fact that I've been through this before," the eighth-year quarterback said. "It's not my first rodeo being in a tough game, a tough loss. You just move forward with confidence."

Head coach Mike Zimmer also addressed his pivot's confidence level.

"He just needs to go play," Zimmer said. "Just play the game. That's usually what I tell him. Just play the game. Don't worry about consequences."

Cousins went 27-of-36 passing for 233 yards against the Bears, posting a season-low 6.5 yards per attempt. Earlier this week, the signal-caller apologized to star receiver Adam Thielen for his role in missed scoring opportunities.

Minnesota will try to bounce back against the New York Giants in Week 5. The Giants boast the 25th-ranked passing defense, allowing 279.5 yards per game.