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Cousins downplays signature win on SNF: 'I've played well in prime time'

Richard Rodriguez / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Kirk Cousins downplayed his triumphant Week 10 appearance on Sunday Night Football, saying his previous lack of success under the spotlight hasn't always reflected his level of play.

"Winning is all that matters," he told reporters after leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 28-24 road victory over the Dallas Cowboys. "I actually feel, looking back, I've played very well in prime time. I've played good football."

Cousins went 23-for-32 for 220 yards and a pair of touchdown passes against the Cowboys, earning the type of signature win he's struggled to get in the past. He clinched only his third win in 13 games against teams with winning records since signing with the Vikings in 2018.

He also climbed to 7-13 all-time in prime time; he's 2-0 in 2019. His first such win this year came against his former team, the last-place Washington Redskins, on Thursday Night Football.

"If, let's say, the Cowboys catch that (last-second) Hail Mary - I have to evaluate this game on how I'm playing, knowing that it's a team game and anything can happen," Cousins said. "The ball can bounce a certain way, the ref can make a call.

"If, let's say, Jayron (Kearse) doesn't intercept that and (the Cowboys) come down with it, am I gonna suddenly say, 'Oh my gosh, I'm terrible in prime time?' No. I'm gonna look at the production, watch the film, and grade it the same way I would if we win or lose."

The Vikings have three more prime-time games on the docket this season. They are slated for two appearances on Monday Night Football (Weeks 13 and 16), in which Cousins is 0-7 as a starter in his career. Minnesota also returns to Sunday night in Week 15 to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

"I think I've played well in prime time," he said. "Have we won them all? No. But to get this one was a great step in the right direction. We're gonna need to get a few more before the season ends."

Minnesota moved to 7-3 with the win in Dallas.

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