Third-seeded Minnesota was knocked off by No. 6 seed New York in its own building, continuing a stretch of playoff misses under quarterback Kirk Cousins.
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The Vikings had an opportunity to tie or potentially win in regulation. The game came down to a fourth-down play near midfield. Cousins connected with tight end T.J. Hockenson for an easy completion — but the throw and catch were well short of line to gain for a first down.
The Vikings turned it over on downs. The Giants went on to win 31-24 and march on to the divisional round.
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Cousins was widely roasted for his decision to dump the ball short to Hockenson — but that grilling didn’t come from media in Minnesota. Cousins wasn’t asked about his decision in his postgame press conference. He did say that his third-down pass intended for K.J. Osborn was the one play he’d want back.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was asked about the play. He said he was focused more on routes developing downfield. When asked if he wanted Cousins to throw a “riskier” pass with the game on the line, O’Connell replied that Hockenson wasn’t the primary read on that play:
In Cousins’ defense, the pocket was collapsing around him and the Giants’ defense had done a good job of bottling up Justin Jefferson (seven catches, 47 yards) and Adam Thielen (three catches, 50 yards) throughout the game.
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Still, the Vikings have a long winter ahead of them — and a short fourth-down throw to thank for it.
