Kirk Cousins’s Final Throw vs. Giants Goes Viral (Video)

Scenario: you are Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. Your team is trailing the Giants 31–24 in the NFC wild-card game, desperately trying to mount a final drive to save a charmed season.

On fourth and eighth with 1:51 to play, you drop back to pass. And then, this happens.

THE GIANTS!!!

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/Ulk49JKJxb
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 16, 2023

Cousins’s throw to tight end TJ Hockenson stalled out well short of the sticks and represented an inauspicious end to the 2022 season for Minnesota, as a season lived on the edge—the Vikings closed the regular season with a -3 point differential—ended in defeat.

The loss opened the door for criticism of Cousins by media and fans as New York celebrated its first divisional-round trip since 2011. Some simply expressed awe at the game’s ending.

A four-yard pass on fourth and eight? Really?
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 16, 2023

Some conceded that it would adversely affect Cousins's reputation.

Some winked at Cousins's past futility in prime-time games.

MIA/BUF delay pushed that final drive into prime time.

Kirk Cousins never had a chance.
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) January 16, 2023

Some just laughed as Minnesota's 63-year championship quest continued.

“Season on the line. 4th down. Need 8 yards.”

Kirk Cousins: pic.twitter.com/e80KKX8EsD
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) January 16, 2023