Ugh.
I really thought the Vikings were going to win this game. It had all the makings of every other one-score game they had played and won in the regular season – A perfect first drive followed by stagnant offense for a handful of drives, only for Kirk to go into Kirko Chainz mode and start shredding the opposing defense. The Viking’s defense allowed oodles of yards but did just enough to keep within striking distance for the fourth quarter. We even had a miraculous lucky break – a dropped ball on a play that would have sunken the Vikes for good. Yes, this game followed the script that was written for the 2022 Minnesota Vikings perfectly.
Then, somehow, in the final scene, came a blunder that might go down as one of the most disappointing plays in Vikings history: The Checkdown on Fourth Down. Why did Kirk, who had played lights out not only in this game but the entire season, throw it four yards short of the first down on a play that would either extend or end the season? Kirk doesn’t deserve hate. He was the reason, in spite of the defense, that they were even in a position to have a potential game-tying drive. But there had to be something better, right?
Ugh.
The final SMR of this season follows.
Blue Chip Stocks
Kirk Cousins – Yeah, I’m still giving him the chip. I love Kirk, and he really did have an amazing game until the final play. Accurate throws, didn’t have any turnovers, and two touchdowns. He gave them a chance to go and score on the last drive. I just wish it didn’t have to end this way.
TJ Hockenson – What a great game by TJ. It really sucks that the two players that played the best in this game were the two players involved in the season-ending play. TJ caught a whopping 10 balls for 129 yards. He picked up a crucial fourth down at the end of the third quarter and stayed on his feet with three defenders on him trying desperately to pick up a third down. If only he could have picked up one more first down…
Solid Investments
Justin Jefferson – JJ was on fire to start the game, and the Giants quickly realized they needed to put a stop to it or Jefferson was going to go ballistic on them. They did, which opened the door for the likes of TJ, KJ, and Thielen to catch some passes. Unfortunately, we never got to see Justin take over the game like he did against Buffalo. After …….
