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Fans are questioning the final play call for the Minnesota Vikings in their playoff loss. Minnesota fell to the New York Giants in the wildcard round, 31-24.
The Vikings had a chance to tie the game on their final drive. Unfortunately, that series stalled, and viewers immediately criticized the team’s last play.
On a fourth and eight, quarterback Kirk Cousins dropped back to throw. Rather than make an attempt to someone down the field, the passer dropped it off to tight end TJ Hockenson on a quick out route. After hauling in the three-yard pass, Hockenson was quickly swarmed by the New York defense.
The play came up well short of the first down marker, effectively ending the drive and the Vikings’ season. Fans were quick to react.
Some blamed the call, with this fan saying, “That is potentially the worst play call I’ve ever seen. The Vikings are special, man.”
Others blasted the quarterback for his decision making, with one person writing, “Kirk Cousins with the smart check down to TJ Hockenson on 4th down with the game on the line!! Awesome play call by the Vikings!!”
https://twitter.com/jpmacura/status/1614786547706130433?s=20&t=APDxMbFZD3X8FCHVK_c7zw
There were some that even questioned whether the Vikings knew what the down and distance was before calling the play.
Did the Vikings not know it was 4th down?
WTF is that play call and/or throw
— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) January 16, 2023
Many believe that it is the worst play call of the postseason.
The Vikings with quite possibly the worst 4th down play call in the world. Your season is on the line and that’s your play call?! Wild!
— Jonny Linehan (@jlinehan9) January 16, 2023
With the play resulting in a turnover on downs, Minnesota’s season ends in the wildcard round. Despite winning 13 games and finishing with the second-best record in the NFC, they went one and done in the playoffs. Their hopes of landing the franchise’s first Super Bowl title have now ended.
Related: Referees appear to miss crucial false start in Vikings vs. Giants game