Remember all that talk about how Kirk Cousins couldn’t win a big game?
Yeah, he put that all to rest on Sunday as his two perfect throws in overtime led the Minnesota Vikings to a wild 26-20 win over the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.
Cousins’ ability to make big plays when it matters the most has been in question for quite some time. But then the Vikings won the OT coin toss against the Saints on Sunday and then quickly put things away on the only drive in extra time.
All thanks to Kirk Cousins and his right arm.
Cousins connected with Adam Theilen on a beautiful 43-yard pass that brought the Vikings to the 2 yard line and all but ended the game. Look at this:
This is the throw of Kirk Cousins' career. Gorgeous ball, great over-the-shoulder catch by Thielen. pic.twitter.com/JzqKPL2cdd
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) January 5, 2020
Then on 3rd-and-goal from the 4 yard line, Cousins hit tight end Kyle Rudolph in the corner of the end zone for the game winner:
YOU LIKE THAT ⁉️
Kirk Cousins and Kyle Rudolph with the walk-off win in OT! (via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/JHTwR7BER2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 5, 2020
And then he celebrated getting that monkey off his back, which must have felt awesome:
Kirk Cousins = happiest man in America right now 👏
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/AbLOuKgj9u
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 5, 2020
Twitter had reactions:
That’s a career redefining throw for Kirk Cousins. No one will give him a chance in SF. But, most of us didn’t give him a chance today either. #Vikings
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 5, 2020
Best throw of Kirk Cousins' life. Didn't think he had it in him. Never has had, especially in all those rivalry games vs Dallas.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) January 5, 2020
Kirk Cousins had to hear he's not good enough. Kyle Rudolph had to hear he was done. Both those guys deserved that finish.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 5, 2020
#Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has his big moment. Just like everyone expected. And Minnesota goes on.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2020
Absolutely shocking. Congrats to Kirk Cousins and the Vikings.
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) January 5, 2020