Former Spartans QB Kirk Cousins airs it out under pressure for big gain on crucial third down

Kirk Cousins led the Minnesota Vikings into the NFL Playoffs, and the former Michigan State signal-caller is now trying to lead them to a big road win over the New Orleans Saints.

With the Vikings facing a crucial third-down play in the third quarter, Cousins came up with a huge conversion. The Saints decided to send pressure on the play with one free rusher closing in on Cousins from behind.

Thankfully, Cousins sensed the pressure and was able to air out a bit of a lofty pass down the field. He put just enough air under the pass to allow Adam Thielen to run under it for the big catch.

RELATED: Cassius Winston, Xavier Tillman operate textbook pick-and-roll play

The play went 34 yards for a big first down and set up a Minnesota touchdown:

.@KirkCousins8 lets it fly to @athielen19 for a gain of 34 yards! #Skol #NFLPlayoffs

📺: #MINvsNO on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/BngxhzS5KF pic.twitter.com/Lh2Iz9h63P

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2020

Can the Vikings come up with the win? They are clinging to a 20-10 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.