The Giants advanced to the divisional round after pulling off an upset road win over the Vikings on Sunday, but a questionable late-game defensive penalty nearly threatened to compromise New York’s eventual parade.
With the Giants up 31-24 and just under three minutes left in regulation, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings re-took the field on their own 12-yard line. On the second play of the drive, the veteran quarterback dropped back for another pass attempt and was almost immediately met by Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, who made his way around rookie guard Ed Ingram.
Lawrence wrapped Cousins up, making contact with his helmet in the process, and held on to him as he threw the ball, resulting in a swift, swinging takedown of the QB just as the pass fell incomplete. Moments later, the officials threw a flag against Lawrence for roughing the passer to give Minnesota a huge 15-yard gain.
