Despite big game, Adam Thielen knows only answer is “flushing it”

That showed up more than once on Sunday. Albeit, on the first drive, a lot of things were working well. Thielen was just the cherry on top.

On second-and-5 from his 35-yard line, Bryce Young uncorked a rainbow down the right sideline. It was a perfect ball, hard to do any better, and credit deservedly goes to Young for making it look easy. Part of the reason it seemed so easy, though, is because Thielen was the one on the other end of the rope.

With corner Zyon McCollum pulling on his jersey, left arm, and will, Theilen pulled his arm free at the right moment, securing the drop in the bucket and a 31-yard gain. It was a testament to the deep on-air balls Young and Thielen have spent so much time and attention on over the past two years.

“I think it’s more so just confidence,” explained Thielen. “I have confidence in my abilities, Bryce has confidence, and when we have opportunities, that we’re gonna connect most of the time, and I think that’s just accumulated reps off of doing things, being on the same page.

“And then obviously, the coordinator and play caller need to be able to trust that, put guys in a position to make plays, and get it done.”