Minneapolis Miracle

Last updated

Minneapolis Miracle
DateJanuary 14, 2018
Stadium U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
FavoriteVikings by 5.5
Referee Gene Steratore
Attendance66,612
TV in the United States
Network Fox
Announcers Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
Radio in the United States
Network KFXN-FM
Announcers Paul Allen and Pete Bercich

The Minneapolis Miracle (also known as the Minnesota Miracle) was the National Football Conference (NFC) divisional playoff game played between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 14, 2018, and specifically its final play. The game was played as part of the National Football League (NFL)'s 2017–18 playoffs. This was the fourth playoff game between these two franchises in their histories.

Contents

The Saints came back from a 17–0 first-half deficit and established a 24–23 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the game. On the last play of the game, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs; Saints safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle, allowing Diggs to run to the end zone to complete the 61-yard touchdown pass. This game was the first in NFL playoffs history to end in a touchdown as time expired.

In the aftermath, Keenum and Diggs were lauded for their efforts on the game-winning score, while Williams received criticism for his missed tackle. The Vikings' radio call by Paul Allen – who described the play as a "Minneapolis Miracle" – was circulated widely on the internet and in mainstream media and it became the popular appellation for both the play and the game itself. The play won multiple end-of-year awards and prompted a change to the NFL's rules.

Background

The previous playoff meeting between the two teams was the 2009 NFC Championship game, which was notable for the excessive roughness of the Saints, later termed "Bountygate," as well as the Vikings driving close to a game-winning field goal before quarterback Brett Favre threw an interception. Some Minneapolis sportswriters have described the "Miracle" as atoning for Bountygate. [1] [2]

Prior to the 2016 season, Minnesota's starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury that produced a dislocated knee, torn ACL and "other structural damage." [3] The severity of the injury nearly cost Bridgewater his leg and compelled the Vikings to trade two draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford as a replacement. [4] [5] The Vikings began 2016 with a 5–0 record before collapsing to finish 8–8. [6]

The Saints, for their part, produced their third consecutive 7–9 showing in 2016, leading to rumors that they might fire or trade coach Sean Payton during the offseason. [7] [8] Despite the speculation to the contrary, Payton retained his position as the Saints' head coach for 2017, although five assistant coaches lost their jobs. [9]

Minnesota entered the 2017 campaign with Bradford as its starting quarterback, as Bridgewater was still recovering from his knee injury. [4] [10] Bradford suffered a knee injury of his own in a Week 1 game against the Saints, resulting in Case Keenum taking over at the quarterback position. [11] Keenum subsequently led the Vikings to a 13–3 regular season record and the NFC North title for just the second time since 2009. [11] [12] Three Vikings scored eight touchdowns: running back Latavius Murray, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and tight end Kyle Rudolph. [13] Since the Vikings were the #2 seed in the NFC, they did not have to play during the NFL's Wild Card Weekend. [14] The Vikings' #2 seeding meant that U.S. Bank Stadium became the first Super Bowl host stadium (selected on May 20, 2014) to also host a Divisional Playoff Game in the same season; all previous times that the Super Bowl host stadium also hosted another postseason game that season were Wild Card Playoffs.

Despite an 0–2 start to 2017, New Orleans finished with an 11–5 record, thereby winning the NFC South and qualifying for the playoffs as the #4 seed. [15] New Orleans' rookie running back Alvin Kamara won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after earning 6.1 yards-per-carry and scoring 14 total touchdowns during the regular season. [16] Veteran running back Mark Ingram also scored double-digit touchdowns (12), while second-year wide receiver Michael Thomas caught 104 passes for 1,245 yards and five touchdowns. [17] In their Wild Card Weekend match-up against the Carolina Panthers, the Saints won, 31–26. [18]

The two teams had already met once before during the 2017 season. In Week 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings beat the Saints, 29–19. [19] The spread for the playoff match-up opened with the Vikings favored by 3.5 points. [20] By game time, the betting line had risen to 5.5 points. [20]

Game summary

2017-18 NFC Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Saints0071724
Vikings10701229

at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Game information
Case Keenum became the starting quarterback of the Vikings after injuries to Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. Case keenum vikings2017.jpg
Case Keenum became the starting quarterback of the Vikings after injuries to Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford.

First half

After holding New Orleans to a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, Minnesota went 55 yards in eight plays [21] [22] and capped off the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by running back Jerick McKinnon with 9:45 left in the first quarter. [21] [23] Roughly five minutes later in the quarter, a field goal by former Saints kicker Kai Forbath gave the hosts a 10–0 lead. [23] [24] Minnesota added to its lead on the first play of the second quarter on a one-yard score by running back Latavius Murray. [21]

Meanwhile, the New Orleans offense struggled; Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw two interceptions and New Orleans did not complete a single third-down conversion during the first half. [25] Of the Saints' six first-half drives (excluding the end-of-half kneel), two ended with turnovers, three ended with punts, and one ended with a missed 58-yard field goal attempt by kicker Wil Lutz. [23] The Vikings entered halftime with a 17–0 lead. New Orleans had not failed to score in the first half of a game in over three years. [26]

Second half

After halftime, the Saints' play improved. Minnesota's 11-play drive to start the third quarter stalled 10 yards into New Orleans territory at the 40-yard line, and a touchback by Vikings punter Ryan Quigley gave the Saints the ball starting at their own 20-yard line. [23] A 12-play New Orleans drive culminated with 1:18 remaining in the third quarter, [23] when Brees threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas to reduce the deficit to 17–7. [22] After Saints safety Marcus Williams intercepted a pass by Case Keenum, Brees threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Thomas with 13:09 remaining in the fourth quarter to bring New Orleans within three. [23] The Vikings responded with a 49-yard field goal by Forbath to increase their lead to 20–14. [27]

Eventually, the Saints blocked a punt attempt from the Vikings that allowed them to take control in Vikings territory. From there, with 3:01 left in the game, the Saints took their first lead of the game, 21–20, on a 14-yard pass from Brees to running back Alvin Kamara on a wheel route. [28] [29] Forbath nailed a 53-yard field goal with 1:29 left in the game to give Minnesota a 23–21 lead. [30] Brees responded by leading the Saints down the field in just 64 seconds, [11] allowing Lutz to make a 43-yard field goal and take a 24–23 lead with 25 seconds remaining. [31] Following the field goal, Saints head coach Sean Payton mocked the Minnesota home crowd by imitating the Vikings fans' "Skol" clap. [32]

After a touchback and a false start by the Vikings, Keenum threw a completed pass to Diggs to their own 39-yard line, then threw two straight incompletions to set up a third-and-10 with 10 seconds remaining in regulation. [33] [34] According to the ESPN win probability model, at this point in time the Vikings had just a four percent chance of winning the game. [35]

The final play

External videos
Nuvola apps kaboodle.svg Sound FX: Diggs' Walkoff TD
The play design for "Buffalo Right, Seven Heaven," as later explained by quarterback Case Keenum. Per Keenum's designation, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is the "Z" receiver in a bunch set. Buffalo Right Seven Heaven 1.png
The play design for "Buffalo Right, Seven Heaven," as later explained by quarterback Case Keenum. Per Keenum's designation, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is the "Z" receiver in a bunch set.

With 10 seconds left at their own 39-yard line, the Vikings ran a play titled "Buffalo Right, Seven Heaven." [37] Each word in the play call designated a particular element of the formation or route design. "Buffalo Right" communicated that three receivers were in a bunch ("Buffalo") to the right of center. [37] "Seven" routes are corner routes in which the pass-catchers run towards the sideline. [37] [38] The intent behind the play was to have a receiver catch the ball and then run out of bounds to stop the clock in time for Forbath to kick a field goal. [39] Meanwhile, the Saints set up in an outside zone defense, which is designed to protect the sidelines and keep the offensive players from catching the ball and getting out of bounds. [33]

Keenum took a shotgun snap with running back Jerick McKinnon to his left. Kyle Rudolph, the tight end, ran an out route underneath near the right sideline, while wide receiver Adam Thielen ran a comeback route near the left sideline. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Stefon Diggs ran corner routes, or "seven" routes, to the right sideline. [37] The offensive line and McKinnon, who was an extra blocker for this play, blocked the four Saints pass rushers. Keenum set his feet and threw a 27-yard pass to Diggs near the right sideline, who caught the ball at the Saints’ 34-yard line. [35] [37]

Because Keenum's pass was slightly high, Diggs had to leap into the air to make the catch. [40] Attempting to make a diving tackle on the airborne Diggs, Saints' free safety Marcus Williams instead missed the Vikings' receiver and collided with cornerback Ken Crawley, knocking Crawley over and preventing him from having a chance to tackle Diggs. [37] Upon returning to the ground, Diggs stumbled slightly but managed to regain his balance and stay in bounds with no Saints players nearby to tackle him. Although the original intent – and Diggs' first instinct [41] – was for him to catch the ball and run out of bounds to set up a field goal attempt, [29] [37] Diggs, upon seeing that there were no Saints defenders between him and the end zone, immediately turned upfield and sprinted down the sideline for a touchdown as time expired. [11] [25] Accordingly, the game was the first in NFL playoff history to end in regulation with a touchdown as time expired. [35] [42]

Radio and TV media calls

In Minnesota, the game was broadcast on KFAN, with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich serving as announcers. [43] As the final play was happening, Allen said, "Are you kidding me?! It's a Minneapolis Miracle! Stefon Diggs! And the Minnesota Vikings have walked off on the New Orleans Saints! It's a 61-yard Minneapolis Miracle!" [44] The call went viral [45] and the term "Minneapolis Miracle" later came to be widely used to refer to the game itself, [34] [46] including by the NFL's official Twitter account minutes after the game ended. [47] Some outlets also used the name "Minnesota Miracle". [48] [49] SB Nation writer Harry Lyles Jr. later characterized Allen's call as the "perfect" radio call for the play. [43] ESPN Brazilian Portuguese-language broadcaster Rômulo Mendonça also used the phrase Milagre em Minneapolis ("The Miracle in Minneapolis") during his live commentary. [50]

Joe Buck was one of the Fox commentators for the game on television. As the play began, Buck narrated "Keenum steps into it. Pass is caught!" before excitedly shouting out "Diggs! Sideline! Touchdown! Unbelievable!" Sports Illustrated writer Jimmy Traina characterized the call as "perfect". [51] When interviewed in 2023, Buck stated that it was "easily the most exciting singular moment that I've ever been a part of". [52] [53]

Aftermath

Stefon Diggs, the receiver who caught the touchdown pass that became the Minneapolis Miracle. Stefon Diggs 2017 (cropped).jpg
Stefon Diggs, the receiver who caught the touchdown pass that became the Minneapolis Miracle.

Assuming the game was over, broadcast and stadium crew packed the field, and most Saints players left for the locker room. [54] Following a scoring review, both teams returned for the mandated conversion attempt. Only eight players – punter Thomas Morstead, wide receiver Austin Carr, defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, linebackers Manti Te'o and Gerald Hodges, and offensive linemen John Fullington, Josh LeRibeus, and Larry Warford – took the field for the Saints on the final play; only three of them were defensive players. [55] [56] While a 15-yard excessive celebration penalty was to be assessed to Diggs for throwing his helmet, the penalty could only be enforced on a kickoff. [57] Keenum led the stadium in a rendition of the Vikings' "Skol" clap and chant and knelt to end the game on the two-point conversion try. [11] [31] The kneel down also meant that the Vikings did not cover the 5.5-point betting point spread. [58]

The next week, the Vikings traveled to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles beat the Vikings 38–7, thus denying the Vikings the opportunity to become the first team to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium. [59] In the days leading up to the NFC Championship, Vikings fans were seen performing the "Skol!" chant around various Philadelphia landmarks, such as the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they also adorned the statue of Rocky with Vikings colors. [60] The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII in the Vikings' stadium, beating the New England Patriots, 41–33. [61]

On January 15, the Vikings filed for trademarks on the phrases "Minneapolis Miracle" and "Minnesota Miracle" for use on over 100 items, from football helmets to bathing suits. [62] At the 7th Annual NFL Honors, the Minneapolis Miracle won the NFL Play of the Year Award. [46]

In March 2018, the NFL instituted a new rule that eliminated the requirement to attempt an extra point or two-point conversion following a game-ending touchdown that gives a team the victory; however, the try must still be attempted if it could affect the game's outcome. For example, if the winning team is ahead by a point or two points before the try, the try must be attempted, as the losing team could potentially garner a turnover during the try and return it for a two-point conversion, thereby tying the score or even winning. The requirement had been in place because an extra-point play can affect a team's points for and against, which at the time were, and still are, used in tiebreakers for playoff seeding. Point differential had been as high as the third tiebreaker in the 1960s and 1970s, and was used to break a tie in the 1971 final standings; however, under the current format, points-related tiebreakers are used as the seventh through tenth tiebreakers and are unlikely to be used. Eliminating the anticlimax and confusion seen at the Minneapolis Miracle game was deemed more important. [63]

In April 2018, it was announced that Diggs' cleats would be displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. [64] The play also won the Best Moment ESPY Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards. [65]

Keenum left the Vikings after the 2017–18 season and signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the Denver Broncos. [66] The other two quarterbacks on the roster, Bradford and Bridgewater, also joined new teams in free agency. Bradford joined the Arizona Cardinals, [67] while Bridgewater signed with the New York Jets before being traded to the Saints to back up Brees. [68] To replace the departed trio, Minnesota signed Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract. [69] Meanwhile, Diggs received a five-year extension from the Vikings for $81 million, [70] but would be traded to the Buffalo Bills in March 2020. [71]

During the 2018 offseason, Payton explained that he was using the play to motivate his players and himself. [72] Payton also expressed regret about calling a draw play for Alvin Kamara on third-and-one on the Saints' final drive. He explained that the failure to convert – and thereby extend the drive – provided the Vikings with the opportunity to get one final possession after Wil Lutz's field goal. Had they gotten the first down, the Saints could have run down the clock to the point where they could have won the game with a walk off field goal. [73] In an interview published days before the 2018 NFL season, Marcus Williams explained that he had made peace with his error and its consequences: "I don't think about what everyone else is saying. I just do me and play." [74]

The Vikings and Saints faced off once again at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 8 of the 2018 season, in what was billed as a "rematch" of the Minneapolis Miracle game. [75] The Saints won the game, 30–20. [76] In the 2019 season, the two teams met again in the postseason, in a Wild Card game at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Vikings won in overtime, 26–20. [77]

Reception

NFL.com writer Marc Sessler and The Ringer writer Robert Mays, among others, quickly deemed the game an "instant classic," worthy of entry into NFL lore. [78] [79] Several commentators – including Mays [29] and former Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond [80] – described the game as ending the Vikings' history of postseason heartbreak. [27] [81] [39] Keenum and Diggs earned widespread praise for their late-game heroics. [29] [81] [39] [82] Joe Buck later told Rich Eisen in an interview: "As far as football, it's probably number one for exciting moments that I've been a part of." [83]

Meanwhile, Williams – who earlier intercepted Keenum to help get New Orleans back into the game – was widely criticized for diving at Diggs instead of waiting to tackle him in bounds. [11] [80] [84] Some compared the mistake to Bill Buckner's infamous fielding error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. [85] [86]

Saints punter Thomas Morstead was praised for his sportsmanship as he was the first player to return to the field for the extra point attempt. [87] In recognition, Minnesota fans donated more than $221,000 to Morstead's charity. [88]

Starting lineups

The starting lineups for the game were: [23]

New OrleansPositionMinnesota
Offense
Ted Ginn WR Adam Thielen
Terron Armstead LT Riley Reiff
Senio Kelemete G/CLG Mike Remmers
Max Unger C Pat Elflein
Larry Warford RG Joe Berger
Ryan Ramczyk RT Rashod Hill
Michael Hoomanawanui TE Kyle Rudolph
Michael Thomas WR Stefon Diggs
Drew Brees QB Case Keenum
Mark Ingram RB Latavius Murray
Austin Carr WRTE David Morgan
Defense
George Johnson LDELE Danielle Hunter
Sheldon Rankins LDTDT Tom Johnson
Tyeler Davison RDTNT Linval Joseph
Cameron Jordan RDERE Everson Griffen
Craig Robertson WILMLB Eric Kendricks
Manti Te'o MLBSLB Anthony Barr
Jonathan Freeny SAMLCB Trae Waynes
Ken Crawley LCBRCB Xavier Rhodes
Vonn Bell SSCB Terence Newman
Marcus Williams FSSS Andrew Sendejo
Marshon Lattimore RCBFS Harrison Smith

Officials

The officials for the game were: [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Minnesota Vikings</span> National Football League franchise in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis. The Vikings compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. Founded in 1960 as an expansion team, the team began play the following year. They are named after the Vikings of medieval Scandinavia, reflecting the prominent Scandinavian American culture of Minnesota. The team plays its home games at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Downtown East section of Minneapolis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Orleans Saints</span> National Football League franchise in New Orleans, Louisiana

The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans. The Saints compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Since 1975, the team plays its home games at Caesars Superdome after using Tulane Stadium during its first eight seasons. Founded by John W. Mecom Jr., David Dixon, and the city of New Orleans on November 1, 1966, the Saints joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sean Payton</span> American football coach and former player (born 1963)

Patrick Sean Payton is an American professional football coach and former quarterback who is the head coach of the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). Previously, he served as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2006 to 2021, leading the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory during the 2009 season. Payton played college football for the Eastern Illinois Panthers and played professionally in 1987 with the Chicago Bears and 1988 overseas in Britain for the Leicester Panthers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Zimmer</span> American football coach (born 1956)

Michael Zimmer is an American football coach who is the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as head coach of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings from 2014 to 2021. Prior to that, Zimmer served as a defensive assistant for the Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Cincinnati Bengals. He also won Super Bowl XXX with the Cowboys in 1996.

The Minnesota Vikings are an American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After initially committing to become one of the founding members of the American Football League (AFL) in 1959, the team joined the National Football League (NFL) as an expansion franchise and played their first game in 1961, as part of the Western Conference. In 1967, they were placed into the new Central division, which became part of the National Football Conference following the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. The divisions were reorganized again in 2002, with the Vikings as part of the NFC North, in which they have played ever since. The Vikings have won their division 20 times and appeared in the playoffs 30 times, leading to four conference championships and one NFL title in 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1987 Minnesota Vikings season</span> NFL team season

The 1987 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 27th year in the National Football League. A players' strike caused the cancellation of the September 27 game at the Kansas City Chiefs, while the games played on October 4, 11 and 18 were played with replacement players. The Vikings finished with an 8–7 record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Case Keenum</span> American football player (born 1988)

Casey Austin Keenum is an American professional football quarterback for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Houston Cougars, where he became the NCAA's all-time leader in total passing yards, touchdowns, and completions. In the 2008 college football season, Keenum ranked first nationally in total offense and second in total passing yards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2009 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 49th season in franchise history

The 2009 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 49th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Brad Childress. The Vikings improved upon their 10–6 record and defended their NFC North title from 2008, their first successful defense of a divisional title since they won six NFC Central titles in a row between 1973 and 1978. They beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, but lost the NFC Championship Game 31–28 in overtime to the eventual Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints, missing out on what would have been their first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XI in 1976. This year's NFC Championship Game is also dubbed by Roger Goodell as the "Bountygate Game" which resulted in several players and coaching staff receiving 12-month suspensions three years later. The Vikings had 10 Pro Bowlers and four All-Pros on their roster, both league-highs for the season.

Paul Allen is a sports commentator who has called play-by-play for the Minnesota Vikings since 2002. He is the voice of the Minnesota Vikings Radio Network and for horse racing at Canterbury Park. Allen has worked for Twin Cities radio station KFXN, where he currently hosts a morning sports radio show, since 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stefon Diggs</span> American football player (born 1993)

Stefon Marsean Diggs is an American professional football wide receiver for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Thielen</span> American football player (born 1990)

Adam John Thielen is an American professional football wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Minnesota State Mavericks and signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2013, playing for them for ten seasons. Thielen holds several NFL records, including eight straight games over 100+ yards receiving, and 74 receptions in the first half of a season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danielle Hunter</span> Jamaican-born American football player (born 1994)

Danielle Hunter is a Jamaican-American professional football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the LSU Tigers and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft. Hunter made four Pro Bowls with the Vikings prior to signing with the Texans in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ken Crawley</span> American football player (born 1993)

Ken Crawley is an American former professional football cornerback. He played college football at Colorado. He was a member of the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers.

The National Football League playoffs for the 2017 season began with the wild-card round on January 6, 2018, and concluded with Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018, when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marcus Williams (safety)</span> American football player (born 1996)

Marcus Alan Williams is an American professional football safety for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 Minnesota Vikings season</span> NFL team season

The 2018 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 58th in the National Football League (NFL), their third playing their home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their fifth under head coach Mike Zimmer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

The 2018 season was the New Orleans Saints' 52nd in the National Football League (NFL), their 43rd at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and their 12th under head coach Sean Payton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 NFC Championship Game</span> NFL conference title game featuring an officiating controversy

The 2018 NFC Championship Game was a National Football League (NFL) game played on January 20, 2019, to determine the National Football Conference (NFC) champion for the 2018 NFL season. The visiting Los Angeles Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints 26–23 in sudden death overtime to advance to their first Super Bowl since the 2001 season. The outcome, however, was mired in controversy because of unpenalized pass interference committed by Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman on Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis near the end of regulation, which would be nicknamed the "NOLA No-Call".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2020 Minnesota Vikings season</span> 60th season in franchise history

The 2020 season was the Minnesota Vikings' 60th in the National Football League (NFL), their fifth playing home games at U.S. Bank Stadium and their seventh under head coach Mike Zimmer. This was the Vikings' first time since 2005 that long-time assistant Kevin Stefanski was not part of the Vikings coaching staff, as he left to become the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns on January 12, 2020. After going 1–5 in their first six games for the first time since 2013, the team failed to improve upon their 10–6 record from 2019 after a Week 11 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and failed to match their 10–6 record after a Week 14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Vikings were eliminated from playoff contention following a week 16 loss to the New Orleans Saints, and ultimately finished 7–9, their first losing season since 2014. The Vikings conceded 475 points during the season, the third-highest total in franchise history, although they also managed to score 430 points, also the third-most in team history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saints–Vikings rivalry</span> National Football League rivalry

The Saints–Vikings rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings. As the Saints play in the NFC South and the Vikings play in the NFC North, the two teams do not play each other every year; instead, they play at least once every three years and at least once every six seasons at each team's home stadium during which their divisions are paired up, sometimes more often if the two teams finish in the same place in their respective divisions or meet in the playoffs.

References

  1. ↑ Rand, Michael (January 21, 2019). "Nine years later, Vikings fans revel in Saints' 'what-if' NFC title game loss". Star Tribune . Archived from the original on July 7, 2020.
  2. ↑ Glover, Ted (January 21, 2019). "Paytonfreude". Daily Norseman. Archived from the original on July 7, 2020.
  3. ↑ Volin, Ben (September 3, 2016). "Just how bad is Teddy Bridgewater's injury?". The Boston Globe . Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  4. 1 2 Murphy, Brian (July 27, 2017). "Brian Murphy: Doctors saved his leg, now Teddy Bridgewater aims to save his career". St. Paul Pioneer Press . Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Eagles Trade Quarterback Sam Bradford to Vikings". The New York Times . Associated Press. September 3, 2016. Archived from the original on August 6, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  6. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (November 27, 2017). "Vikings' 2016 lesson: 'It can go south real quick if you don't stay focused'". St. Paul Pioneer Press . Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. The Vikings began last season 5-0 before also finishing 8-8... Defensive end Brian Robison said the Vikings haven't looked at the Falcons' comeback for any addition motivation, but that their 2016 collapse has become a teaching moment.
  7. ↑ Triplett, Mike (January 1, 2017). "Saints stuck in 7-9 rut but have faith 2017 will be better". ESPN . Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  8. ↑ La Canfora, Jason (December 18, 2016). "Saints aren't expected to ask for much to trade Sean Payton during offseason". CBS Sports . Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  9. ↑ Lynch, Andrew (January 5, 2017). "Saints reportedly fire a number of coaches, but Sean Payton likely will remain". Fox Sports . Archived from the original on October 7, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  10. ↑ Tomasson, Chris (August 7, 2017). "Rookie RB Dalvin Cook listed as starter on Vikings first depth chart". St. Paul Pioneer Press . Archived from the original on July 30, 2018.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rohan, Tim (January 14, 2018). "Purple Pandemonium: Vikings stun Saints on walkoff". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings Team Encyclopedia". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  13. ↑ "2017 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  14. ↑ Yotter, Tim (January 1, 2018). "NFL announces playoff schedule: Minnesota Vikings have last game of divisional round". 247Sports . Archived from the original on July 30, 2018.
  15. ↑ Tanier, Mike (January 4, 2018). "Despite the Playoff Seed, Drew Brees and the Saints Could Run the Table". Bleacher Report . Archived from the original on July 30, 2018.
  16. ↑ Bergman, Jeremy (February 3, 2018). "Saints' Alvin Kamara wins Offensive Rookie of the Year". NFL.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  17. ↑ "2017 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players". Pro-Football-Reference.com . Archived from the original on May 14, 2024. Retrieved September 21, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Brees, defensive stand, help Saints survive Panthers, 31-26". ESPN . Associated Press. January 7, 2018. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018. Retrieved July 30, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Bradford, Vikings cruise past Saints 29-19 in opener". ESPN . Associated Press. September 12, 2017. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  20. 1 2 "New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings odds: NFL Playoff picks from top-ranked expert". CBS Sports . January 14, 2018. Archived from the original on July 30, 2018.
  21. 1 2 3 Hall, Brian (January 14, 2018). "Last-second Stefon Diggs touchdown propels Minnesota Vikings to NFC title game". United Press International . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  22. 1 2 Thomas, Jeanna (January 14, 2018). "Vikings beat the Saints and erased their playoff misery with the most spectacular comeback possible". SB Nation . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "National Football League Game Summary: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings" (PDF). National Football League. January 14, 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2018. Retrieved October 7, 2018.
  24. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (September 8, 2017). "Kai Forbath happy to be with Vikings after being cut 'out of nowhere' by Saints in 2016". The Times-Picayune . Archived from the original on August 6, 2018.
  25. 1 2 Jones, Lindsay H. (January 14, 2018). "Vikings stun Saints with last-second TD to advance to NFC Championship Game". USA Today . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  26. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (January 14, 2018). "Saints eliminated by Vikings on stunning final play: Final stats". The Times-Picayune . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  27. 1 2 Tomasson, Chris (January 14, 2018). "Vikings stun Saints 29–24 with game-ending miracle touchdown". St. Paul Pioneer Press . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  28. ↑ Campbell, Dave (January 14, 2018). "Stunner: Case Keenum-Stefon Diggs TD on last play gives Vikings a 29–24 playoff win over the Saints". Chicago Tribune . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  29. 1 2 3 4 Mays, Robert (January 15, 2018). "The Vikings Finally Have Their Forever Moment". The Ringer . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  30. ↑ Busbee, Jay (January 14, 2018). "Minnesota beats New Orleans on miracle last-second play". Yahoo! Sports . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  31. 1 2 Shpigel, Ben (January 14, 2018). "Vikings Shock Saints on Stefon Diggs's Last-Second Touchdown". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  32. ↑ Brinson, Will (January 16, 2018). "Sean Payton admits mocking Vikings fans with Skol clap, calls it 'good playoff fun'". CBS Sports . Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  33. 1 2 Seifert, Kevin (January 15, 2018). "Inside the play that saved the Vikings' season – and crushed the Saints". ESPN . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  34. 1 2 Butler, Benjamin (January 19, 2018). "Pandemonium, devastated silence, and then ... the Minneapolis Miracle". MinnPost . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  35. 1 2 3 Greenberg, Neil (January 14, 2018). "Stefon Diggs's game-winning TD for the Vikings was as improbable as you'd think". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  36. ↑ "Keenum Explains X's & O's Of The 'Minneapolis Miracle' With Broncos Fans", CBS Denver , June 21, 2018, archived from the original on November 10, 2020, retrieved August 28, 2018.
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 King, Peter (January 15, 2018). "'That Play Right There Was God': Diggs, Dings and Dumbfounded Vikings On How They Stunned Saints". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  38. ↑ Nogle, Kevin (June 20, 2016). "Football 101: Wide receiver route tree". The Phinsider. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018. Route 7 - Corner: Starting to reach the deeper routes now, the corner route is an out-breaking route that is run toward - get this - the corner. The route is often used to create space underneath by pulling the safety out of the middle of the field.
  39. 1 2 3 Cronin, Courtney (January 14, 2018). "Curse no more: Case Keenum's desperation heave sends Vikings to NFC title game". ESPN . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  40. ↑ Minneapolis Miracle - Winning Play - Case Keenum To Stefon Diggs. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2021.
  41. ↑ Dyer, Kristian (February 8, 2018). "Stefon Diggs will never tire of attention after 'Minneapolis Miracle'". Sporting News . Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  42. ↑ Peters, Craig (January 15, 2018). "3 Stats That Stood Out: Vikings-Saints Divisional". Vikings.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  43. 1 2 Lyles Jr., Harry (January 14, 2018). "The Vikings' radio call of Stefon Diggs' 'Minneapolis miracle' was perfect". SB Nation . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  44. ↑ Ratke, Kyle (January 16, 2018). "This call of the 'Minneapolis Miracle' will give you the chills". Vikings Wire. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018.
  45. ↑ Peterson, Scott (January 15, 2018). "Voice of the Vikings Paul Allen on the call heard around the world (AUDIO)". Minnesota News Network. Archived from the original on September 2, 2018. The so-called "Minneapolis Miracle" call has gone viral and Voice of the Vikings KFAN's Paul Allen spoke with MNN's Scott Peterson about how the call came to be, and what it felt like in the booth and in the stadium when the Vikings won in such dramatic fashion.
  46. 1 2 "NFL Names 'Minneapolis Miracle' Play Of The Year". WCCO-TV . February 3, 2018. Archived from the original on May 23, 2018. Retrieved September 15, 2018.
  47. ↑ @NFL (January 14, 2018). "The Minneapolis Miracle. #SKOL" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ↑ Silver, Michael (January 15, 2018). "How Vikings pulled off the 'Minnesota Miracle' and broke a curse". National Football League . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  49. ↑ "Vikings win thanks to 'Minnesota Miracle'". BBC Sport. January 15, 2018. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  50. ↑ Milagre em Minneapolis! por Rômulo Mendonça – Vikings x Saints 14/01/18. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018.
  51. ↑ Traina, Jimmy (January 15, 2018). "Traina Thoughts: Joe Buck Continues To Live Up To Sports' Biggest Moments". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  52. ↑ Harrison, Jonathan (November 27, 2023). "Joe Buck tells SKOR North Diggs call is his favorite of all time". Bring Me The Sports. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 16, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  53. ↑ Strauss, Ben (June 27, 2019). "Joe Buck on London Series, MLB analytics and why announcers should stay off Twitter". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  54. ↑ Gaines, Cork (January 15, 2018). "It took the Vikings 8 minutes to run a meaningless play after their playoff game was decided — but gamblers rejoiced". Business Insider . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  55. ↑ Katzenstein, Josh (January 18, 2018). "How did Thomas Morstead end up on field for extra-point attempt vs. Vikings?". The Times-Picayune . Archived from the original on July 6, 2018.
  56. ↑ Kyed, Doug [@DougKyed] (January 14, 2018). "Josh LeRibeus, Thomas Morstead, Austin Carr, John Fullington, Larry Warford, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges and Cameron Jordan deserve a lot of credit for being good sports, coming out for the final point after" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 1, 2018 – via Twitter.
  57. ↑ Florio, Mike (January 15, 2018). "Stefon Diggs' helmet throw would have mattered, only if time was left on the clock". NBC Sports . Archived from the original on January 21, 2018.
  58. ↑ Brady, James (January 14, 2018). "Vikings were forced to snap an extra-point that was meaningless to everybody except gamblers". SB Nation . Archived from the original on January 21, 2018.
  59. ↑ Shpigel, Ben (January 21, 2018). "Eagles March Past Vikings to Super Bowl, Just as They Predicted". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018.
  60. ↑ "Minnesota Vikings fans take 'Skol' chant to 'Rocky' steps". January 21, 2018. Archived from the original on January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  61. ↑ Shpigel, Ben (February 4, 2018). "At Long Last, the Eagles Capture Their First Super Bowl". The New York Times . ISSN   0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 9, 2018.
  62. ↑ Rovell, Darren (January 19, 2018). "Vikings seek trademarks for 'Minneapolis Miracle' and 'Minnesota Miracle'". ABC News . Archived from the original on January 21, 2018.
  63. ↑ Wagner-McGough, Sean (March 28, 2018). "NFL eliminates unnecessary PATs, two-point conversions after walk-off touchdowns". CBS Sports . Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  64. ↑ Cann, Harrison (April 24, 2018). "The cleats from Stefon Diggs' Minneapolis Miracle are going to the Hall of Fame". The Diamondback . Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  65. ↑ Stensaas, Brian (July 18, 2018). "Magic Moment: Stefon Diggs' game-winning catch vs. Saints wins ESPY award". Star Tribune . Archived from the original on July 20, 2018.
  66. ↑ Heath, Jon (March 14, 2018). "Broncos officially sign Case Keenum to 2-year, $36M contract". USA Today . Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  67. ↑ Chavez, Chris (March 13, 2018). "Report: QB Sam Bradford to Sign One-Year Deal Worth $20 Million With Cardinals". Sports Illustrated . Archived from the original on September 9, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  68. ↑ Cimini, Rich (August 29, 2018). "Jets trade backup QB Teddy Bridgewater to Saints". ESPN . Archived from the original on September 1, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  69. ↑ Rapoport, Ian (March 15, 2018). "Inside Kirk Cousins' historic contract with Minnesota Vikings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  70. ↑ "Vikings keep Stefon Diggs in fold through 2023 season". ESPN . July 31, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  71. ↑ Bergman, Jeremy (March 16, 2020). "Bills acquire WR Stefon Diggs from Vikings in trade". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 30, 2020. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  72. ↑ Patra, Kevin (July 31, 2018). "Payton using 'Minneapolis Miracle' pain as motivation". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  73. ↑ Anderson, Roy (July 16, 2018). "Sean Payton's biggest regret in Minnesota Miracle". Who Dat Dish. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018.
  74. ↑ Tesfatsion, Master (September 7, 2018). "The Minneapolis Miracle Won't Define Marcus Williams". Bleacher Report . Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 9, 2018.
  75. ↑ Schein, Adam (April 19, 2018). "2018 NFL schedule release: Ranking top nine prime-time games". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 15, 2018. The "Minneapolis Miracle" rematch -- but this time with Kirk Cousins quarterbacking Minnesota.
  76. ↑ Triplett, Mike (October 29, 2018). "Saints' defense gets revenge at Minnesota with sixth straight win". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved October 29, 2018.
  77. ↑ "Cook, Vikings upend Saints 26-20 in OT in NFC playoffs". ESPN.com. January 5, 2020. Archived from the original on January 8, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2020.
  78. ↑ Sessler, Marc (January 14, 2018). "Case Keenum on game-winning TD: 'I can't believe it'". NFL.com. National Football League. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  79. ↑ Mays, Robert [@robertmays] (January 14, 2018). "There are worse ways to spend a Sunday evening than taking in an instant classic" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  80. 1 2 Diamond, Jeff (January 21, 2018). "What 'Minneapolis Miracle' means for Vikings, NFL playoff history". Sporting News . Archived from the original on May 23, 2018.
  81. 1 2 Svrluga, Barry (January 14, 2018). "Vikings outrun their tortured history, stun Saints with miraculous final play by Stefon Diggs". The Washington Post . ISSN   0190-8286. Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  82. ↑ Freeman, Mike (January 14, 2018). "Skol Mary: Case Keenum Keeps Surprises Coming, Delivers a Miracle in Minnesota". Bleacher Report . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  83. ↑ Joe Buck; Rich Eisen (January 15, 2018). FOX Sports' Joe Buck Talks Vikings/Saints & More w/Rich Eisen (YouTube). The Rich Eisen Show. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018.
  84. ↑ Zucker, Joseph (January 14, 2018). "Twitter Explodes for Stefon Diggs' TD After Marcus Williams' Historic Error". Bleacher Report . Archived from the original on January 15, 2018.
  85. ↑ McCarthy, Michael (January 17, 2018). "Was Marcus Williams' whiff the worst mistake in NFL playoff history?". Sporting News . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  86. ↑ Triplett, Mike (January 16, 2018). "Saints' Williams vows not to let play define him". ESPN . Archived from the original on January 31, 2018.
  87. ↑ "How did Thomas Morstead end up on field for extra-point attempt vs. Vikings?". January 18, 2018. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  88. ↑ Harlow, Tim (January 20, 2018). "Donations rocket past $220,000 for Saints punter's good deed". Star Tribune . Retrieved December 6, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.