The Vikings are infamously known as a team that doesn't get it done in the clutch. Creatively crafting new and strange ways to lose games.
The Vikings nearly doubled the Saints in total yards. They held the league's highest-scoring team under its average, while giving Brees extra possessions.
Minnesota did a lot of good things, just not the most important ones. Protecting the ball and the quarterback are jobs 1A and 1B in the NFL. Favre wasn't sacked, amazingly, but took punishing shots all day.
The Vikings dropped its hopes and dreams of a Super Bowl run on the turf along with the ball. It was amazing Minnesota was still in position to have a chance to win the game.
Fumbling six times, losing three, is a sure-fire way to lose any game. Especially a playoff game on the road. Those were the biggest reason for the loss.
Favre's interceptions were puzzling. He tried to cram the first one in between three Saints. The second one goes into the file marked "Season/Career-Enders," right next to his last pass in Green Bay. But I trust him slinging it around more than Peterson running the ball.
No. 1 sign you're going to lose: Botching a hand-off after recovering a muffed punt at the opponent's 5-yard line right before half.
No. 2: Committing a 12-men-in-the-huddle penalty on the brink of field-goal range following a timeout with 20 seconds left.
Despite the numbers, the Saints were the better team on Sunday. They roughed up Favre and didn't commit as many turnovers.
The Vikings missed the best shot at a Super Bowl they'll have for years to come.
(Photo Credit: onmilwaukee.com)
Classic Farve. For once in my life I was actually hoping Farve pulled this one out, won the super bowl, so he can finally retire. But he was his typical old self, throwing bonehead interceptions. Well at least we can look forward to another off season soap opera in which ESPN will cover EVERYTHING he does. Can't wait!
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