The Minnesota Vikings lost the NFC Championship game to the New Orleans Saints 31-28 in overtime but the Vikings were beat by themselves not by the Saints. The Vikings dominated the Saints from start to finish surprisingly on both sides of the ball. I was worried about the Vikings secondary but they played great holding Drew Brees to only 197 yards passing on 17 of 31 with 3 TD’s.
The Vikings defense shut down Reggie Bush and held Pierre Thomas to 61 yards rushing on 14 carries as well as stopping the Saints supposed high powered offense on several 3rd and short plays ending drives and forcing punts.
Adrian Peterson played his best game in a long time rushing for 122 yards and 3 TD’s ,but cost the Vikings big time when he fumbled inside the 10 after a stupid mistake by Reggie Bush fumbling a punt he should of fair caught giving the Vikings a golden chance to take the lead going into half time. If the Vikings had Scored that TD I think it would have been game over and the Saints would not have recovered momentum going into the second half.
Brett Favre also played great throwing for 310 yards and 1 TD against the Saints crappy defense. The only bright spot for the Saints defense were all of the late hits and cheap shots they took at Brett Favre, including a high- low shot that went uncalled and almost knocked Brett Favre out of the game.
Farvre did make a bad throw that ended up costing the Vikings the game but he really didn’t have a choice after a retarded 12 men in the huddle penalty took them out of game winning field goal range. The Saints then got lucky in over time when a trap was ruled a catch that made a 52 yard field goal attempt a 40 yard game winner.
Even with 5 turnovers the Saints only won by 3 in overtime with help from the refs. I don’t Hate the Saints this was the ultimate dream NFC Championship match up for me I just wish the Saints had done something more to deserve this win. On the other hand I have a whole new respect Brett Favre not only for his toughness in this game but the MVP season he had all year.
I was Favre’s biggest critic when he announced his comeback and I’ll be the 1st to admit I couldn’t have been more wrong. I hope the beating his 40 year old body took against the Saints doesn’t influence his decision to play out his contract next year.Returning to the title game next year is a tall order but I think that team could do it if he chooses to do so.
As for the Saints they had better fire up that offense because Peyton Manning will chew up that defense for yards, points and time of possession so they better bring their A GAME.
