GAME BALLS
Sidney Rice, Vikings: First Viking to catch three TD passes in a playoff game. Had 141 yards on six receptions and made Cowboys pay for single coverage.
Brett Favre, Vikings: Dealt with pressure and threw four touchdown passes with 134.4 QB rating; more important, had another no-turnover game.
Ray Edwards, Vikings: Defensive end set the tone with three first-half sacks, and also had a tackle for loss and forced a fumble before leaving with a knee injury.
GAME GOATS
Tony Romo, Cowboys: Flustered by a big pass rush, he fumbled three times, losing one, and threw an interception. Was sacked six times and had a 66.1 QB rating.
Gerald Sensabaugh, Cowboys: Completely bewildered on Rice's first touchdown; fellow CB Mike Jenkins wasn't any better on Rice's third score.
Shaun Suisham, Cowboys: In the ideal kicking conditions of the Metrodome, he missed from 48 and 49 yards when points seemed as if they'd be precious.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Quarter: Second • Time: 7:23 • Score: Vikings led 7-3
The play: On first-and-10 from the Dallas 16, Rice picked himself off the ground after a chip block and was open down the middle. Favre eluded Marcus Spears while rolling right and hit Rice for the second of his three touchdown catches.
The result: With a 14-3 lead, the Vikings had the crowd roaring. On Dallas' next possession, QB Tony Romo fumbled and the Cowboys never recovered.
MANO A MANO
In the week leading up to Sunday's game, the Star Tribune published matchups to watch for during the action. Here are some key matchups and who had the edge:
Vikings DE Jared Allen vs.
Dallas offensive tackle Flozell Adams
Edge: Allen, who wins by default after Adams left the game because of a shin injury. His replacement, Doug Free, was cannon fodder for Allen.
Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin vs.
Dallas receiver Miles Austin
Edge: Griffin, who will accept the award on behalf of the entire secondary. Austin, a Pro Bowler, had four catches for 34 yards and was a nonfactor.
