These are 4 games from the author's memory, which means that any games from the 60's thru early 80's are out (my college years in the 90's are a bit of a haze, but I'm playing some Pink Floyd right now in the hopes of inducing a flashback). I'm going to start with my least favorite memories on Tuesday and Wednesday. Being the eternal source of positivity that I am, I will save the best games for last (Thursday and Friday).

January 9, 2005 - Vikings 31, Packers 17.

This was probably the only time I have not been excited for a postseason game. After an extremely promising 5-1 start, the Vikings stumbled to a 3-7 finish, including 2 losses to Green Bay. A loss to Washington in the final week should have put the finishing touches on a 2nd straight dismal finish (the Vikings started 2003 with 6 straight wins and somehow managed to miss the playoffs). However, a mediocre Carolina team found a way to lose to an equally mediocre New Orleans team at home, and the Vikes backed into the playoffs. The reward - a trip to Lambeau and a probable 3rd loss to the Packers, an unprecedented humiliation. There wasn't much reason for hope. The Packers' season was almost the exact opposite of the Vikings'. They started 1-4 and ended the season on fire. So naturally, the Vikings scored the game's first 14 points and really never looked back. The Packers did make things somewhat interesting by pulling within 24-17 early in the 4th quarter. The Vikings quickly answered with a TD of their own to make the final 31-17. If memory serves, there may have been something interesting about the scoring play...

Ahh yes. Never saw anything so beautiful. And thanks for speaking up and fighting the good fight against indecency, Joe Buck. Now, don't forget to do your promo for 'Temptation Island', next on Fox!!

A side note - I think people forget how good Daunte was in 2004. He threw for 4717 yards, 39 TD with 11 INT, and ran for another 406 yards and 2 TD. That is absurd, especially considering:

  • His leading rusher was the Whizzinator with 544 yards (that's like 2 good games for AD).
  • Randy Moss was never the same after hurting his hamstring against New Orleans in week 6 (Jermaine Wiggins led the team in receptions, Nate Burleson in receiving yards).

All-in-all, that was probably the most satisfying playoff win I've witnessed - all because it came against the Packers. So, to recap - I felt good going into the 34-0 game, and thought we had no chance going into this game. Anybody want any stock tips?

Deep (Purple) Thought for the Day:

The Vikings should be able to generate a nice pass rush against Aaron Rodgers. From what I've seen and heard, their O-line might be worse than ours and Rodgers holds the ball forever. The crowd should be a huge factor (DO NOT sell your tickets to Packer fans!). It will be extremely important to make Rodgers uncomfortable because he does have some big play threats on the outside. 4 more days!