Advertisement

RandBall: A 2017 buildup but a 2009 result for Vikings-Saints game

October 29, 2018 at 11:17PM

The buildup to Sunday night's game between the Vikings and Saints meant all of us got to watch multiple replays of the Minneapolis Miracle and relive the glory of Stefon Diggs' catch that gave Minnesota a playoff win over the Saints in January.

But Sunday's itself, a 30-20 victory for the Saints, unfolded much more like a different previous playoff matchup between the two teams.

The Vikings on Sunday outgained New Orleans 423-270, held the ball longer and generally were the more dominant team.

But gut-punch turnovers — including one right before halftime — completely changed momentum and told the real story of the game.

Sound familiar? That was the cruel script in the 2009 NFC title game, when the Vikings outgained the Saints 475-257 but were minus-four in the turnover department in a 31-28 loss.

Read Michael Rand's blog at startribune.com/randball. michael.rand@startribune.com.

Advertisement
about the writer

about the writer

More from Sports

See More
September 17, 1993 With a pump of his arm and a smile, the Twins Dave Winfield rounded first base and joined an elite group with his 3,000th major league hit. A long ovation followed. Winfield had singled earlier in Thrusday night's game for hit No. 2,999. Brian Peterson

St. Paul native Dave Winfield, a star from the beginning, will join other city baseball legends as permanent fixtures in front of Toni Stone Field.

card image
card image
Advertisement
Advertisement

To leave a comment, .

Advertisement