Vikings Look Ahead to NFC Divisional After Defeating the Saints

The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints capped off an NFC Wild Card matchup with a controversial 26-20 overtime victory for the Vikings.

.@KirkCousins8 to @KyleRudolph82 for the @Vikings walkoff win in OT. pic.twitter.com/aXSJllOqpB

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2020

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw his lone touchdown of the game to Kyle Rudolph in overtime to edge Minnesota over New Orleans. Regardless of the potential for a missed penalty call, the Vikings are moving on to the Divisional Round.

For quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints, this Wild Card loss adds to the list of frustrating postseason shortcomings.

Saints Fall Short

Overtime losses in the postseason have troubled the New Orleans Saints over the past two seasons. In 2018, the Saints fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Conference Championship in overtime.

After a Conference Championship appearance last season, the Saints had expectations to match last season’s success. Additionally, with Brees recording the highest quarterback rating of his career at 116.3, the Saints offense appeared to have the advantage over the Minnesota defense.

The opposite proved to be true as the Saints made uncharacteristic mistakes. The Minnesota defense put the pressure on Brees, forcing a fumble and an interception from the veteran quarterback. 

According to Brees, the Saints’ biggest struggle came from missing opportunities to make bigger plays.

What Went Right for Minnesota

After missing the playoffs last season, the Vikings Wild Card victory is a positive trend for a Minnesota team with a history of postseason slumps.

The Viking offense complemented the defense’s ability to create turnovers and shut down a talented Brees. Furthermore, the Minnesota running game put pressure on New Orleans.

According to Cousins, the victory is largely attributed to the success of the defense and the Vikings’ running game.

Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook proved to be one of the Vikings’ biggest assets. Additionally, Saints head coach Sean Payton gave credit to Cook’s ability to split the New Orleans defense.

Furthermore, Cook ran for 94 of Minnesota’s 136 rushing yards while recording two touchdowns.

Additionally, Minnesota receivers proved to come up big in overtime.

In Minnesota’s overtime drive, a 43-yard pass from Cousins to wide receiver Adam Thielen set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Rudolph. Thielen recorded 129 yards on seven receptions.

Up Next for Minnesota

Vikings will take on the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional.

•  January 11, 2020
•  Levi Stadium
•  4:35 p.m.