Vikings/Saints Post-Game

[808vikingsfan]

I think if the defender had better position, was looking back at the ball, and didn't initiate contact first with his hands, I can see a definite OPI with the push off. But I think Rudolph was just being reactive and made a great play on the ball.

[Pondering Her Percy]

They probably sound disgusted because they all look like idiots for saying the saints will win by 100. I’ve been following the game all week like most of us have. I have not seen one single person predict the Vikings to win (other than on here)

I said all week I had a weird feeling about this game and that we play so much better when we’re viewed as underdogs. I called 27-24 Vikings but 26-20 sounds way better.

Maybe this will finally put the Kirk cousins and big game narrative to an end. Because that was by FAR the biggest game of his career and he couldn’t have played better on that final OT drive

Sadly not. One stellar performance out of twenty chances won’t do it for most. String together three more big wins this season might.

How does that not do it? Do the GB games, Seattle game, and KC game really matter at this point? No. The one that matters is the one that he got today because we are now moving on in the playoffs. And string together 3 more big wins "might"? That means winning a SB. That's what it's going to take for the haters to hop off his back? No less that "might" do it?

Bottom line is he can win a big game. The biggest of his career no less.

[Bowhunting Viking]

They are all making it sound like the only reason we won in the supposed no call OPI.
No mention of the fact that our D held the Super Saints offense that was SURELY gonna hang at least 40 points on us to 20 pts. No mention of Cooks runs. No mentions of some of the great throws that Cousins made. Especially that last one that he threw to Theilen on the first possession to put us on the 2 and tracy to score. And the other he made to keep drives alive during the game. AND, even if they did call OPI, we still would have had downs to score.
They just can't have the balls, well the Male analysts and talking heads, to admit that the lowly Vikings beat the Golden Children Aints. That Zim outcoached that chipmunk faces bawlbaby Peyton, and the Media created " I can't win a big game ever Kirk Cousins" outplayed Mr Let's measure him for his Gold Jacket now Drew Brees, not 1 of them gave us any respect and a chance in hell to win, so they have to have something to grasp onto to save face.
I wish the Vikings would put a video together of all the BS calls and No calls against us today and show those too.
Screw em. Game is over, We WON and we advance on.

[YikesVikes]

Great game but I wasn't crazy about Diggs having another fit on the sidelines while they were still leading. It's not a huge surprise that his antics preceded the Saints gaining momentum and almost pulling out the win. Nothing like shooting his team in the foot and missing the whole point of teamwork. And I don't care if Cousins didn't see him once or 100 times, that is not the time for him to be throwing helmets and ragging on teammates and coaches.

I agree and I hope Zimmer has a serious talk with him about that (as in: "Don't pull that $#@* again.").

You guys are giving it your own narrative. He was frustrated, doesn't mean he was frustrated at his teammates of not getting the ball. Sometimes, its because of the coverage he is getting, or you not being able to beat a guy that is outplaying you. Him and Kirk were always on the sideline talking.

[J. Kapp 11]

I agree and I hope Zimmer has a serious talk with him about that (as in: "Don't pull that $#@* again.").

You guys are giving it your own narrative. He was frustrated, doesn't mean he was frustrated at his teammates of not getting the ball. Sometimes, its because of the coverage he is getting, or you not being able to beat a guy that is outplaying you. Him and Kirk were always on the sideline talking.

Kirk showed some good leadership, too, by coming by and calming him down without getting angry.

He also hit Diggs with one of the biggest plays of the game, the 3rd-and-4 slant in overtime that netted 10 yards and a first down.

[J. Kapp 11]

They are all making it sound like the only reason we won in the supposed no call OPI.
No mention of the fact that our D held the Super Saints offense that was SURELY gonna hang at least 40 points on us to 20 pts. No mention of Cooks runs. No mentions of some of the great throws that Cousins made. Especially that last one that he threw to Theilen on the first possession to put us on the 2 and tracy to score. And the other he made to keep drives alive during the game. AND, even if they did call OPI, we still would have had downs to score.
They just can't have the balls, well the Male analysts and talking heads, to admit that the lowly Vikings beat the Golden Children Aints. That Zim outcoached that chipmunk faces bawlbaby Peyton, and the Media created " I can't win a big game ever Kirk Cousins" outplayed Mr Let's measure him for his Gold Jacket now Drew Brees, not 1 of them gave us any respect and a chance in hell to win, so they have to have something to grasp onto to save face.
I wish the Vikings would put a video together of all the BS calls and No calls against us today and show those too.
Screw em. Game is over, We WON and we advance on.

They're all Saints fanboys, brother. That's all. Especially ESPN. They've got to have some time to cry for their mommies to rub ointment on their butthurt.

They won't mention the fact that Zimmer was brilliant by moving Hunter and Griffen inside, making it so Brees couldn't do the one thing that allows him to avoid the rush, which is to step up. They won't talk about how Xavier Rhodes (except for one play that was a miscommunication) turned back into Rhodes Closed and held the great Michael Thomas to 7 harmless receptions. They'll leave out the Brees turnovers and the fact that the Viking who fumbled on the opening drive made the biggest catch of the entire season. No, they won't mention any of that. They're just going to whine that a guy giving up 8 inches and 70 pounds to Kyle Rudolph got interfered with, conveniently overlooking the fact that it was a great read by both Rudy and Cousins when they saw Cover Zero.

And then they'll dry their little eyes and come back later this week to give more expert predictions ... that the 49ers will beat us by 17. It's what they do.

Let 'em cry. I personally am enjoying it.

[J. Kapp 11]

Harrison and Dungy looked and sounded disgusted like it was as bad as the Rams-Saints game last year. Can't believe it. Harrison is usually anti-Vikings and Cousins (the throw to Thielen was all him and no credit to Kirk) but Dungy is usually pro-Vikings. Why is there always something where the Vikings can't get credit for an awesome game? They slowed the replay way down - see how the defensive back's head goes back? Well, he was looking up at the ball morons... C ould it have been called? Maybe but that would have been very weak. Recalled? No.

I went back and watched the replay of the TD catch and Rudolph defiantly pushed off. And I love the fact that it wasn't called! What poetic justice. We've been able to absolutely cut their hearts out of them now the past two playoff games we've had with them. To do it again today, on their field, is just priceless! Now, onto SF and I'll bet any amount you can count, we won't get caught flat like we did against Philly. SKOL VIKINGS!!!

Adam Thielen said they've already started talking about it in the locker room. No chance they'll be flat against SF.

And you know what? I saw the Saints defender grabbing at Rudy's arm. The extension was Rudy's attempt to clear his arm of the grab. I'm pretty sure that's why New York didn't overturn it ... and they DID review it. They said both players initiated contact and that the contact by Rudy didn't warrant OPI.

[Raz]

The media is ticked because the saints got beat and they were all wrong that’s the only reason they are ragging on about it. If zack ertz would have caught it for the Eagles to win it would have been a glorious day.
Cousins was sharp and zimmer had the team ready to play a very nice outing.
San Francisco I’m sure will where there home reds so the vikes won’t be able to be in purple not that it’s a thing but they sure seem to play well in purple jerseys.
I hope nobody gives them a shot Saturday either the role of underdogs fit them well.

[Bowhunting Viking]

They are all making it sound like the only reason we won in the supposed no call OPI.
No mention of the fact that our D held the Super Saints offense that was SURELY gonna hang at least 40 points on us to 20 pts. No mention of Cooks runs. No mentions of some of the great throws that Cousins made. Especially that last one that he threw to Theilen on the first possession to put us on the 2 and tracy to score. And the other he made to keep drives alive during the game. AND, even if they did call OPI, we still would have had downs to score.
They just can't have the balls, well the Male analysts and talking heads, to admit that the lowly Vikings beat the Golden Children Aints. That Zim outcoached that chipmunk faces bawlbaby Peyton, and the Media created " I can't win a big game ever Kirk Cousins" outplayed Mr Let's measure him for his Gold Jacket now Drew Brees, not 1 of them gave us any respect and a chance in hell to win, so they have to have something to grasp onto to save face.
I wish the Vikings would put a video together of all the BS calls and No calls against us today and show those too.
Screw em. Game is over, We WON and we advance on.

They're all Saints fanboys, brother. That's all. Especially ESPN. They've got to have some time to cry for their mommies to rub ointment on their butthurt.

They won't mention the fact that Zimmer was brilliant by moving Hunter and Griffen inside, making it so Brees couldn't do the one thing that allows him to avoid the rush, which is to step up. They won't talk about how Xavier Rhodes (except for one play that was a miscommunication) turned back into Rhodes Closed and held the great Michael Thomas to 7 harmless receptions. They'll leave out the Brees turnovers and the fact that the Viking who fumbled on the opening drive made the biggest catch of the entire season. No, they won't mention any of that. They're just going to whine that a guy giving up 8 inches and 70 pounds to Kyle Rudolph got interfered with, conveniently overlooking the fact that it was a great read by both Rudy and Cousins when they saw Cover Zero.

And then they'll dry their little eyes and come back later this week to give more expert predictions ... that the 49ers will beat us by 17. It's what they do.

Let 'em cry. I personally am enjoying it.

And they all realize that they all look like dickheads cuz they all gave us absolutely No chance to win at all. And it killed them cuz it was against one of their darlings.
Just like it will be if we get to face the Pukers on the NFCCG. If we would win we would A. Have to beat them and the officiating crew and B. Blow em out or there will be all kind of excuses

[40for60]

Media is already saying it should have been offencive interference. Just can't give us any props for a good win

I'm confident that they'd have made the field goal so their protesting the TD is a moot point. There was some contact but the fact that they didn't review and flag Rudy tells me that my observations aren't too far off for being just a fan.

Not exactly a moot point. If the Vikes had kicked a FG instead, the saints would get a possession. If they get a TD, they win. If the Vikes stop them without points, they win. If the saints get a FG, then the game continues and becomes sudden death at that point.

[The negotiator]

That was the biggest, most impressive win of the Zimmer era!

It wasn't easy but I liked the game plan, I love that they came to play a physical brand of football and admire the way the Vikes fought through adversity. It was a wild, competitive game but I'm glad we get to see the Vikes play again next week. HUGE win.

Special congrats have to go Cousins for showing his critics he can deliver in a big moment. I feel good for the guy.

Jim, I love Kirk Cousins the person. I haven't always loved Kirk Cousins the quarterback.

Today, he outplayed a Hall-of-Famer. Legitimately outplayed Drew Brees. He wasn't spectacular with the stats -- 96.4 passer rating. But he did it when it counted, which NO ONE believed he could do. I'm particularly proud of his answers to Chris Meyers in the postgame interview. He refused to take all the credit and pointed to his team. He's a standup guy who deserves good things to happen to him.

I'm also proud of the defense. All I heard all week was how the Saints' offense was averaging 40 over the last month of the season, how they were going to carve up our defense. To hold that team to 10 points through 3 quarters ... that's exceptional. Yes, they came back, but isn't that what they do at home? And honestly, Drew Brees didn't bring them back Taysom Hill did, almost singlehandedly.

Now it's on to San Francisco. This is a game we can win. I know we'll talk more about it this week, but there are reasons I believe this.

As for the Saints ... I've said it before and sounded like a lunatic. They have been demoralized every time they've been in the playoffs since they robbed us in '09. If I had my way, they'd never return to the Super Bowl as long as Sean Payton is the head coach.

NOTE: Just saw the postgame locker room video. Kirk Cousins: "I got three words for you. YOU LIKE THAT?" Priceless!

Kapp, you and Jim recapped my feelings exactly. I’ve seen Kirk take all the blame for big time losses over the years. I’ve never enjoyed a game in my lifetime more than today. Kirk is the ultimate team player and shares his faith in a non offending way. Then watching him get mobbed in the locker room left me teary eyed. I’m so happy for him and the team. I’ll never forget the emotional high I felt today!

[Fran the Man]

I went back and watched the replay of the TD catch and Rudolph defiantly pushed off. And I love the fact that it wasn't called! What poetic justice. We've been able to absolutely cut their hearts out of them now the past two playoff games we've had with them. To do it again today, on their field, is just priceless! Now, onto SF and I'll bet any amount you can count, we won't get caught flat like we did against Philly. SKOL VIKINGS!!!

Adam Thielen said they've already started talking about it in the locker room. No chance they'll be flat against SF.

And you know what? I saw the Saints defender grabbing at Rudy's arm. The extension was Rudy's attempt to clear his arm of the grab. I'm pretty sure that's why New York didn't overturn it ... and they DID review it. They said both players initiated contact and that the contact by Rudy didn't warrant OPI.

Oh definitely there was some hand fighting going on and stuff but the contact was broke off by a pretty good shove by Rudolph. Not trying to take anything away from a great call, pass and catch but he definitely pushed off. Which is why I love the play even more.

[Maelstrom88]

Jim, I love Kirk Cousins the person. I haven't always loved Kirk Cousins the quarterback.

Today, he outplayed a Hall-of-Famer. Legitimately outplayed Drew Brees. He wasn't spectacular with the stats -- 96.4 passer rating. But he did it when it counted, which NO ONE believed he could do. I'm particularly proud of his answers to Chris Meyers in the postgame interview. He refused to take all the credit and pointed to his team. He's a standup guy who deserves good things to happen to him.

I'm also proud of the defense. All I heard all week was how the Saints' offense was averaging 40 over the last month of the season, how they were going to carve up our defense. To hold that team to 10 points through 3 quarters ... that's exceptional. Yes, they came back, but isn't that what they do at home? And honestly, Drew Brees didn't bring them back Taysom Hill did, almost singlehandedly.

Now it's on to San Francisco. This is a game we can win. I know we'll talk more about it this week, but there are reasons I believe this.

As for the Saints ... I've said it before and sounded like a lunatic. They have been demoralized every time they've been in the playoffs since they robbed us in '09. If I had my way, they'd never return to the Super Bowl as long as Sean Payton is the head coach.

NOTE: Just saw the postgame locker room video. Kirk Cousins: "I got three words for you. YOU LIKE THAT?" Priceless!

Kapp, you and Jim recapped my feelings exactly. I’ve seen Kirk take all the blame for big time losses over the years. I’ve never enjoyed a game in my lifetime more than today. Kirk is the ultimate team player and shares his faith in a non offending way. Then watching him get mobbed in the locker room left me teary eyed. I’m so happy for him and the team. I’ll never forget the emotional high I felt today!

I love Kirk as a person. He seems like such a humble guy who is a good representative for Christianity. It was awesome to watch the locker room respond to him the way they did.

[VikingPaul73]

1. To those complaining about the emotion by Diggs and Rhodes on the sidelines.......I remember.....maybe 10 years ago... Vikings' DBs laughing and joking around on the sidelines in the 4th quarters as they were being blown out. I prefer this over that without question.
2. BS on any OPI call. The DB never turned his head, was clearly BEAT, and was grabbing and pushing Rudolph. Rudolph did extend his arm but if there was any PI called it should have been on D.
3. I thought D got WAY too conservative in the 4th with the lead, especially on the last drive. It was almost like Zim was begging them not to score a TD and giving them FG. That said, ultimately it worked, so....
4. I have been critical of Cousins but he came through in the clutch today. Kudos.
5. Of all of the WC weekend winners, we're the only ones with short rest. Tennessee (Sat to Sat), Texans (Sat to Sun), Seahawks (Sun to Sun), Vikings (Sun to Sat). Why does it work out that way??? Why don't the Texans/Chiefs play on Saturday???????
6. Huge hurdle to overcome next week. Borderline insurmountable. Kapp sent out an outstanding article a couple of weeks ago about how the Vikes could be the worst matchup for the 9ers....and that article made some great points....but on the road? with 6 days rest? Against the 1 seed with 2 weeks rest??? seems like a lot stacked against us
7. Glad to see a Zimmer team and Cousins play with urgency on both sides of the ball in a huge game. Glad to see the whiner QB and coach go down. would love to see Brees retire now.

[CharVike]

They are all making it sound like the only reason we won in the supposed no call OPI.
No mention of the fact that our D held the Super Saints offense that was SURELY gonna hang at least 40 points on us to 20 pts. No mention of Cooks runs. No mentions of some of the great throws that Cousins made. Especially that last one that he threw to Theilen on the first possession to put us on the 2 and tracy to score. And the other he made to keep drives alive during the game. AND, even if they did call OPI, we still would have had downs to score.
They just can't have the balls, well the Male analysts and talking heads, to admit that the lowly Vikings beat the Golden Children Aints. That Zim outcoached that chipmunk faces bawlbaby Peyton, and the Media created " I can't win a big game ever Kirk Cousins" outplayed Mr Let's measure him for his Gold Jacket now Drew Brees, not 1 of them gave us any respect and a chance in hell to win, so they have to have something to grasp onto to save face.
I wish the Vikings would put a video together of all the BS calls and No calls against us today and show those too.
Screw em. Game is over, We WON and we advance on.

They're all Saints fanboys, brother. That's all. Especially ESPN. They've got to have some time to cry for their mommies to rub ointment on their butthurt.

They won't mention the fact that Zimmer was brilliant by moving Hunter and Griffen inside, making it so Brees couldn't do the one thing that allows him to avoid the rush, which is to step up. They won't talk about how Xavier Rhodes (except for one play that was a miscommunication) turned back into Rhodes Closed and held the great Michael Thomas to 7 harmless receptions. They'll leave out the Brees turnovers and the fact that the Viking who fumbled on the opening drive made the biggest catch of the entire season. No, they won't mention any of that. They're just going to whine that a guy giving up 8 inches and 70 pounds to Kyle Rudolph got interfered with, conveniently overlooking the fact that it was a great read by both Rudy and Cousins when they saw Cover Zero.

And then they'll dry their little eyes and come back later this week to give more expert predictions ... that the 49ers will beat us by 17. It's what they do.

Let 'em cry. I personally am enjoying it.

A great thing with this game was the refs didn't mess the thing up. Didn't call a bunch of stuff and just let them play. Rudy was interfered with big time early in the game. This mixed crew is better than the regular crew. Zim out coached that team by a mile with a limited cast. He deserves credit. But that won't come. Even a win next week won't bring it. A Super Bowl win might give a little heads up. Everyone thought we were toast big time. They looked like idiots.