Vikings’ defense pitches first shutout in 24 years

I don’t want to say that it’s been a while since the Minnesota Vikings last shut out an opponent, but how long ago did it happen?

It happened so long ago, the game took place at the Pontiac Silverdome.

Yes, prior to tonight’s 16-0 victory over the Green Bay Packers, the last time the Vikings shut out an opponent was 5 December 1993 against the Detroit Lions. That game featured the Vikings not scoring any offensive touchdowns on their way to victory. They got two field goals by Fuad Reveiz and a 63-yard interception return by Lamar McGriggs. . .one of five Vikings’ interceptions on the afternoon. . .en route to a victory by a score of 13-0.

That game didn’t have quite the impact that tonight’s victory had. That win “lifted” the Vikings to a 6-6 record in a season that would ultimately see them finish at 9-7, ultimately losing to the New York Giants in the first round of the playoffs.

So, when was the Vikings’ last home shutout? Well, it also happened in 1993. . .10 October, to be precise. . .and it took place at the Metrodome against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thanks to a touchdown by Barry Word, two Reveiz field goals, and a safety, the Vikings moved to 3-2 on the season with a 15-0 victory.

So, we just got to witness the first shutout by the Vikings in nearly a quarter of a century. That’s pretty neat, right?