Greatest Playoff Win of All Time Tournament, Game 8

Hey gang, sorry I’ve been slack in this the last several days. I’ve had a lot going on, but fear not, our tournament continues, and this game will finish up round one. Today, we have two playoff games with some historical firsts. I’ll give some highlights of each game, and I’ll put a poll at the end. The poll will be open for about 24 hours, you guys get to vote, and the winner by popular vote will advance. Today, our tournament continues with our next playoff win match up: The 1969 divisional playoff against the Los Angeles Rams versus the 1987 WIldcard game against the New Orleans Saints.

1969 Divisional playoff game against the Rams: This was the beginning of the Purple People Eaters era, and the first playoff win in Vikings history. It didn’t come easy, though. The Rams jumped out to a 17-7 halftime lead, and although the Vikes got to within 17-14 in the third quarter, Joe Kapp’s two interceptions opened the door back up for the Rams to take a 20-14 lead. But in the 4th quarter, Kapp led the Vikes on a clutch drive, and when he ran it in from two yards out, the Vikes took a 21-20 lead. Carl Eller added a safety sack of Rams QB Roman Gabriel to make it 23-20, but it wasn’t until an Alan Page intercepted a pass with under a minute left that the Vikings could celebrate the win.

1987 Wildcard against the Saints: This was historic for the Saints, as it was their first playoff game ever. The VIkes lost 3 of 4 to back into the playoffs, the Saints had won nine in a row to end the season, and most everyone thought the Saints would have no problem taking care of Minnesota. And with the way the game started, it felt like New Orleans was going to run the Vikings out of the Superdome. Tommy Kramer fumbled on the second play, the Saints capitalized and scored a TD, and they were up 7-0 just a few minutes into the game. But Wade Wilson replaced Kramer, and when Anthony Carter took a punt back 84 yards to give Minnesota a 10-7 lead, the Vikings settled down and then began to dismember the Saints. A Hassan Jones Hail Mary TD catch at the end of the half made it 31-10, and the Vikes cruised 44-10, setting a franchise record for most points scored in a playoff game that stands to this day.