Minnesota Vikings News and Links: January 6, 2020

Merry Monday, everyone!

Well, well, well, look who didn’t lose yesterday.

Despite the predictions of 99% of the national media (and of many who frequent our lovely blog), the good guys shook off a comeback attempt from the Saints, and the OFFENSE, led by Kirk Cousins, put the final nail in the Saints’ coffin with a great touchdown drive in the opening possession of overtime to seal the win.

The defense controlled most of the game, and held a VERY good offense to limited success. They pressured Brees all day, and they forced a couple of rare and costly mistakes from the veteran QB. They also held Kamara to almost zero. The offense really began to sputter toward the end of the game, and it gave the Saints offense just enough to come back to tie it. Going into overtime, I think many of us were skeptical that the offense would have what it takes to pull it off, but Cousins rose up to the task, as did Adam Thielen, as they connected on a 43 yard strike to put the ball on the 2. Then Kyle Rudolph caught a perfect pass from Cousins to seal the victory. Cousins receives criticism, some warranted, some not, for an inability to rise up in big situations, but his performance should go a long ways in silencing much of it.

In the end (and as I predicted, ahem), the Vikings won, and it is on to San Francisco next week to face another very tough team. I can’t wait. SKOL!!!!

Around the DN since our last open thread:

Chris has the post-game wrap-up.

Wludford has his analysis of yesterday’s victory.

Other Vikings/NFL news, and random oddities and annoyances:

At Vikings.com, they have all of the game highlights, catch Coach Zimmer’s post-game presser, and there is a TON more to look through in the media vault.

ESPN has all the wildcard weekend scores and highlights.

We come to today’s media selection:

It gives me great pleasure to carry on this open thread tradition. STRIKE UP THE BAND!!!!

We all know the rules, but in case someone is new:

-No discussion of politics or religion
-No feeding of the trolls
-Leave the gender hatred at the door
-Keep the bad language to a minimum (using the spoiler tags, if you must)
-Speaking of which, if discussing a newer show or movie, please use spoiler tags
-No pictures that could get someone fired or in serious trouble with their employer
-While navigating the open thread, just assume it’s sarcasm.
-If you can’t disagree in a civil manner, feel free to go away

With that, the beer light is on and the bar is open. Belly up & tie one on. Don’t forget to tip your waiter, but try not to tip him over. Most of all, Welcome Aboard!