MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Case Keenum #7 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
Setting the tone. A quick three and out for the Saints to open the game was important. However, the Vikings were able to take that opportunity to drive down the field and score a rushing touchdown. Next, Minnesota stopped New Orleans once again and forced a punt to set up a great situation and a chance to go up two scores.
Containing the run. Ingram and Kamara should be considered the scariest running back duo in the NFL. Their combo punch has been enough to put most teams in a big hole, but the Vikings defensive line was up for the task.
Latavius Murray getting it done. Sometimes it is easy to forget that this team is without rookie running back Dalvin Cook. Since Minnesota only had him for a few games and it’s been so long since seeing him, Murray and McKinnon have had to step up. And they have done that in a big way.
3rd downs. The Vikings once again won the battle on 3rd downs on both sides of the ball, both holding the Saints and being efficient on offense. This is what allowed Minnesota to get an early lead and hold it long into the game.
