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) /
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled with the ball in the third quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
The Bad Things vs Saints
Getting too fancy. Minnesota doesn’t need to be doing double fakes and reverses on offense. pounding the ball and being efficient in the passing game is the best method of success and limits the possibility of negative plays from trying to disguise too much.
A missed field goal. A 49-yard field goal is far from automatic in today’s NFL and presents a challenge for any special teams unit in the league. That said, if Forbath could have hit the long kick before the end of the first half, Minnesota would have led 20-0. Thankfully he hit one from the same distance later.
Getting angry and frustrated. Following the Michael Thomas hit on Sendejo, Xavier Rhodes needed to be calmed down and the team didn’t care for New Orleans’ reaction to the play. It seemed to follow over to the next drive as well, with Keenum making an uncharacteristic mistake.
Second half offense. Minnesota was unable to recreate the long drives that resulted in scores they had in the first quarter. It all came down to being able to put together a drive at the end of the game, and that’s not what you want after having a big halftime lead.
A tired defense. The Saints were able to put together drives get 21 points on the board in the second half, and a lead with about 3 minutes left in the game. After a dominant start, it was hard to watch it all fall apart.
