Vikings Flashback: Minnesota eases past Tampa Bay in 2017
By Ali Siddiqui
Back in 2017, the Minnesota Vikings got an easy win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face off in a matchup that will have an impact on the current NFC playoff standings. At 6-6, the Vikings are coming off their second consecutive victory, while the 7-5 Bucs have lost their last two games.
Against Tampa Bay, Minnesota leads the all-time series 33-22, including wins in the previous two meetings.
The last time the Vikings and Bucs faced each other happened back during Week 3 of the 2017 season inside U.S. Bank Stadium.
Case Keenum and Stefon Diggs help Minnesota Vikings defeat Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017
During their last meeting in 2017, Minnesota was able to get a 34-17 win over Tampa Bay. The victory improved the Vikings’ record to 2-1. They wound up finishing the regular season at 13-3 and they advanced all the way to the NFC Championship.
In just his second start with the team, Minnesota quarterback Case Keenum completed 25 out of his 33 pass attempts for 369 yards and three touchdowns. Dalvin Cook rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in addition to catching five passes for 72 yards. Harrison Smith recorded an interception and he led the Vikings defense with seven tackles.
For Tampa Bay, quarterback Jameis Winston completed 28 out of his 40 pass attempts for 328 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. Bucs receiver Mike Evans caught seven passes for 67 yards and DeSean Jackson finished with four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
On paper, Sunday’s matchup against Tampa Bay may very well be the toughest game left on Minnesota’s schedule. A loss will not end the Vikings’ playoff hopes, but a win would certainly be very huge for their chances.
Even if Minnesota does not end up making the postseason this year, the momentum they’ve had during the second half of the season could possibly carry into 2021 and beyond.