Here’s the scenario: Seattle is leading 10-9 late in the fourth quarter.
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Trailing the Seattle Seahawks by a point in an NFC Wild Card Game, all Walsh and the Vikings needed was a 27-yard field goal to send them through to the divisional round.
The Seattle Seahawks’ 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings was the most watched early Sunday Wild Card Game on record.
Chancellor, drove deep into Seattle’s territory. Though earlier in the 3 QTR, Walsh had kicked a successful 43-yard field goal with the laces in. “That’s all it is”. So instead of moving on to play the Panthers, the Vikings are done for the year. “I don’t know – you’d have to ask them, we don’t know, but at least that fact’s in there”.
Blair Walsh made three kicks to give the Minnesota Vikings a two-score lead heading into the fourth quarter. You got a job. “Just wait and see and take it one day at a time”. To be safe though, the Seahawks pulled him back but because of how close he appeared to be to playing in the game, it would be a safe bet to assume he is good to go this week, according to USA Today.
To do that, several players said they must use Sunday’s devastating loss to help them get better. Coach Mike Zimmer choked back tears during his postgame news conference.
“That was a prime example of guys just giving it all up for each other until the last whistle”, said safety Earl Thomas, adding that his hands and feet were numb the entire game.
But that was of little solace to some Vikings fans, who posted videos on Twitter of individuals successfully kicking 27-yard field goals in snowy, cold conditions. The defense was particularly stout against Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. Walsh, whose third kick was almost blocked by Sherman, jogged out for the defining moment. And the Seahawks were suddenly celebrating an improbable victory, not unlike their rally past Green Bay in the NFC Championship game a year ago. “It’s a chip shot”, Zimmer said. “He’s got to make it”. And regardless the talent level, there weren’t a lot of visiting teams that could have gone into that ice box and win a game.
This was a fittingly frigid finish for Minnesota’s two-year stint outdoors at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium during construction of the new covered downtown stadium. The Saints ultimately won the game. He strolled out for the coin flip in a Vikings cap and a purple short-sleeved polo shirt, looking ready for a round of golf. We were warm for the most part especially on the sidelines with the heated benches. The announcement of the minus-25 degree wind chill factor a few minutes later drew an equally loud cheer. With good reason, as we saw once again Sunday. The crowd was never louder than when he was introduced, and he waved to them as he made the walk on to the field. “I’m the only one who didn’t do my job there”.
Min-FG Walsh 22, 1:01. Eddie Lacy and James Starks each had 12 carries on Sunday and combined for 116 yards rushing, production they’ll have to repeat to be able to upset the Cardinals in their comfortable home.
MATURING BRIDGEWATER: The growing pains for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater remained, but he mostly performed well down the stretch while the Vikings were trying to secure their spot in the playoffs.
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RECEIVING-Seattle, Baldwin 5-42, Kearse 3-18, F.Jackson 2-19, Lockett 1-35, Michael 1-14, K.Smith 1-14.
