NFC Playoffs: Diggs Saves Vikings with a Pirouette for the Ages

Back in 1960, when the NFL expanded to Minneapolis-St Paul, it was only natural to christen the club as Vikings.

The Scandinavian influence has been strong there for almost two centuries.

And steeped in their Norse heritage is the notion that luck makes the man and not the other way around. It's inherent.

To this day, in Swedish, lycka is the root word for both lucky and happy.

 

Minnesota players, coaches, and fans can go with that.

In fact, they'll be going with it all the way to Philadelphia after a stunning final play that made the New Orleans Saints go marching outta the playoffs, to the tune of an incredible 29-24 score.

 

Quite the turnaround from two seasons ago, when the Vikings were eliminated by Seattle on Blair Walsh's wayward 27-yard chip shot of a field goal with 22 seconds left.

Not this time.

 

A legend is born.

That also means the play's gonna be dissected and discussed forever.

• Was New Orleans in a flawed coverage?
• Was Marcus Williams anticipating Diggs was gonna head for the sideline?
• Was Williams also being wary of an early hit and an accompanying flag?

 

Here's a thought:

Keep your eye on the target, dude.

Among other things, it's a safety issue. Ask Ryan Shazier. It's why teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Washington Huskies, and Vanderbilt Commodores are teaching rugby-style tackling that feature chest and shoulders.

In the meantime, this week will no doubt feature all things Viking, offering yet another opportunity to remind the world that they didn't have horns on their helmets.

 

Although, against the Eagles this coming weekend, they might wanna start.