Minneapolis Miracle
{{for-multi|the 2022 game sometimes referred to as the "Minneapolis Miracle" or "Minneapolis Miracle II"|2022 Indianapolis Colts–Minnesota Vikings game|the legislative session sometimes referred to as the "Minnesota Miracle" or "Minnesota Miracle 2.0"|93rd Minnesota Legislature}}
{{Short description|2018 American football playoff game}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox NFL single game
| name = Minneapolis Miracle
| image = US Bank Stadium - West Facade.jpg
| caption = U.S. Bank Stadium, the site of the game.
| visitor = New Orleans Saints
| visitor_abbr = NO
| visitor_coach = Sean Payton
| visitor_place = 4
| visitor_record = 11–5
| home = Minnesota Vikings
| home_abbr = MIN
| home_coach = Mike Zimmer
| home_place = 2
| home_record = 13–3
| visitor_qtr1 = 0
| visitor_qtr2 = 0
| visitor_qtr3 = 7
| visitor_qtr4 = 17
| visitor_total = 24
| home_qtr1 = 10
| home_qtr2 = 7
| home_qtr3 = 0
| home_qtr4 = 12
| home_total = 29
| date = January 14, 2018
| stadium = U.S. Bank Stadium
| city = Minneapolis, Minnesota
| referee = Gene Steratore
| attendance = 66,612
| odds = Vikings by 5.5
| network = Fox
| announcers = Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
| radio = KFXN-FM
| radioannouncers = Paul Allen and Pete Bercich
}}
The Minneapolis Miracle (also known as the Minnesota Miracle) refers to the final play of a NFC divisional playoff game played between the Minnesota Vikings and the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 14, 2018, when Vikings player Stefon Diggs caught a game winning touchdown.
The Saints came back from a 17–0 first-half deficit and established a 24–23 lead with 25 seconds remaining in the game. On the last play of the game, Vikings quarterback Case Keenum threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs; Saints safety Marcus Williams missed a tackle, allowing Diggs to run to the end zone to complete the 61-yard touchdown pass. This game was the first in NFL playoffs history to end in a touchdown as time expired.
In the aftermath, Keenum and Diggs were lauded for their efforts on the game-winning score, while Williams received criticism for his missed tackle. The Vikings' radio call by Paul Allen – who described the play as a "Minneapolis Miracle" – was circulated widely on the internet and in mainstream media and it became the popular appellation for both the play and the game itself. The play won multiple end-of-year awards and prompted a change to the NFL's rules.
Background
{{See also|2017 New Orleans Saints season|2017 Minnesota Vikings season|Saints–Vikings rivalry}}
The previous playoff meeting between the two teams was the 2009 NFC Championship game, which was notable for the excessive roughness of the Saints, later termed "Bountygate", as well as the Vikings driving close to a game-winning field goal before quarterback Brett Favre threw an interception. Some Minneapolis sportswriters have described the "Miracle" as atoning for Bountygate.{{Cite news|last=Rand|first=Michael|date=January 21, 2019|title=Nine years later, Vikings fans revel in Saints' 'what-if' NFC title game loss|work=Star Tribune|url=https://www.startribune.com/nine-years-later-vikings-fans-revel-in-saints-what-if-nfc-title-game-loss/504652092/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707051006/https://www.startribune.com/nine-years-later-vikings-fans-revel-in-saints-what-if-nfc-title-game-loss/504652092/|archive-date=July 7, 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Glover|first=Ted|date=January 21, 2019|title=Paytonfreude|work=Daily Norseman|url=https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/1/21/18191502/nfc-championship-sean-payton-what-a-great-call|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707051141/https://www.dailynorseman.com/2019/1/21/18191502/nfc-championship-sean-payton-what-a-great-call|archive-date=July 7, 2020}}
Prior to the 2016 season, Minnesota's starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a non-contact injury that produced a dislocated knee, torn ACL and "other structural damage".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2016/09/03/just-how-bad-teddy-bridgewater-injury/wg8Pw16lWjYEA3b8b9d67N/story.html|title=Just how bad is Teddy Bridgewater's injury?|last=Volin|first=Ben|date=September 3, 2016|work=The Boston Globe|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001518/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2016/09/03/just-how-bad-teddy-bridgewater-injury/wg8Pw16lWjYEA3b8b9d67N/story.html|url-status=live}} The severity of the injury nearly cost Bridgewater his leg and compelled the Vikings to trade two draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles for Sam Bradford as a replacement.{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/07/27/brian-murphy-doctors-saved-his-leg-now-teddy-bridgewater-aims-to-save-his-career/|title=Brian Murphy: Doctors saved his leg, now Teddy Bridgewater aims to save his career|last=Murphy|first=Brian|date=July 27, 2017|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806172851/https://www.twincities.com/2017/07/27/brian-murphy-doctors-saved-his-leg-now-teddy-bridgewater-aims-to-save-his-career/|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/sports/football/eagles-trade-bradford-to-vikings.html|title=Eagles Trade Quarterback Sam Bradford to Vikings|agency=Associated Press|date=September 3, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806210948/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/04/sports/football/eagles-trade-bradford-to-vikings.html|url-status=live}} The Vikings began 2016 with a 5–0 record before collapsing to finish 8–8.{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/11/27/vikings-use-2016-collapse-as-teaching-tool-for-this-season/|title=Vikings' 2016 lesson: 'It can go south real quick if you don't stay focused'|last=Tomasson|first=Chris|date=November 27, 2017|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730221658/https://www.twincities.com/2017/11/27/vikings-use-2016-collapse-as-teaching-tool-for-this-season/|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live|quote=The Vikings began last season 5-0 before also finishing 8-8... Defensive end Brian Robison said the Vikings haven't looked at the Falcons’ comeback for any addition motivation, but that their 2016 collapse has become a teaching moment.}}
The Saints, for their part, produced their third consecutive 7–9 showing in 2016, leading to rumors that they might fire or trade head coach Sean Payton during the offseason.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/25130/saints-stuck-in-7-9-rut-but-have-faith-2017-will-be-better|title=Saints stuck in 7-9 rut but have faith 2017 will be better|last=Triplett|first=Mike|date=January 1, 2017|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806174521/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/25130/saints-stuck-in-7-9-rut-but-have-faith-2017-will-be-better|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-arent-expected-to-ask-for-much-to-trade-sean-payton-during-offseason/|title=Saints aren't expected to ask for much to trade Sean Payton during offseason|first=Jason |last=La Canfora |author-link=Jason La Canfora|date=December 18, 2016|work=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806173901/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-arent-expected-to-ask-for-much-to-trade-sean-payton-during-offseason/|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}} Despite the speculation to the contrary, Payton retained his position as the Saints' head coach for 2017, although five assistant coaches lost their jobs.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-orleans-saints-fire-assistant-coaches-sean-payton-joe-vitt-bountygate-010517|title=Saints reportedly fire a number of coaches, but Sean Payton likely will remain|last=Lynch|first=Andrew|date=January 5, 2017|work=Fox Sports|access-date=October 7, 2018|archive-date=October 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007223224/https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/new-orleans-saints-fire-assistant-coaches-sean-payton-joe-vitt-bountygate-010517|url-status=live}}
Minnesota entered the 2017 campaign with Bradford as its starting quarterback, as Bridgewater was still recovering from his knee injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2017/08/07/rookie-rb-dalvin-cook-listed-as-starter-on-vikings-first-depth-chart/|title=Rookie RB Dalvin Cook listed as starter on Vikings first depth chart|last=Tomasson|first=Chris|date=August 7, 2017|work=St. Paul Pioneer Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730221917/https://www.twincities.com/2017/08/07/rookie-rb-dalvin-cook-listed-as-starter-on-vikings-first-depth-chart/|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live}} Bradford suffered a knee injury of his own in a Week 1 game against the Saints, resulting in Case Keenum taking over at the quarterback position. Keenum subsequently led the Vikings to a 13–3 regular season record and the NFC North title for just the second time since 2009.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/index.htm|title=Minnesota Vikings Team Encyclopedia|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806174335/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/index.htm|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}} Three Vikings scored eight touchdowns: running back Latavius Murray, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and tight end Kyle Rudolph.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2017.htm|title=2017 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=January 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118030601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2017.htm|url-status=live}} Since the Vikings were the #2 seed in the NFC, they did not have to play during the NFL's Wild Card Weekend.{{Cite news|url=https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/NFL-announces-playoff-schedule-Minnesota-Vikings-have-last-game-of-divisional-round-113003323/|title=NFL announces playoff schedule: Minnesota Vikings have last game of divisional round|last=Yotter|first=Tim|date=January 1, 2018|work=247Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730221025/https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/NFL-announces-playoff-schedule-Minnesota-Vikings-have-last-game-of-divisional-round-113003323/|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live}} The Vikings' #2 seeding meant that U.S. Bank Stadium became the first Super Bowl host stadium (selected on May 20, 2014) to also host a Divisional Playoff Game in the same season; all previous times that the Super Bowl host stadium also hosted another postseason game that season were Wild Card Playoffs.
Despite an 0–2 start to 2017, New Orleans finished with an 11–5 record, thereby winning the NFC South and qualifying for the playoffs as the #4 seed.{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752236-despite-the-playoff-seed-drew-brees-and-the-saints-could-run-the-table|title=Despite the Playoff Seed, Drew Brees and the Saints Could Run the Table|last=Tanier|first=Mike|date=January 4, 2018|work=Bleacher Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730221452/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752236-despite-the-playoff-seed-drew-brees-and-the-saints-could-run-the-table|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live}} New Orleans' rookie running back Alvin Kamara won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after earning 6.1 yards-per-carry and scoring 14 total touchdowns during the regular season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-alvin-kamara-wins-offensive-rookie-of-the-year-0ap3000000913837|title=Saints' Alvin Kamara wins Offensive Rookie of the Year|last=Bergman|first=Jeremy|date=February 3, 2018|work=NFL.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307231508/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000913837/article/saints-alvin-kamara-wins-offensive-rookie-of-the-year|url-status=live}} Veteran running back Mark Ingram also scored double-digit touchdowns (12), while second-year wide receiver Michael Thomas caught 104 passes for 1,245 yards and five touchdowns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017.htm|title=2017 New Orleans Saints Statistics & Players|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=September 21, 2018|archive-date=May 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514153956/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/2017.htm|url-status=live}} In their Wild Card Weekend match-up against the Carolina Panthers, the Saints won, 31–26.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400999177|title=Brees, defensive stand, help Saints survive Panthers, 31-26|agency=Associated Press|date=January 7, 2018|work=ESPN|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730222246/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400999177|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live}}
The two teams had already met once before during the 2017 season. In Week 1 at U.S. Bank Stadium, the Vikings beat the Saints, 29–19.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400951612|title=Bradford, Vikings cruise past Saints 29-19 in opener|agency=Associated Press|date=September 12, 2017|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203048/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400951612|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} The spread for the playoff match-up opened with the Vikings favored by 3.5 points. By game time, the betting line had risen to 5.5 points.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/new-orleans-saints-vs-minnesota-vikings-odds-nfl-playoff-picks-from-top-ranked-expert/|title=New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings odds: NFL Playoff picks from top-ranked expert|date=January 14, 2018|work=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730222446/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/new-orleans-saints-vs-minnesota-vikings-odds-nfl-playoff-picks-from-top-ranked-expert/|archive-date=July 30, 2018|url-status=live}}
Game summary
{{Americanfootballbox
|titlestyle= {{NFLPrimaryColor|Minnesota Vikings}}; {{NFLSecondaryColor|Minnesota Vikings}};text-align:center;
|state=autocollapse
|title=2017-18 NFC Divisional Round: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings– Game summary
|date={{dow tooltip|January 14, 2018}}
|time=3:40 p.m. CST
|road=Saints
|R1=0 |R2=0 |R3=7 |R4=17
|home=Vikings
|H1=10 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=12
|stadium=U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
|attendance=66,612
|weather=None (indoor stadium)
|referee=Gene Steratore
|TV=Fox
|TVAnnouncers= Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Chris Myers
|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/saints-at-vikings-2017-post-2 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57497/MIN_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]
|scoring=
First quarter
- MIN – Jerick McKinnon 14-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:45. Vikings 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:15.
- MIN – Kai Forbath 20-yard field goal, 4:42. Vikings 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:27.
Second quarter
- MIN – Latavius Murray 1-yard run (Kai Forbath kick), 9:58. Vikings 17–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:08.
Third quarter
- NO – Michael Thomas 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 1:18. Vikings 17–7. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:40.
Fourth quarter
- NO – Michael Thomas 3-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 13:09. Vikings 17–14. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 3:00.
- MIN – Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, 10:12. Vikings 20–14. Drive: 7 plays, 44 yards, 2:57.
- NO – Alvin Kamara 14-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 3:01. Saints 21–20. Drive: 4 plays, 40 yards, 2:20.
- MIN – Kai Forbath 53-yard field goal, 1:29. Vikings 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 1:32.
- NO - Wil Lutz 43-yard field goal, 0:25. Saints 24–23. Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 1:04.
- MIN – Stefon Diggs 61-yard pass from Case Keenum (run failed), 0:00. Vikings 29–24. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:25.
|stats=
Top passers
- NO – Drew Brees – 25/40, 294 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
- MIN – Case Keenum – 25/40, 318 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
- NO – Alvin Kamara – 11 rushes, 43 yards
- MIN – Latavius Murray – 19 rushes, 50 yards, TD
Top receivers
- NO – Michael Thomas – 7 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD
- MIN – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 137 yards, TD
}}
=First half=
After holding New Orleans to a three-and-out on the first possession of the game, Minnesota went 55 yards in eight plays and capped off the drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by running back Jerick McKinnon with 9:45 left in the first quarter.{{cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/01/14/Last-second-Stefon-Diggs-touchdown-propels-Minnesota-Vikings-to-NFC-title-game/1311515981188/|title=Last-second Stefon Diggs touchdown propels Minnesota Vikings to NFC title game|last=Hall|first=Brian|date=January 14, 2018|work=United Press International|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131155313/https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2018/01/14/Last-second-Stefon-Diggs-touchdown-propels-Minnesota-Vikings-to-NFC-title-game/1311515981188/|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}} Roughly five minutes later in the quarter, a field goal by former Saints kicker Kai Forbath gave the hosts a 10–0 lead.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/09/kai_forbath_saints_vikings.html|title=Kai Forbath happy to be with Vikings after being cut 'out of nowhere' by Saints in 2016|last=Katzenstein|first=Josh|date=September 8, 2017|work=The Times-Picayune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806180144/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2017/09/kai_forbath_saints_vikings.html|archive-date=August 6, 2018|url-status=live}} Minnesota added to its lead on the first play of the second quarter on a one-yard score by running back Latavius Murray.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans offense struggled; Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw two interceptions and New Orleans did not complete a single third-down conversion during the first half. Of the Saints' six first-half drives (excluding the end-of-half kneel), two ended with turnovers, three ended with punts, and one ended with a missed 58-yard field goal attempt by kicker Wil Lutz. The Vikings entered halftime with a 17–0 lead. New Orleans had not failed to score in the first half of a game in over three years.{{cite news|url=http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/01/saints_vikings_playoffs_recap.html|title=Saints eliminated by Vikings on stunning final play: Final stats|last=Katzenstein|first=Josh|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=The Times-Picayune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131155442/http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/01/saints_vikings_playoffs_recap.html|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}}
=Second half=
After halftime, the Saints' play improved. Minnesota's 11-play drive to start the third quarter stalled 10 yards into New Orleans territory at the 40-yard line, and a touchback by Vikings punter Ryan Quigley gave the Saints the ball starting at their own 20-yard line. A 12-play New Orleans drive culminated with 1:18 remaining in the third quarter, when Brees threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Michael Thomas to reduce the deficit to 17–7.{{cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2018/1/14/16890528/saints-vikings-divisional-round-2018-nfl-playoffs|title=Vikings beat the Saints and erased their playoff misery with the most spectacular comeback possible|last=Thomas|first=Jeanna|date=January 14, 2018|work=SB Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131155521/https://www.sbnation.com/2018/1/14/16890528/saints-vikings-divisional-round-2018-nfl-playoffs|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}} After Saints safety Marcus Williams intercepted a pass by Case Keenum, Brees threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Thomas with 13:09 remaining in the fourth quarter to bring New Orleans within three. The Vikings responded with a 49-yard field goal by Forbath to increase their lead to 20–14.{{cite news|url=https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/14/vikings-stun-saints-29-24-on-stefon-diggs-miracle-td-on-final-play/|title=Vikings stun Saints 29–24 with game-ending miracle touchdown|last=Tomasson|first=Chris|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=St. Paul Pioneer Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115024149/https://www.twincities.com/2018/01/14/vikings-stun-saints-29-24-on-stefon-diggs-miracle-td-on-final-play/|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}}
Eventually, the Saints blocked a punt attempt from the Vikings that allowed them to take control in Vikings territory. From there, with 3:01 left in the game, the Saints took their first lead of the game, 21–20, on a 14-yard pass from Brees to running back Alvin Kamara on a wheel route.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/ct-spt-vikings-saints-nfc-playoffs-20180114-story.html|title=Stunner: Case Keenum-Stefon Diggs TD on last play gives Vikings a 29–24 playoff win over the Saints|last=Campbell|first=Dave|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115030812/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/ct-spt-vikings-saints-nfc-playoffs-20180114-story.html|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/1/15/16892192/divisional-round-recap-vikings-miracle-case-keenum-stefon-diggs|title=The Vikings Finally Have Their Forever Moment|last=Mays|first=Robert|date=January 15, 2018|work=The Ringer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131160309/https://www.theringer.com/nfl-playoffs/2018/1/15/16892192/divisional-round-recap-vikings-miracle-case-keenum-stefon-diggs|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}} Forbath nailed a 53-yard field goal with 1:29 left in the game to give Minnesota a 23–21 lead.{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/minnesota-beats-new-orleans-miracle-last-second-play-011001950.html|title=Minnesota beats New Orleans on miracle last-second play|last=Busbee|first=Jay|date=January 14, 2018|work=Yahoo! Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115024643/https://sports.yahoo.com/minnesota-beats-new-orleans-miracle-last-second-play-011001950.html|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} Brees responded by leading the Saints down the field in just 64 seconds,{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/14/new-orleans-saints-minnesota-vikings-divisional-playoffs-stefon-diggs-case-keenum-0|title=Purple Pandemonium: Vikings stun Saints on walkoff|last=Rohan|first=Tim|date=January 14, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115030236/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/14/new-orleans-saints-minnesota-vikings-divisional-playoffs-stefon-diggs-case-keenum-0|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} allowing Lutz to make a 43-yard field goal and take a 24–23 lead with 25 seconds remaining.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/14/sports/vikings-stefon-diggs-saints.html|title=Vikings Shock Saints on Stefon Diggs's Last-Second Touchdown|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124802/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/14/sports/vikings-stefon-diggs-saints.html|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|issn=0362-4331}} Following the field goal, Saints head coach Sean Payton mocked the Minnesota home crowd by imitating the Vikings fans' "Skol" clap.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sean-payton-appeared-to-mock-vikings-fans-with-skol-clap-after-saints-took-late-lead/|title=Sean Payton admits mocking Vikings fans with Skol clap, calls it 'good playoff fun'|last=Brinson|first=Will|date=January 16, 2018|work=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523204509/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sean-payton-appeared-to-mock-vikings-fans-with-skol-clap-after-saints-took-late-lead/|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}}
After a touchback and a false start by the Vikings, Keenum threw a completed pass to Diggs to their own 39-yard line, then threw two straight incompletions to set up a third-and-10 with 10 seconds remaining in regulation.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22102295/inside-play-saved-minnesota-vikings-season-crushed-new-orleans-saints|title=Inside the play that saved the Vikings' season – and crushed the Saints|last=Seifert|first=Kevin|date=January 15, 2018|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131154220/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22102295/inside-play-saved-minnesota-vikings-season-crushed-new-orleans-saints|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2018/01/pandemonium-devastated-silence-and-then-minneapolis-miracle|title=Pandemonium, devastated silence, and then ... the Minneapolis Miracle|last=Butler|first=Benjamin|date=January 19, 2018|work=MinnPost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131154603/https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2018/01/pandemonium-devastated-silence-and-then-minneapolis-miracle|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}} According to the ESPN win probability model, at this point in time the Vikings had just a 4% chance of winning the game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2018/01/14/stefon-diggss-game-winning-td-for-the-vikings-was-as-improbable-as-youd-think/|title=Stefon Diggs's game-winning TD for the Vikings was as improbable as you'd think|last=Greenberg|first=Neil|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=August 6, 2018|archive-date=August 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807001527/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2018/01/14/stefon-diggss-game-winning-td-for-the-vikings-was-as-improbable-as-youd-think/|url-status=live}}
The final play
{{external media|video1=[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-films-sound-efx/0ap3000000907778/Sound-FX-Vikings-advance-on-Stefon-Diggs-walk-off-TD Sound FX: Diggs' Walkoff TD]}}
File:Buffalo Right Seven Heaven 1.png|title=Keenum Explains X's & O's Of The 'Minneapolis Miracle' With Broncos Fans|date=June 21, 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4k1dqIiJ34|access-date=August 28, 2018|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110084504/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4k1dqIiJ34&feature=youtu.be|url-status=live}}.]]
With 10 seconds left at their own 39-yard line, the Vikings ran a play titled "Buffalo Right, Seven Heaven".{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/15/vikings-saints-case-keenum-stefon-diggs-walkoff-touchdown-nfl-playoffs-peter-king|title='That Play Right There Was God': Diggs, Dings and Dumbfounded Vikings On How They Stunned Saints|last=King|first=Peter|date=January 15, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131154152/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/15/vikings-saints-case-keenum-stefon-diggs-walkoff-touchdown-nfl-playoffs-peter-king|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live|author-link=Peter King (sportswriter)}} Each word in the play call designated a particular element of the formation or route design. "Buffalo Right" communicated that three receivers were in a bunch ("Buffalo") to the right of center. "Seven" routes are corner routes in which the pass-catchers run towards the sideline.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thephinsider.com/2016/6/20/11975890/football-101-wide-receiver-route-tree|title=Football 101: Wide receiver route tree|last=Nogle|first=Kevin|date=June 20, 2016|work=The Phinsider|access-date=August 31, 2018|quote=Route 7 - Corner: Starting to reach the deeper routes now, the corner route is an out-breaking route that is run toward - get this - the corner. The route is often used to create space underneath by pulling the safety out of the middle of the field.|archive-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630080926/https://www.thephinsider.com/2016/6/20/11975890/football-101-wide-receiver-route-tree|url-status=live}} The intent behind the play was to have a receiver catch the ball and then run out of bounds to stop the clock in time for Forbath to kick a field goal. Meanwhile, the Saints set up in an outside zone defense, which is designed to protect the sidelines and keep the offensive players from catching the ball and getting out of bounds.
Keenum took a shotgun snap with running back Jerick McKinnon to his left. Kyle Rudolph, the tight end, ran an out route underneath near the right sideline, while wide receiver Adam Thielen ran a comeback route near the left sideline. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Stefon Diggs ran corner routes, or "seven" routes, to the right sideline. The offensive line and McKinnon, who was an extra blocker for this play, blocked the four Saints pass rushers. Keenum set his feet and threw a 27-yard pass to Diggs near the right sideline, who caught the ball at the Saints' 34-yard line.
Because Keenum's pass was slightly high, Diggs had to leap into the air to make the catch.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dkhK4Gx-kk|title=Minneapolis Miracle - Winning Play - Case Keenum To Stefon Diggs|access-date=April 18, 2021|archive-date=April 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418190924/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dkhK4Gx-kk|url-status=live}} Attempting to make a diving tackle on the airborne Diggs, Saints' free safety Marcus Williams instead missed the Vikings' receiver and collided with cornerback Ken Crawley, knocking Crawley over and preventing him from having a chance to tackle Diggs. Upon returning to the ground, Diggs stumbled slightly but managed to regain his balance and stay in bounds with no Saints players nearby to tackle him. Although the original intent – and Diggs' first instinct{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/vikings-stefon-diggs-minneapolis-miracle-touchdown/1duuts23rlg7z1ftia2rn7mo0a|title=Stefon Diggs will never tire of attention after 'Minneapolis Miracle'|last=Dyer|first=Kristian|date=February 8, 2018|work=Sporting News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203404/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/vikings-stefon-diggs-minneapolis-miracle-touchdown/1duuts23rlg7z1ftia2rn7mo0a|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} – was for him to catch the ball and run out of bounds to set up a field goal attempt, Diggs, upon seeing that there were no Saints defenders between him and the end zone, immediately turned upfield and sprinted down the sideline for a touchdown as time expired.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2018/01/14/minnesota-vikings-new-orleans-nfc-playoffs-stefon-diggs/1033068001/|title=Vikings stun Saints with last-second TD to advance to NFC Championship Game|last=Jones|first=Lindsay H.|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115025805/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2018/01/14/minnesota-vikings-new-orleans-nfc-playoffs-stefon-diggs/1033068001/|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} Accordingly, the game was the first in NFL playoff history to end in regulation with a touchdown as time expired.{{cite web|url=http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/3-Stats-That-Stood-Out-Vikings-Saints-Divisional/fa24beb2-d792-4b4e-9c89-48fc2e17676f|title=3 Stats That Stood Out: Vikings-Saints Divisional|last1=Peters|first1=Craig|date=January 15, 2018|website=Vikings.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131155219/http://www.vikings.com/news/article-1/3-Stats-That-Stood-Out-Vikings-Saints-Divisional/fa24beb2-d792-4b4e-9c89-48fc2e17676f|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=dead}}
=Radio and TV media calls=
In Minnesota, the game was broadcast on KFAN, with Paul Allen and Pete Bercich serving as announcers.{{cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2018/1/14/16891078/vikings-radio-call-stefon-diggs-minneapolis-miracle-touchdown|title=The Vikings' radio call of Stefon Diggs' 'Minneapolis miracle' was perfect|last=Lyles Jr.|first=Harry|date=January 14, 2018|work=SB Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115023828/https://www.sbnation.com/2018/1/14/16891078/vikings-radio-call-stefon-diggs-minneapolis-miracle-touchdown|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} As the final play was happening, Allen said, "Are you kidding me?! It's a Minneapolis Miracle! Stefon Diggs! And the Minnesota Vikings have walked off on the New Orleans Saints! It's a 61-yard Minneapolis Miracle!"{{Cite news|url=https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/16/this-call-of-the-minneapolis-miracle-will-give-you-the-chills/|title=This call of the 'Minneapolis Miracle' will give you the chills|last=Ratke|first=Kyle|date=January 16, 2018|work=Vikings Wire|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816144645/https://vikingswire.usatoday.com/2018/01/16/this-call-of-the-minneapolis-miracle-will-give-you-the-chills/|archive-date=August 16, 2018|url-status=live}} The call went viral{{Cite news|url=https://minnesotanewsnetwork.com/voice-vikings-paul-allen-call-heard-around-world-audio/|title=Voice of the Vikings Paul Allen on the call heard around the world (AUDIO)|last=Peterson|first=Scott|date=January 15, 2018|work=Minnesota News Network|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902183259/https://minnesotanewsnetwork.com/voice-vikings-paul-allen-call-heard-around-world-audio/|archive-date=September 2, 2018|url-status=live|quote=The so-called "Minneapolis Miracle" call has gone viral and Voice of the Vikings KFAN's Paul Allen spoke with MNN's Scott Peterson about how the call came to be, and what it felt like in the booth and in the stadium when the Vikings won in such dramatic fashion.}} and the term "Minneapolis Miracle" later came to be widely used to refer to the game itself,{{Cite news|url=http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/02/03/minneapolis-miracle-play-of-the-year/|title=NFL Names 'Minneapolis Miracle' Play Of The Year|date=February 3, 2018|work=WCCO-TV|access-date=September 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203745/http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/02/03/minneapolis-miracle-play-of-the-year/|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} including by the NFL's official Twitter account minutes after the game ended.{{cite tweet|number=952721553271263234|user=NFL|title=The Minneapolis Miracle. #SKOL|date=January 14, 2018}} Some outlets also used the name "Minnesota Miracle".{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/how-vikings-pulled-off-the-minnesota-miracle-and-broke-a-curse-0ap3000000906899|title=How Vikings pulled off the 'Minnesota Miracle' and broke a curse|last=Silver|first=Michael|date=January 15, 2018|website=National Football League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115195755/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000906899/article/how-vikings-pulled-off-the-minnesota-miracle-and-broke-a-curse|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/42688877|title=Vikings win thanks to 'Minnesota Miracle'|date=January 15, 2018|newspaper=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115234637/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/42688877|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} SB Nation writer Harry Lyles Jr. later characterized Allen's call as the "perfect" radio call for the play. ESPN Brazilian Portuguese-language broadcaster Rômulo Mendonça also used the phrase Milagre em Minneapolis ("The Miracle in Minneapolis") during his live commentary.{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8RJ--ZreM0|title=Milagre em Minneapolis! por Rômulo Mendonça – Vikings x Saints 14/01/18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301125247/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8RJ--ZreM0|archive-date=March 1, 2018}}
Joe Buck was one of the Fox commentators for the game on television. As the play began, Buck narrated "Keenum steps into it. Pass is caught!" before excitedly shouting out "Diggs! Sideline! Touchdown! Unbelievable!" Sports Illustrated writer Jimmy Traina characterized the call as "perfect".{{cite magazine |last1=Traina |first1=Jimmy |title=Traina Thoughts: Joe Buck Continues To Live Up To Sports' Biggest Moments |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2018/01/15/traina-thoughts-joe-bucks-call-vikings-game-winning-touchdown-was-absolutely-perfect |access-date=7 December 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=15 January 2018 |archive-date=December 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205184034/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2018/01/15/traina-thoughts-joe-bucks-call-vikings-game-winning-touchdown-was-absolutely-perfect |url-status=live }} When interviewed in 2023, Buck stated that it was "easily the most exciting singular moment that I've ever been a part of".{{cite news |last1=Harrison |first1=Jonathan |title=Joe Buck tells SKOR North Diggs call is his favorite of all time |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/joe-buck-tells-skor-north-diggs-call-is-his-favorite-of-all-time |access-date=7 December 2024 |work=Bring Me The Sports |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=27 November 2023 |archive-date=June 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616030432/https://www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/joe-buck-tells-skor-north-diggs-call-is-his-favorite-of-all-time |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Strauss |first1=Ben |title=Joe Buck on London Series, MLB analytics and why announcers should stay off Twitter |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/06/27/joe-buck-london-series-mlb-analytics-why-announcers-should-stay-off-twitter/ |access-date=7 December 2024 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 27, 2019 |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127025830/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/06/27/joe-buck-london-series-mlb-analytics-why-announcers-should-stay-off-twitter/ |url-status=live }}
Aftermath
File:Stefon Diggs 2017 (cropped).jpg
Assuming the game was over, broadcast and stadium crew packed the field, and most Saints players left for the locker room.{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-vikings-meaningless-extra-point-took-8-minutes-but-gamblers-rejoiced-2018-1|title=It took the Vikings 8 minutes to run a meaningless play after their playoff game was decided — but gamblers rejoiced|last=Gaines|first=Cork|date=January 15, 2018|work=Business Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131160353/http://www.businessinsider.com/the-vikings-meaningless-extra-point-took-8-minutes-but-gamblers-rejoiced-2018-1|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}} Following a scoring review, both teams returned for the mandated conversion attempt. Only eight players – punter Thomas Morstead, wide receiver Austin Carr, defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, linebackers Manti Te'o and Gerald Hodges, and offensive linemen John Fullington, Josh LeRibeus, and Larry Warford – took the field for the Saints on the final play; only three of them were defensive players.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/01/saints_vikings_extra_point.html|title=How did Thomas Morstead end up on field for extra-point attempt vs. Vikings?|last=Katzenstein|first=Josh|date=January 18, 2018|work=The Times-Picayune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706232104/https://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2018/01/saints_vikings_extra_point.html|archive-date=July 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite tweet|number=952711398550892544|user=DougKyed|title=Josh LeRibeus, Thomas Morstead, Austin Carr, John Fullington, Larry Warford, Manti Te'o, Gerald Hodges and Cameron Jordan deserve a lot of credit for being good sports, coming out for the final point after.|date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301125247/https://twitter.com/DougKyed/status/952711398550892544|archive-date=March 1, 2018|url-status=live|last=Kyed|first=Doug}} While a 15-yard excessive celebration penalty was to be assessed to Diggs for throwing his helmet, the penalty could only be enforced on a kickoff.{{Cite news|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/15/stefon-diggs-helmet-throw-would-have-mattered-only-if-time-was-left-on-the-clock/|title=Stefon Diggs' helmet throw would have mattered, only if time was left on the clock|last=Florio|first=Mike|date=January 15, 2018|work=NBC Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121013300/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/15/stefon-diggs-helmet-throw-would-have-mattered-only-if-time-was-left-on-the-clock/|archive-date=January 21, 2018|url-status=live}} Keenum led the stadium in a rendition of the Vikings' "Skol" clap and chant and knelt to end the game on the two-point conversion try. The kneel down also meant that the Vikings did not cover the 5.5-point betting point spread.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/1/14/16891530/vikings-saints-results-nfl-playoffs-2018-betting-spread-extra-point|title=Vikings were forced to snap an extra-point that was meaningless to everybody except gamblers|last=Brady|first=James|date=January 14, 2018|work=SB Nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121012854/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/1/14/16891530/vikings-saints-results-nfl-playoffs-2018-betting-spread-extra-point|archive-date=January 21, 2018|url-status=live}}
The next week, the Vikings traveled to Philadelphia to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles beat the Vikings 38–7, thus denying the Vikings the opportunity to become the first team to play in a Super Bowl in its home stadium.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/21/sports/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-lii.html|title=Eagles March Past Vikings to Super Bowl, Just as They Predicted|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=January 21, 2018|work=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201020117/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/21/sports/philadelphia-eagles-super-bowl-lii.html|archive-date=February 1, 2018|url-status=live|issn=0362-4331}} In the days leading up to the NFC Championship, Vikings fans were seen performing the "Skol!" chant around various Philadelphia landmarks, such as the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they also adorned the statue of Rocky with Vikings colors.{{Cite web|url = https://6abc.com/philadelphia-eagles-nfc-championship-game-minnesota-vikings-skol-chants/2974110/|title = Minnesota Vikings fans take 'Skol' chant to 'Rocky' steps|date = 21 January 2018|access-date = January 11, 2022|archive-date = January 13, 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220113093137/https://6abc.com/philadelphia-eagles-nfc-championship-game-minnesota-vikings-skol-chants/2974110/|url-status = live}} The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LII in the Vikings' stadium, beating the New England Patriots, 41–33.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/sports/eagles-super-bowl-champions.html|title=At Long Last, the Eagles Capture Their First Super Bowl|last=Shpigel|first=Ben|date=February 4, 2018|work=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209080633/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/04/sports/eagles-super-bowl-champions.html|archive-date=February 9, 2018|url-status=live|issn=0362-4331}}
On January 15, the Vikings filed for trademarks on the phrases "Minneapolis Miracle" and "Minnesota Miracle" for use on over 100 items, from football helmets to bathing suits.{{Cite news |last=Rovell |first=Darren |author-link=Darren Rovell |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Vikings seek trademarks for 'Minneapolis Miracle' and 'Minnesota Miracle' |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/vikings-seek-trademarks-minneapolis-miracle-minnesota-miracle/story?id=52479584 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121012658/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/vikings-seek-trademarks-minneapolis-miracle-minnesota-miracle/story?id=52479584 |archive-date=January 21, 2018}} At the 7th NFL Honors, the Minneapolis Miracle won the NFL Play of the Year award.
In March 2018, the NFL instituted a new rule that eliminated the requirement to attempt an extra point or two-point conversion following a game-ending touchdown that gives a team the victory; however, the try must still be attempted if it could affect the game's outcome. For example, if the winning team is ahead by a point or two points before the try, the try must be attempted, as the losing team could potentially garner a turnover during the try and return it for a two-point conversion, thereby tying the score or even winning. The requirement had been in place because an extra-point play can affect a team's points for and against, which at the time were, and still are, used in tiebreakers for playoff seeding. Point differential had been as high as the third tiebreaker in the 1960s and 1970s, and was used to break a tie in the {{nfly|1971}} final standings; however, under the current format, points-related tiebreakers are used as the seventh through tenth tiebreakers and are unlikely to be used. Eliminating the anticlimax and confusion seen at the Minneapolis Miracle game was deemed more important.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-eliminates-unnecessary-pats-two-point-conversions-after-walk-off-touchdowns/|title=NFL eliminates unnecessary PATs, two-point conversions after walk-off touchdowns|last=Wagner-McGough|first=Sean|date=March 28, 2018|work=CBS Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203252/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-eliminates-unnecessary-pats-two-point-conversions-after-walk-off-touchdowns/|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}}
In April 2018, it was announced that Diggs' cleats would be displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dbknews.com/2018/04/25/stefon-diggs-minnesota-vikings-touchdown-maryland-football/|title=The cleats from Stefon Diggs' Minneapolis Miracle are going to the Hall of Fame|last=Cann|first=Harrison|date=April 24, 2018|work=The Diamondback|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523204719/http://www.dbknews.com/2018/04/25/stefon-diggs-minnesota-vikings-touchdown-maryland-football/|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} The play also won the Best Moment ESPY Award at the 2018 ESPY Awards.{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/magic-moment-stefon-diggs-game-winning-catch-vs-saints-wins-espy-award/488568531/|title=Magic Moment: Stefon Diggs' game-winning catch vs. Saints wins ESPY award|last=Stensaas|first=Brian|date=July 18, 2018|work=Star Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720155203/http://www.startribune.com/magic-moment-stefon-diggs-game-winning-catch-vs-saints-wins-espy-award/488568531/|archive-date=July 20, 2018|url-status=live}}
Keenum left the Vikings after the 2017–18 season and signed a two-year, $36 million contract with the Denver Broncos.{{Cite news|url=https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/14/nfl-news-denver-broncos-officially-sign-case-keenum/|title=Broncos officially sign Case Keenum to 2-year, $36M contract|last=Heath|first=Jon|date=March 14, 2018|work=USA Today|access-date=September 9, 2018}} The other two quarterbacks on the roster, Bradford and Bridgewater, also joined new teams in free agency. Bradford joined the Arizona Cardinals,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/13/sam-bradford-signs-arizona-cardinals-contract|title=Report: QB Sam Bradford to Sign One-Year Deal Worth $20 Million With Cardinals|last=Chavez|first=Chris|date=March 13, 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909222015/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/03/13/sam-bradford-signs-arizona-cardinals-contract|url-status=live}} while Bridgewater signed with the New York Jets before being traded to the Saints to back up Brees.{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24514786/jets-trade-quarterback-teddy-bridgewater-saints|title=Jets trade backup QB Teddy Bridgewater to Saints|last=Cimini|first=Rich|date=August 29, 2018|work=ESPN|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901075924/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24514786/jets-trade-quarterback-teddy-bridgewater-saints|url-status=live}} To replace the departed trio, Minnesota signed Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/inside-kirk-cousins-historic-contract-with-minnesota-vikings-0ap3000000921414|title=Inside Kirk Cousins' historic contract with Minnesota Vikings|author-link=Ian Rapoport|last=Rapoport|first=Ian|date=March 15, 2018|work=NFL.com|access-date=September 9, 2018}} Meanwhile, Diggs received a five-year extension from the Vikings for $81 million,{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24242859/minnesota-vikings-sign-stefon-diggs-five-year-extension|title=Vikings keep Stefon Diggs in fold through 2023 season|date=July 31, 2018|work=ESPN|access-date=September 9, 2018}} but would be traded to the Buffalo Bills in March 2020.{{cite web |last1=Bergman |first1=Jeremy |date=March 16, 2020 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-acquire-wr-stefon-diggs-from-vikings-in-trade-0ap3000001106563 |title=Bills acquire WR Stefon Diggs from Vikings in trade |website=NFL.com |access-date=September 13, 2024 |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830081312/https://www.nfl.com/news/bills-acquire-wr-stefon-diggs-from-vikings-in-trade-0ap3000001106563 |url-status=live }}
During the 2018 offseason, Payton explained that he was using the play to motivate his players and himself.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/payton-using-minneapolis-miracle-pain-as-motivation-0ap3000000943215|title=Payton using 'Minneapolis Miracle' pain as motivation|last=Patra|first=Kevin|date=July 31, 2018|work=NFL.com|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411200907/https://www.nfl.com/news/payton-using-minneapolis-miracle-pain-as-motivation-0ap3000000943215|url-status=live}} Payton also expressed regret about calling a draw play for Alvin Kamara on third-and-one on the Saints' final drive. He explained that the failure to convert – and thereby extend the drive – provided the Vikings with the opportunity to get one final possession after Wil Lutz's field goal. Had they gotten the first down, the Saints could have run down the clock to the point where they could have won the game with a walk off field goal.{{Cite news|url=https://whodatdish.com/2018/07/16/sean-paytons-biggest-regret-minnesota-miracle/|title=Sean Payton's biggest regret in Minnesota Miracle|last=Anderson|first=Roy|date=July 16, 2018|work=Who Dat Dish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915170819/http://whodatdish.com/2018/07/16/sean-paytons-biggest-regret-minnesota-miracle/|archive-date=September 15, 2018|url-status=live}} In an interview published days before the 2018 NFL season, Marcus Williams explained that he had made peace with his error and its consequences: "I don't think about what everyone else is saying. I just do me and play."{{Cite news|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2794570-marcus-williams-is-putting-minneapolis-miracle-past-him-i-just-do-me-and-play|title=The Minneapolis Miracle Won't Define Marcus Williams|last=Tesfatsion|first=Master|date=September 7, 2018|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-date=September 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908122820/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2794570-marcus-williams-is-putting-minneapolis-miracle-past-him-i-just-do-me-and-play|url-status=live}}
The Vikings and Saints faced off once again at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 8 of the 2018 season, in what was billed as a "rematch" of the Minneapolis Miracle game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2018-nfl-schedule-release-ranking-top-nine-prime-time-games-0ap3000000927542|title=2018 NFL schedule release: Ranking top nine prime-time games|author-link=Adam Schein|last=Schein|first=Adam|date=April 19, 2018|work=NFL.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915170633/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927542/article/2018-nfl-schedule-release-ranking-top-nine-primetime-games|archive-date=September 15, 2018|url-status=live|quote=The "Minneapolis Miracle" rematch -- but this time with Kirk Cousins quarterbacking Minnesota.}} The Saints won the game, 30–20.{{Cite news |first=Mike |last=Triplett |title=Saints' defense gets revenge at Minnesota with sixth straight win |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/30757/saints-defense-gets-revenge-at-minnesota-for-sixth-straight-win |work=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |date=October 29, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 }} In the 2019 season, the two teams met again in the postseason, in a Wild Card game at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Vikings won in overtime, 26–20.{{cite web |title=Cook, Vikings upend Saints 26-20 in OT in NFC playoffs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=January 5, 2020 |date=January 5, 2020 |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108074811/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131038 |url-status=live }}
=Reception=
NFL.com writer Marc Sessler and The Ringer writer Robert Mays, among others, quickly deemed the game an "instant classic", worthy of entry into NFL lore.{{cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/case-keenum-on-game-winning-td-i-can-t-believe-it-0ap3000000906763|title=Case Keenum on game-winning TD: 'I can't believe it'|last=Sessler|first=Marc|date=January 14, 2018|work=NFL.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115032019/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000906763/article/case-keenum-on-gamewinning-td-i-cant-believe-it|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|publisher=National Football League}}{{cite tweet|user=robertmays|first=Robert|last=Mays|title=There are worse ways to spend a Sunday evening than taking in an instant classic.|number=952709486220754944|date=January 14, 2018}} Several commentators – including Mays and former Vikings general manager Jeff Diamond{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/minneapolis-miracle-vikings-touchdown-stefon-diggs-nfl-playoff-history/1nseplzhj225f1d3cth8pkfjh9|title=What 'Minneapolis Miracle' means for Vikings, NFL playoff history|author-link=Jeff Diamond|last=Diamond|first=Jeff|date=January 21, 2018|work=Sporting News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523203919/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/minneapolis-miracle-vikings-touchdown-stefon-diggs-nfl-playoff-history/1nseplzhj225f1d3cth8pkfjh9|archive-date=May 23, 2018|url-status=live}} – described the game as ending the Vikings' history of postseason heartbreak.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/vikings-outrun-their-tortured-history-stun-saints-with-miraculous-final-play-by-stefon-diggs/2018/01/14/d12e6b2a-f95f-11e7-8f66-2df0b94bb98a_story.html|title=Vikings outrun their tortured history, stun Saints with miraculous final play by Stefon Diggs|last=Svrluga|first=Barry|date=January 14, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115121313/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/vikings-outrun-their-tortured-history-stun-saints-with-miraculous-final-play-by-stefon-diggs/2018/01/14/d12e6b2a-f95f-11e7-8f66-2df0b94bb98a_story.html|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|issn=0190-8286}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/25403/curse-no-more-case-keenum-desperation-heave-sends-vikings-to-nfc-title-game|title=Curse no more: Case Keenum's desperation heave sends Vikings to NFC title game|last=Cronin|first=Courtney|date=January 14, 2018|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115031011/http://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/25403/curse-no-more-case-keenum-desperation-heave-sends-vikings-to-nfc-title-game|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} Keenum and Diggs earned widespread praise for their late-game heroics.{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2754136-skol-mary-case-keenum-keeps-surprises-coming-delivers-a-miracle-in-minnesota|title=Skol Mary: Case Keenum Keeps Surprises Coming, Delivers a Miracle in Minnesota|last=Freeman|first=Mike|date=January 14, 2018|work=Bleacher Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115033228/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2754136-skol-mary-case-keenum-keeps-surprises-coming-delivers-a-miracle-in-minnesota|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} Joe Buck later told Rich Eisen in an interview: "As far as football, it's probably number one for exciting moments that I've been a part of."{{cite AV media|people=Joe Buck; Rich Eisen|date=January 15, 2018|title=FOX Sports' Joe Buck Talks Vikings/Saints & More w/Rich Eisen|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ezz7Bz9GiQ&t=1m51s|medium=YouTube|publisher=The Rich Eisen Show|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301125247/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ezz7Bz9GiQ&t=1m51s|archive-date=March 1, 2018}}
Meanwhile, Williams – who earlier intercepted Keenum to help get New Orleans back into the game – was widely criticized for diving at Diggs instead of waiting to tackle him in bounds.{{cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2754145-twitter-explodes-for-stefon-diggs-td-after-marcus-williams-historic-error|title=Twitter Explodes for Stefon Diggs' TD After Marcus Williams' Historic Error|last=Zucker|first=Joseph|date=January 14, 2018|work=Bleacher Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115030045/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2754145-twitter-explodes-for-stefon-diggs-td-after-marcus-williams-historic-error|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live}} Some compared the mistake to Bill Buckner's 1986 World Series error.{{Cite news|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/marcus-williams-missed-tackle-stefon-diggs-fox-joe-buck-troy-aikman-chris-myers-ryan-clark-saints-vikings/wob0h8lkzujk1bwfaup9j3ttp|title=Was Marcus Williams' whiff the worst mistake in NFL playoff history?|last=McCarthy|first=Michael|date=January 17, 2018|work=Sporting News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131155917/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/marcus-williams-missed-tackle-stefon-diggs-fox-joe-buck-troy-aikman-chris-myers-ryan-clark-saints-vikings/wob0h8lkzujk1bwfaup9j3ttp|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22113310/marcus-williams-new-orleans-saints-thanks-supporters-says-let-one-play-define-him|title=Saints' Williams vows not to let play define him|last=Triplett|first=Mike|date=January 16, 2018|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131160059/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22113310/marcus-williams-new-orleans-saints-thanks-supporters-says-let-one-play-define-him|archive-date=January 31, 2018|url-status=live}}
Saints punter Thomas Morstead was praised for his sportsmanship as he was the first player to return to the field for the extra point attempt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_02498608-4fd8-5732-ae60-a9db99de0960.html|title=How did Thomas Morstead end up on field for extra-point attempt vs. Vikings?|date=January 18, 2018|access-date=September 27, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927135357/https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_02498608-4fd8-5732-ae60-a9db99de0960.html|url-status=live}} In recognition, Minnesota fans donated more than $221,000 to Morstead's charity.{{Cite web |last=Harlow |first=Tim |date=January 20, 2018 |title=Donations rocket past $220,000 for Saints punter's good deed |url=http://www.startribune.com/donations-to-saints-punter-s-charity-rockets-past-200-000/470134813/ |access-date=2024-12-06 |website=Star Tribune}}
Starting lineups
The starting lineups for the game were:{{Cite web|url=https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57497/MIN_Gamebook.pdf|title=National Football League Game Summary: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings|date=January 14, 2018|publisher=National Football League|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006041711/https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/57497/MIN_Gamebook.pdf|archive-date=October 6, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=October 7, 2018}}
Officials
The officials for the game were:
- Referee: Gene Steratore (#114)
- Umpire: Roy Ellison (#81)
- Down judge: Thomas Symonette (#100)
- Line judge: Mark Steinkerchner (#84)
- Field judge: Scott Novak (#1)
- Side judge: Boris Cheek (#41)
- Back judge: Greg Meyer (#78)
- Replay official: Paul Weidner
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|id=A7g9v0BSsvA|title=Video of the full game}}
- {{YouTube|id=OJzpoj_NxqQ|title=Video of the game-winning play}}
- [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801140min.htm Pro Football Reference game profile]
{{Minnesota Vikings}}
{{New Orleans Saints}}
{{NFL on Fox}}
Category:Minnesota Vikings postseason
Category:New Orleans Saints postseason
Category:2018 in sports in Minnesota
Category:January 2018 sports events in the United States