Minnesota Vikings complete largest comeback in NFL history
Down by one point with 10 seconds left on the clock, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins snapped the ball from his own 38 yard-line, praying for something to happen. Cousins threw a pass to Stefon Diggs, and Diggs went the distance as the clock hit zeros to beat the New Orleans Saints in the divisional round of the 2017 NFL playoffs.
Still unbelievable.
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The play would later become known as the Minneapolis Miracle. Five seasons later, Skol wrote their sequel.
The Vikings spent Week 15 at home, hosting the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. Things started out poorly for Minnesota, and as the first half went on, they only got worse. Soon, the Vikings found themselves down 33-0 after 30 minutes of football.
That wasn't the end of the ball game, though; not by a long shot.
Minnesota got the ball to start the third-quarter, sending the punt unit onto the field after three plays. All hope was lost in the stands as Vikings fans started to clear out of U.S. Bank Stadium. The players, however, didn't lose hope.
After quickly forcing a punt, Minnesota got the ball back and drove downfield for a touchdown. The Vikings finally had points - the first of many to come. Minnesota followed up on their touchdown drive, adding another six points to the board on each of their next two possessions. Suddenly, the score was 36-21, and Skol was right back in it.
Cousins and recently acquired wideout Jalen Reagor had communication issues on their next drive, leading to an interception-throw with 8:09 left in the fourth-quarter. The Vikings defense took to the field and forced a three-and-out, giving their offense the football once again. No mistakes were made this time, and Minnesota added another touchdown to the scoreboard.
The game was now 36-28, and the Vikings were down by one score despite facing a 33-point deficit at halftime.
Vikings complete largest ever NFL comeback, writing their names in NFL's history books.
Minnesota was still trailing with 2:15 on the clock. The team had to piece together a drive quickly that ended in six and convert a two-point conversion to tie-up the game. With one screen pass to running back Dalvin Cook, that's exactly what happened.
@NFLDALVIN COOK TO THE HOUSE 😱
A screen pass goes the distance and the Vikings convert the ensuing two-point try to tie the game at 36 apiece.
🎥 @NFL
https://t.co/XFoNhtdOza
After a short toss to T.J. Hockenson following Cook's touchdown, the game was tied. Overtime in Minneapolis.
Minnesota got the ball first in the extra period but couldn't do anything with it, eventually settling for a punt. Now in control of the football, the Colts had one last chance to save the game where they once had a 33-point lead. Instead, they came up empty, and Kirk Cousins stepped back onto the field.
The offense drove 60 yards in just under two minutes, setting kicker Greg Joseph up with a 40-yard field goal that would rewrite history. Joseph sealed the deal, and Minnesota earned the record for largest comeback in NFL history on their own turf.
The Minneapolis Miracle 2.0 was completed, and those who remained at the stadium through Saturday's hardship enjoyed the experience of a lifetime. Minnesota is now 11-3, and with this win, they've officially won the NFC North. Cheers, Skol.