MN Sports Blog

The Vikings return to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 2000 where they were embarrassed by the New York Giants 41-0. The Vikings will take on the explosive offense of the New Orleans Saints led by Drew Brees and the resurgent Reggie Bush. The Vikings have a fairly impressive offensive duo themselves in Brett Favre and Adrian Peterson. The offensive side of the ball is nearly a sure thing for both teams but what the game is going to come down to is defense, which is where the Vikings have the sure edge.

Here is a breakdown of how each team ranked during the regular season in all of the NFL.

Offense

• Total Offense ( YPG): Saints 1st (403.8) vs. Vikings 5th (379.6)
• Passing (YPG): Saints 4th (272.2) vs. Vikings 8th (259.8)
• Rushing (YPG): Saints 6th (131.6) vs. Vikings 13th (119.9)
• Averaged ranking: Saints 5.5 vs Vikings 8.6

Defense

• Total Defense (YPG): Vikings 6th (305.5) vs. Saints 25th (357.8)
• Pass Defense (YPG): Vikings 19th (218.4) vs. Saints 26th (235.6)
• Rush Defense (YPG): Vikings 2nd (87.1) vs. Saints 21st (122.2)
• Averaged Ranking: Vikings 9th vs Saints 24th

Numbers can be deceiving but clearly the Saints and Vikings have very high powered offenses but only the Vikings have the shut down defense needed to win Championships. A huge challenge for the Vikings will be winning on the road in the incredibly loud dome of New Orleans. The Vikings were a perfect 9-0 at home this year but all 4 losses came on the road.

Playing for the NFC title and the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl will hopefully prove to be all the motivation the Vikings need to shut down the Saints on Sunday.

Sunday’s Game: Kick-off 5:30CT on FOX

Minnesota Sports Blog