MINNEAPOLIS — The New York Giants were already comfortably in the playoffs. The Minnesota Vikings? There was nothing comfortable about their situation, let alone their entire season.
With plenty of practice in dealing with drama, the Vikings rallied past the resting Giants for a 20-19 victory Sunday to qualify for the postseason for the first time in four years.
“They had to earn it, as it should be, and that makes it that much sweeter,” coach Brad Childress said.
Ryan Longwell’s 50-yard field goal as time expired gave Minnesota its first division title since 2000, rendering Chicago’s game at Houston moot. The Bears lost to the Texans 31-24 anyway, but this was the way the Vikings (10-6) were determined to go in.
They didn’t want to back into their first NFC North crown since the league realigned six years ago.
“It wouldn’t have felt the same if we won the division by default,” Pro Bowl left guard Steve Hutchinson said.
Minnesota will host a first-round game next Sunday, against Philadelphia.
“I think this game’s going to build character and give us something to reflect back on,” defensive end Jared Allen said.
Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was benched after two losses to open the season, the offense struggled into October, star middle linebacker E.J. Henderson was lost for the season to a foot injury, and the Vikings took a 3-4 record into their bye week.
But they rebounded by winning five of their final six games.
“It was rocky,” Vikings running back Adrian Peterson said, “but we continued to fight.”
