Flashback Friday: A Thrilling Upset – Vikings vs. Saints
LeeAnn Lowman
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On January 3rd, 1988 the Minnesota Vikings upset the New Orleans Saints in a wildcard game for the ages. The 1987 season had been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Midway through the season, a player strike shortened the number of games played to 15. Teams, including the Vikings, were forced to play for 3 weeks with replacement players called “scabs.” It upset the equilibrium of the team and caused a lot of turmoil heading into the playoff picture.
Setting the Scene
The 12-3 New Orleans Saints believed they were on a date with destiny. They had never had a winning season and never made it to the playoffs. The “who dat” crowd felt this was their time as they hosted the Vikings. They were even coming off a 9 game win streak. The Vikings had a different, more improbable path. They went 0-3 when their replacements played and ended the season 8-7 just squeaking in as the 5th seed (NFL didn’t go to the 6th seed format until 1990, there were also only 3 divisions). No one gave them much hope leading up to the game.
How It Started
It felt like everything that could go wrong did for the Vikings at the start of the game. The Saints came out strong with Rickey Jackson sacking Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer on the opening drive. On the second play of the game, Kramer fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Saints who scored almost immediately. Kramer was pulled from the game. Then the bottom dropped out in glorious fashion.
What Went Wrong
With the Vikings losing the often injured but still starting Kramer, it felt like hope was lost. But instead, the Saints were never able to get their mojo back. All season they had played exceptional football in every facet of the game, including special teams. There is no word to describe the gameplay but atrocious. They had 6 turnovers including 4 interceptions – 2 for each quarterback – Bobby Hebert and Dave Wilson.
What Went Right
On the other side of the ball, the Vikings couldn’t do anything wrong. The defense was channeling the Purple People Eaters of old. This improbable game included the Vikes scoring off a punt, a trick play, a hail mary, and after a replay. Wide receiver Anthony Carter returned 6 punts for 143 yards, including an 84-yard touchdown return. At that time it was a playoff record. One first-half touchdown was a halfback option; running back Allen Rice to Carter. Rice had played QB at Baylor and everyone knew it, except apparently the Saints. Rice rolled right and threw a 10 yard TD pass. Second-string QB Wade Wilson had an incredible game.
A few plays later Wilson got his “bell rung” and had to be pulled from the game. It was so bad he was seen staggering towards the Saints bench. The Vikings were able to recover the ball prior to halftime and head coach Jerry Burns put Wilson back in to throw one big bomb to the endzone before time expired. Improbably Hassan Jones came down with the ball and scored a 44 yard TD.
| New Orleans Saints | Minnesota Vikings | |
| 1st Downs | 9 | 28 |
| Net Yards | 149 | 417 |
| Passing (Attempts/Comp./Int) | 31-11-4 | 30-17-0 |
| Sacks | 2 for 8 yards | 6 for 42 yards |
| Punt Returns | 1 for 0 yards | 6 for 143 yards |
| 3rd down completion rates | 20% | 63% |
| Time of Possession | 18:42 | `41:18 |
How It Ended
The Vikings continued to steamroll the Saints and secured a 44-10 victory. After their score at the start of the game, the Saints never found the endzone again. The Vikings moved on to the divisional playoffs and went on to upset the 49ers in San Fran the following week, 36-24. Ultimately the season ended with a loss to the then Washington Redskins, now Washington Football Team, 17-10 in the NFC Championship.
That game lives on in the minds of sports fans as an improbable end to an improbable season.
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