Posted on 12/26/2005 4:44:14 AM PST by mainepatsfan
Boller, Ravens knock Vikings out of NFC playoff race
BALTIMORE (AP) -- All season long, the Minnesota Vikings relied on their defense to win.
The unit collapsed Sunday night, and so did Minnesota's flickering playoff hopes.
Kyle Boller went 24-for-34 for 289 yards and three touchdowns, and the Baltimore Ravens eliminated the Vikings from the postseason hunt with a 30-23 victory.
Needing a win to stay alive, the Vikings (8-7) came up with their worst defensive performance in two months. Minnesota, which hadn't given up more than 23 points since Oct. 30, allowed the Ravens to go 10-for-15 on third down.
"We didn't play well at all. Our offense gave us enough points to come out with a win," cornerback Antoine Winfield said. "What hurt was third down. They kept drives going. We can't do that."
The loss gave the New York Giants (10-5) a playoff berth.
"The two biggest things in the game are not staying on the field on third down, and not getting off the field on third down," Minnesota coach Mike Tice said. "Defensively, the coaches tried a lot of different things."
None of them worked.
"We're sick to our stomachs for not getting this win," tight end Jim Kleinsasser said.
Baltimore (6-9) was long ago eliminated from playoff contention, but the Ravens came up with a solid performance anyway.
"We tried to frame it as a playoff-caliber game because it was for them, and therefore it was for us," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "The whole team -- and Kyle -- stepped up to the challenge."
(Excerpt) Read more at sports.espn.go.com ...
A Dallas Win AND (a Carolina OR Washington Loss) gets Dallas in the playoffs. Both Dallas and Carolina will be 10-6 and Dallas hold the head-to-head tie breaker.
GO Eagles !!!!!!!!
GO Falcons!!!!
Go birds!!!
I really can't see Sherman getting the nod to continue on.
They have had a lot of injuries, but the play calling this year has been terrible.
Brett has had no time, and I just think they need a complete overhaul.
Nolan Cromwell should also go. The special teams have not had a great year.
Just would never have imagined the Packers losing so many home games this year.
I think the 'Boys best bet is for Atlanta to knock out Carolina.
This G-man fan is begging for a Round 1 matchup with the cowpokes. Bledsoe moves like a statute and the OT couldn't contain Osi and Strahan if their mothers were in the pocket. The over and under will be how many times Bledsoe throws it into the dirt.,p.ahhh, late season smack talking...I missed it.
Is Brunel playing against the Eagles? He has a sprained MCL.
I'm sure ABC would love that as well but I think the Giants will probably be hosting Carolina in round one.
Haven't heard.
Thanks. It goes well with the other 11 NFL championships (a record 12 in all).
Still the only team to win three in a row.
If we were to face anyone in the first round, I'd want the Cowboys or Panthers. Not the Buccanneers, because it'd then be a conflict of interests (relative works for the Bucs). Here's hoping the Giants manage to get the Bears...and another shot at the Seahawks before the season ends (and, if that all goes well, a trip to Detroit. :D ).
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