Game Memories: Eagles dominate Vikings in NFC Championship Game 38-7 to advance to Super Bowl LII
Jan 21, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson walks off the field after beating the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
On Jan. 21, 2017 was one of the greatest night’s in Philadelphia Eagles history. The Eagles were facing off against the Minnesota Vikings in Lincoln Financial Field for the NFC Championship game.
The last time the Eagles were in a NFC Championship game was 2009 at the Arizona Cardinals where they lost 48-20. The last time they won was 2004 against the Atlanta Falcons where they won 27-10.
Now, we forget history, it’s time to make history.
A couple days before the game, Vikings fans gathered in front of the famous Rocky statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Arts. The fans dressed Rocky in Vikings attire and did their “skol” chant. This got people furious.
This led to an insane tailgate which led to some very crazy events. Vikings fans didn’t know what they were walking into as people were kicking police horses, getting in fights, drinking a little too much, and there’s even a video of someone eating horse poop! The craziest part was the fan interactions. Vikings fans were walking into some uncharted territories. And after they did what they did earlier that week, there was no escape. Vikings fans were getting booed, cursed at, and even getting in some fights with fans. It was crazy.
But the fun wouldn’t officially start until 6:40 P.M.
The game started off with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Generald Wilson, as the Eagle started to fly around the stadium.
Now, it’s game time!
The Eagles won the toss, they deferred.
As the possibly the most hype Rocky intro of all time played, Jake Elliot would kick the ball off.
As the Vikings started practically marching down the field, the Eagles defense was not good. It was first down, after first down, after first down for the Vikings. It was not a good look.
The Vikings were on the 25 yard line as Case Keenum threw a floater to Kyle Rudolf for a 25-yard touchdown. Perfect start for the Vikings as the Eagles practically had no life on the play. Kai Forbath’s extra-point was good and the Vikings would start off with a
While it’s an awful start for the Birds, the Vikings had an incredible start.
Until now.
Keenum decides to throw on a 3rd & 8, which is kind of obvious. Keenum steps back and starts to look. Chris Long rushes Keenum and hits his left arm which goes to his chest. Keenum throws and completely misses his target. Patrick Robinson picks it off at the 50 yard line. He runs right around the Vikings offense as he gets many good blocks. He gets a huge block by Ronald Darby at the 15 yard line. After that, no one is near Robinson as he gets a 50 yard pick six to set a record for the loudest crowd noise in Lincoln Financial Field.
That was the end of the first quarter. Both teams locked up at 7.
Since the pick six, there was no chance at all for the Vikings.
The Eagles started marching right down the field that led to a LeGarrette Blount 11 yard run touchdown as he practically ran right through the Vikings defense. The Eagles would take the the lead 14-7.
The Eagles wouldn’t look back as they would steamroll their way past the Vikings as they scored another touchdown in the second quarter.
Nick Foles stepped back. He immediately got pressured. He was being swarmed by a couple defenseman. He ascaped and threw it down the field to an wide ope Alshon Jeffery he would walk into the endzone. A 53-yard pass by Foles, which was the longest of the night, put the Eagles up 21-7.
Jake Elliot ended the half with a 38-yard field goal to extend the Eagles’ lead to 24-7.
At halftime the score was 28-7. And oh no, the Eagles didn’t stop there!
The Eagles would start off the half with the ball, and they started the half off like the Viking started off the game, with a touchdown.
Foles would hand the ball off to Corey Clement, who flea flicked it back to Foles, who threw it 41 yards to Torrey Smith who caught the ball in the corner of the endzone for the touchdown.
That was all for the third as the Eagles are up 31-7!
It seemed the Vikings had given up at this point. So just to tip it off, Foles threw a five-yard pass to a leaping Alshon Jeffery to put the icing on the cake to end a historic night.
The clock clicked zero, and for the first time since 2004, the Eagles are going to the Super Bowl!
As the celebration ensued, fans were jumping up and down, the players were hype, the dog masks came out, fans made their own “skol” chant as they changed “skol” to “Foles”, and Doug Pederson got a gatorade bath. The trophy was given to the Eagles as fans started to head out to broad street to celebrate.
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