Zimmer: Finally, the Vikings make NFL history that isn't tragic

It was the Miracle in Minneapolis, and no one saw it coming.

When the Saints converted a 43-yard field goal with under 30 seconds to play to take a 24-23 lead, it seemed like the logical next chapter in the Minnesota Vikings’ long history of kicking their fans in the gut.

Yes, the Vikings dominated the first half, made Hall of Famer Drew Brees look impossibly ordinary while Case Keenum and Adam Thielen (did you guys hear that they were undrafted free agents?) continued their magical seasons in giving Minnesota a commanding 17-0 lead.

All over Twitter non-Vikings fans and media confidently proclaimed the Vikings were headed to the NFC Championship game at top-seeded Philadelphia.

Vikings fans knew better. When the Saints began chipping away at the lead, that familiar, sinking feeling returned. Keenum threw a ridiculous interception. And took a bad sack. The dominant defense lost its mojo. They got a punt blocked.

Though Kai Forbath hit maybe the biggest field goal in team history – a go-ahead 53-yarder with less than two minutes to play – the fact that the Vikings left so much time for Brees to answer made Forbath’s kick almost seem secondary.

At that point Vikings fans were certain of one thing: Brees would lead the Saints into field goal range, and Saints kicker Wil Lutz would do what Gary Anderson and Blair Walsh could not do – make the one that mattered. That’s exactly what happened, and while the Saints left 25 seconds on the clock, there was little reason to think that was enough time. New Orleans’ 4th and 10 conversion was about to be added to the signpost of shame that already reads Darren Nelson, Gary Anderson, 41-0 and Blair Walsh, among many, many others.

The Vikings had done exactly what their fans expected. They’d verified the order of things. A Super Bowl-caliber Vikings team blowing a 17-point lead in a home playoff game? That’s what the Vikings do.

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Then, finally, the football gods smiled on the purple.

There have been some great moments in Vikings history – this is a team with 20 division titles and four Super Bowl appearances, after all – but Stefon Diggs’ 61-yard catch-and-run from Keenum as time expired is probably the first time the Vikings were on the right side of one of the most memorable moments in NFL history.

And make no mistake, this one is way up there. This is Franco Harris’ immaculate reception, John Elway leading the Broncos on ‘The Drive’, Dwight Clark’s ‘The Catch’, David Tyree clasping the ball against his helmet against the unbeaten Patriots.

There is still time for the Vikings to break their fans hearts before this season ends, as this win merely puts them in the NFC Championship game – but at the very least, Diggs’ catch provides some temporary relief. Something good actually happened to us.

I’ll be honest – as a Vikings fan I’m having trouble processing this.

All throughout Sunday’s game I was surprised at how emotionally involved I allowed myself to get. I jumped off the couch when Andrew Sendejo made a diving first-half interception. I shouted “Ceeee-Jaaaay!!” when former Augustana running back CJ Ham converted a first down. I said things I’m not proud of every time Saints coach Sean Payton appeared on the screen.

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Then came the collapse, and I started to shut down. I knew what was happening. I tried to tell myself, even when the Vikings clung to a 17-14 lead, that they were OK, but I knew they were not.

When the Saints lined up for the 4th and 10 in the final minute, I glanced skyward and offered a quick prayer. I'm not the kind of person who has any right to call on the man upstairs, and of course the Saints converted.

Then came the Miracle. I held no hope. I was resigned to defeat. Keenum let it fly, and as the camera panned to Diggs it was quickly apparent there was a chance for a catch. I barely reacted.

KWSN radio’s John Gaskins, who is a Chiefs fan, was a guest at my house watching the game. He jumped to his feet as Diggs came down with the ball.

“OH!,” Gaskins screamed. “OH MY GOD! THEY WON!”

Meanwhile the Vikings fan in the house didn’t move. Joe Buck gave a terrific call of the winning play, and I just sat there. I couldn’t believe that had actually happened. There had to be a flag, right? Or Diggs stepped out of bounds. Something. Surely this couldn’t be real.

As it became apparent that yes, Diggs’ touchdown was good and the Vikings had pulled off one of the most spectacular victories in NFL history, I got a little annoyed at myself for not enjoying it as it happened. But that’s not my fault – it’s the Vikings fault for torturing me for the last 30 years.

Maybe this year is different. Maybe this is how the Vikes make like the Red Sox and Cubs and kill their demons forever on their way to a championship. Not counting sudden-death overtime, this was the first walk-off touchdown in NFL playoff history. And if the Vikings can knock off the Eagles in Philly next week, they’ll be the first team ever to play on their home field in the Super Bowl.

Maybe, just maybe, it's time for Vikings fans to believe.