12/28/2003: They say the game of football is a grudge match that requires complete mental concentration and physical dedication for a full 60 minutes. Because, as we've seen time and again in the NFL, one play can alter a team's entire season.
Unfortunately, for the Minnesota Vikings and their fans, they learned this lesson the hard way back in Week 17 of the 2003 season. With the Vikings sitting at 9-6 and needing a win to keep their postseason dreams alive, Minnesota clung to a 17-12 lead over the Arizona Cardinals with less than two minutes left in the game. But, as Herman Edwards once famously said, "You play to win the game."
With the clock running out, Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown dropped back and scrambled out of the pocket, firing a pass downfield towards the end zone. And, in a moment that is forever ingrained in the memories of Vikings fans, Cardinals wide receiver Nate Poole hauled in the 28-yard pass as time expired. For the Cardinals, it was the ultimate ending to an otherwise disappointing 4-12 season. For the Vikings, it was a finish that knocked them out of playoff contention and left them wondering what might have been.
Thursday Night Matchup Notes
- Vikings lead all-time series 13-10
- 1 of 2 games in Week 14 featuring two teams with winning records
To check out previous installments of "What Comes Next", click here.
