Twists, turns, comebacks, right down to the last minute, was the game last Sunday between the Vikings and the Buffalo Bills. 

The game, the catch, the interceptions. It was like watching one of those edge of your seat, heart racing, thriller movies. You never know what is going to happen.

The Vikings were the underdog and not just because of the Bills home field advantage. The Bills lead the AFC in 2021-2022 with an 11-6 record. The NFL sports media were projecting them to be a possible contender for the upcoming Super Bowl. And, they had some good weapons – Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Devin Singletary and Von Miller.

The Vikings had a 7-1 record, winning six straight games in a row. This wasn’t enough for the NFL and sports media. Constant skepticism, especially on Cousins. “The Vikings haven’t really played anyone,” was heard over and over. 

Minnesota took the lead with a touchdown to Justin Jefferson, after he had a 46 yard reception prior. Vikings, 7-0. Buffalo came back on their next drive to tie it up. The Vikings offense struggled to move the ball and the Bills scored again. The Vikings were down, 14-7, at end of the first quarter. 

Second quarter, Cousins was intercepted and the Bills took over in the Minnesota red zone. The Vikings defense held them to a field goal. The score was 17-7 early in the second quarter. Midway through, Joseph kicked a field goal. It was now 17-10.

The Vikings defense made a big play and forced a fumble and took into Buffalo territory. Vikings were unable to score off this turnover. Bills had the ball back and scored a touchdown on the drive. Going into halftime, Bills were up, 24-10. 

The Vikings had the ball in the second half. Cousins threw an interception and Buffalo was able to score with a field goal. It was now, 27-10. 

The third quarter was closing down with under two minutes. The Vikings came back with a hand-off to Dalvin Cook, who took it 81 yards for a touchdown. Now 27-17. 

To start the fourth quarter, Allen threw a pass interception in the end zone to Patrick Peterson, who ran it back to the 34 yard line. From there, the Vikings took it to the three.  Fullback, C.J. Ham pushed his way in for the touchdown. Greg Joseph missed the extra point, leaving the Vikings, 23-27. 

Vikings defense held and they took the ball back. Once again, at fourth down. The Vikings had to do something. Cousins threw it up to Justin Jefferson. Jefferson jumps up with a defender, and catches with one hand, secures the ball and holds onto it as he comes down.  The crowd, announcers, his teammates and us at home, roared in awe of what we just saw. 

“It looked like hope was lost on fourth and 18 in Viking territory, until Jefferson made what might be the single greatest catch in NFL history, “said Christopher Gates of the Daily Norseman. 

Justin’s catch kept the Vikings going and came down to a fourth and goal at the one yard line. Cousins tried a quarterback sneak and was short. The Bills were taking over at the one. It was not looking good for the Vikings. Until..

Allen gets ready, and then fumbles the snap. Viking’s linebacker, Eric Kendricks, jumps on it. It’s ruled a touchdown. Vikings are up, 30-27. 

The Bills have the ball back and with less than a minute of fourth quarter, Allen throws the ball to Gabe Davis for a 20 yard reception. Davis did not maintain possession of the ball.  The BIlls moved quickly before there would be a review. The NFL has since said, “The league officials failed to review this catch and should have been ruled incomplete.” The Bills went on to tie it up 30-30. 

The Vikings win the toss in overtime. They moved the ball down the field and were on the second yard line. Dalvin Cook went to rush in but took a loss of three yards. The Bills had 12 defenders on the field. Another miss by the league officials. 

The Bills got the ball back and moved down to the 20 yard line. Allen, looking to connect with Davis in the end zone, when cornerback Patrick Peterson intercepts him once again. Game over. Vikings win!

The doubts, the setbacks, the missed calls and the Vikings came out ahead. Adversity was no match. 

In all the interviews with the Vikings, from the head coach to the big play makers, one thing you hear over and over is, “It is a team win and we work together.” 

The future looks good.