NFL Tragedy #6: You Missed THIS Field Goal?

Continuing our "NFL's top ten tragic moments, we go to #6, the Minnesota Vikings choking in the NFC title game.

NFL Tragedy #6: You Missed THIS Field Goal?

Minnesota Vikings placekicker Gary Anderson had not missed a single field goal attempt all season long.

It was January 17, 1998, and the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings were ahead of the Atlanta Falcons 27-20 in the NFC title game with just over two minutes remaining. A 30 yard field goal, in a dome, would seal the NFC championship for the team, and send the first black coach (Denny Green) / black quarterback (Randall Cunningham) duo in NFL history to go to a Super Bowl.

With offensive stars like Cunningham, Randy Moss, and Cris Carter, the Vikings were an offensive powerhouse all season long. In this game, they built up a 20-7 lead late in the second quarter, yet could not get it done in the second half.

But it didn't matter, because Anderson was perfect. All they needed as another field goal.

Anderson missed it.

The Falcons, led by journeyman quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson, marched down the field and scored to fie the game at 27-27.

Minnesota won the overtime toss but in two possessions it went one first down and out. Appearing more unsettled as the game went on, Cunningham was a mere two for seven for 23 yards in overtime. In overtime, Falcons kicker Morten Andersen won the game with a field goal.

The fans were in shock.

The Vikings have not been to an NFC title game since, and have never won an NFL title.

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