The Vikings looked like their game with the Dolphins would head into overtime. With the game tied, 35-35, with just 41 seconds left, punter Jeff Locke was in position to kick the ball downfield and hope the Minnesota defense could hold Miami scoreless for the rest of regulation.
But it wasn’t to be. Instead, Locke’s punt from deep in Vikings territory was blocked. The ball went through the back of the end zone, giving Miami the safety and the two points for the win.
https://twitter.com/TheCauldron/status/546780382306111488
RT @christomasson: Long snappers generally only are recognized when they mess up. Cullen Loeffler really messed up.
— Pioneer Press (@PioneerPress) December 21, 2014
After a half-century, #vikings still finding new and creative ways to lose
— RandBall (@RandBall) December 21, 2014
The Vikings started out strong in the first half, scoring two touchdowns to go up 14-0 early on, according to the Star Tribune. Miami came back in the third quarter, scoring three TDs to take a 21-17 lead.
The teams traded scores again, and the Vikings tied the game at 28-28 with less than five minutes to go in the game on an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jarius Wright, and a two-point conversion by Matt Asiata.
On the ensuing kickoff, Dolphins’ returner Jarvis Landry fumbled the ball and the Vikings recovered on the five-yard line. Asiata then ran it in on the next play and suddenly the Vikings were up by seven points, 35-28.
But Miami then executed an 80-yard drive to score a TD and tie the game at 35-35 with 1:11 left. The Vikings went three-and-out, setting up the fateful punt by Locke.
Zimmer: We played so poor on defense that it was embarassing. We didnt line up good enough. We had stupid penalties. Just ridiculous.
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) December 21, 2014
https://twitter.com/jerridsebesta/status/546788793118756864
Minnesota is now 6-9, and will finish the season next Sunday at home against the Chicago Bears.
