Ex-Viking Matt Birk finds himself in another conference championship game. It’s his fourth chance to go to the Super Bowl, after missing out in 1998 and 2000 with Minnesota (NFC) and 2012 with his current team, the Baltimore Ravens (AFC).
The St. Paul native was contemplating retirement after last year’s AFC title game loss to New England, but he still centers a sturdy offensive line which also features ex-Viking Bryant McKinnie.
After upsetting the heavily-favored Denver Broncos last Sunday, the Ravens will again face the Patriots, with the winner headed to Super Bowl XLVII.
To get there, the Vikings Age wrote that Birk experienced a bit of deja vu last Sunday — ending up on the other end of a questionable kneel-down.
To advance to the Super Bowl? Baltimore’s “Press Box” web site says Birk and fellow lineman Marshal Yanda must contain Patriots nose guard Vince Wilfork, who dominated in last year’s title bout.
