Vikings: 5-11 Or 15-1? Ten Plays That Shaped the 2008 Season

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

What Could Have Happened: There is no reason to think Peterson wouldn't have scored had he caught the ball with a step on Brooks. In that case, the Vikings go up by seven and could have won a much-needed game to put them on top of the NFC North by a game.

4. Falcons Recover Own Fumble in Endzone for Touchdown: Week 16 vs. Falcons

In the third quarter of a game against the Atlanta Falcons later in the season at the Metrodome, the Vikings were down by seven with the defense looking to make a play and get the offense back on the field. Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan dove toward the goal line and was hit low and the ball popped loose in the endzone. Both cornerback Cedric Griffin and safety Darren Sharper had shots at picking up the loose ball but neither could, as Falcons tackle Justin Blalock fell on top of it and gave the Falcons a 24-7 lead. The Falcons won 24-17.

What Could Have Happened: If the Vikings fall on top of the ball, they give the ball back to the offense only down by 10 with much of the second half to go. And judging by how they finished the game, the Vikings had enough fire power left to come back and win the game to clinch the division title.

5. Jackson's Interception That Was Returned For a Touchdown: Wild Card Playoffs vs. Eagles

In the first round of the playoffs, the Vikings were playing a Philadelphia Eagles team that was not supposed to be there in the first place, but got help the previous week along with blowing out the Dallas Cowboys to win an NFC Wild Card spot.

In the second quarter with the Eagles holding a two-point edge, Tarvaris Jackson threw a terrible pass to the right that was intercepted by Asante Samuel and returned for a touchdown to put the Eagles up 16-7. The Eagles won 26-14 to end the Vikings' season.

What Could Have Happened: If Jackson simply holds the ball and takes a sack, the Vikings can punt the ball away and give quarterback Donovan McNabb and company a longer field. That would have given the Vikings defense an advantage and with a turnover or two, put them in a position to score points and move on to the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Plays That Helped the Vikings Win the NFC North

1. Peterson's Touchdown Run to Beat Green Bay: Week 10 vs. Packers

With both the Vikings and Packers sitting at 4-4 in a week 10 border battle, quarterback Gus Frerotte had already thrown three interceptions, one for a touchdown, and the offense was not getting much done.

With less than five minutes, Adrian Peterson provided the spark that the offense needed. With just over two minutes left in the game, Peterson took a handoff to the right and with some good blocking, scampered 29 yards for the tying touchdown. Ryan Longwell kicked the extra point to give the Vikings the lead 28-27 and Minnesota won to move up a game over Green Bay in the NFC North.

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