Vikes record first shutout in 24 years
Minnesota still in chase for first-round bye in playoffs.
GREEN BAY, WIS. — While winning at Lambeau Field means a lot to the Minnesota Vikings, the NFC North champions have bigger goals in mind.
A first-round playoff bye is well within reach.
The Vikings took care of business on their end with a 16-0 victory Saturday night over the injury-depleted Green Bay Packers, the team’s first shutout in 24 years.
Having already clinched the division title, Minnesota (12-3) could have wrapped up a first-round bye with a Carolina loss or tie on Sunday to Tampa Bay, but the Panthers rallied late to win 22-19.
“I’m hoping we can get one more win, work on some things we need to work on ... and then go out and play our rear ends off in the playoffs,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said.
Stefon Diggs caught a 4-yard pass from quarterback Case Keenum just inside the back line of the end zone in the first quarter for the only touchdown.
After the game, Keenum stopped before heading up the tunnel at Lambeau, clapping his hands above his head while Vikings fans chanted “Skol! Skol!”
They felt right at home in Titletown.
“Defense played absolutely incredible today, and we did enough. It doesn’t matter how, it matters how many,” Keenum said.
The Packers (7-8) managed to hold a 239-236 edge in total yards. They were still shut out twice in a season for the first time since 2006.
“I never felt more defeated, more embarrassed by a performance. Yeah, we had opportunities, and we didn’t connect when we did,” receiver Randall Cobb said.
Brett Hundley was 17 of 40 for 130 yards with two interceptions in taking over at quarterback again for Aaron Rodgers, who returned to injured reserve last week after missing seven games earlier in the year with a collarbone injury.
“It’s so frustrating just because of the fact that I know what I can do,” Hundley said.
“But to go out there and not be consistent — which is my number one goal — and just give our team an opportunity to win each game, that hurts.”
Minnesota recored its first shutout since a 13-0 win over Detroit on Dec. 5, 1993.
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