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NFL’s most talented team is gone

Posted Jan 25, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Jan 28, 2010 at 10:58 PM

TAMPA—The Saints have already knocked off pro football’s most talented club.

We already knew the Vikings placed a league-high nine players on the Pro Bowl squad, but Minnesota displayed its star power throughout Sunday’s losing effort against the Saints. Facing an outstanding team on the road, the Vikes nearly overcame five giveaways in a 31-28 OT loss.

If Brett Favre hadn’t thrown that ill-advised interception late in the fourth quarter, Minnesota had a very good chance to beat New Orleans, despite committing four more turnovers.

You don’t overcome a minus-4 turnover ratio on the road in a conference title game unless you’re stocked with skilled players.

The Vikings rolled up 31 first downs and 475 yards, dominated time of possession and outplayed the Saints virtually from start to finish. Mistakes did them in, one step shy of their first Super Bowl berth in 33 years.

Most of those Pro Bowlers will be back, including young stars like WRs Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin and RB Adrian Peterson, who has a real problem with ball security.

But it’s hard to imagine Favre having a better season if he decides to return and there are no guarantees the Vikings can get this far again. They will look back at Sunday’s NFC championship game with deep regret for what might have been.