PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Vikings would have traveled anywhere to play in their first Super Bowl since 1977.
This year, though, the game is in their stadium. They won't be in it.
''I mean, we would've loved to play in the Super Bowl if it was in China,'' coach Mike Zimmer said Sunday night after the Philadelphia Eagles humbled Minnesota 38-7 for the NFC championship. ''But we didn't play good enough to win. I know that's cliche, but it's true. "
''We have to give them a lot of credit, they played great on defense, played good on offense. Some of our strengths they attacked on third downs, which was one of our strengths all along. They got after us tonight.''
Sure did. After the Vikings (14-4) took a 7-0 lead on the game's opening drive, it was all Philadelphia (15-3). One place the Eagles dominated was third downs, converting 10 of 14 against the league leader on defense in that category.
Two of those conversions were for touchdowns on Nick Foles' passes to Alshon Jeffery for 53 and 5 yards.
Was Zimmer surprised by how his team couldn't handle such situations?
''No. Actually most of the things they did, we practiced,'' he said. ''They ran them just a little better than we covered them.''
Well, a lot better.
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