Minnesota Vikings beat New York Giants to reach playoffs

CHARGERS: Agent David Canter said safety Eric Weddle was fined $10,000 by the team for remaining on the sideline at halftime of a December 20 home game to watch his daughter dance in a program sponsored by the team’s cheerleaders.

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (24) runs with his interception of a pass from New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Minneapolis. I’m the head coach, I’m responsible. “Our offense did not”.

The defense was far from ideal. Jennings had 14 carries and two catches for 136 total yards.

Image (below): On the first third down of the game, the Vikings run a zone blitz with Everson Griffen (97) dropping into coverage.

The offense couldn’t capitalize. Manning had a miscommunication with receiver Rueben Randle and the pass went into the hands of Harrison Smith, who returned it 35 yards for a touchdown.

“Once we get in the playoffs, the only team that can beat the Vikings is the Vikings”, Bridgewater said, citing Zimmer’s message to the team this week.

While the Giants didn’t have the best talent in the league, they easily could have won the weak NFC East. Six of their losses came in the final 75 seconds of games.

As he did after the game, Manning refused to use Beckham’s absence as an excuse for the offensive struggles. “We ran the ball pretty well, just it was tough to find a completion”.

But Coughlin is stuck in a different paradigm now, one that leaves him in the awkward and uncomfortable position of shielding his players from questions about his job status, of being asked to acknowledge the regret players admit in believing they’ve let him down.

“We had an opportunity to play for pride and to regain some respect and I thought everybody was on the same page”. It would be a chance to remind everyone of the joy Coughlin and his two title teams brought, and for fans to thank him as he leaves. “I just want him to be more consistent all the time”. “Defensively, it was outstanding”. It’s not about me; I’m here for them. “It’s a shame that they have to be put in the position where they have to respond about something to do with me”.

Punter Brad Wing said the Giants have some vengeance on their mind against the Eagles. So are the Eagles, who visit MetLife Stadium for the season finale on Sunday. They know. And Manning knows better than anyone, even if refuses to dwell on it. Remember: The Giants have lost seven of their games this season by fewer than seven points.

“What’s on my mind”, Manning said, “is finishing this season and trying to finish the season strong and getting a win versus Philadelphia and end on a high note”. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and linebacker J.T. Thomas also didn’t practice because of ankle injuries. Still, the QB has not looked good at all this season.

“I didn’t see this coming”, Coughlin said.

“I will tell the team not to be distracted by it”, he said. I’m hoping that the players, they’re not going to get centered around that.

“We like to handle business ourselves”. What will happen with Beckham going forward? I think our guys feel good about the things we’re doing.

The speculation about job security is something to which Coughlin and the Giants have gotten accustomed, although the circumstances would appear to make the current situation more tenuous than any of the other times he has been on the perceived hot seat. Obviously, I have great respect for him, I wanted to do my job and do my job well, and get into the playoffs and have a big season, so he could continue to be the head coach.