Keenum’s Vikings are former Rams head coach Jeff Fisher’s dream realized

With the Los Angeles Rams out of the playoffs, fans are left watching the Vikings and Eagles in the NFC.  But you may also notice some similarities between the Vikings and the Rams the last few years.

It’s one of those moments that Vikings fans will talk about for the rest of their lives. They will remember where they watched the Minnesota Miracle—Stefon Diggs catching the Case Keenum pass and inexplicably scampering into the end zone untouched as time expired to advance to the NFC Championship game—take place. As a Minnesota resident (but devoted Los Angeles Rams fan), I can attest to the level of euphoria Vikings fans are feeling today.

It is easy to forget that Keenum was the opening day starter for the Rams last year, starting nine games before being benched for Jared Goff. This year, Keenum and the Vikings look tough and have a chance to play the first home game Super Bowl if they beat the Eagles next Sunday.

As I look at this Vikings team, I imagine it is exactly what Jeff Fisher had in mind. Consider: The Vikings have the best defense in the NFL, stifling teams with their talent and physicality. They are a run-first team, who both signed a workhorse running back (Latavius Murray) in the offseason and drafted another (Dalvin Cook) high. And when they do pass, blue-collar-all-heart Keenum delivers to playmaking wide receivers.

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Similarly, the Fisher’s Rams were built around defense, invested heavily in the running back position (RBs Drafted under Fisher: Isaiah Pead, Daryl Richardson, Zac Stacy, Tre Mason, Todd Gurley), and continually sought the elusive big play wide receiver in the draft and free agency (Draft: Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Bud Sasser, Pharoh Cooper, Mike Thomas, Free Agency: Kenny Britt), never seeing it realized in Fisher’s time.

The Vikings are doing what Fisher wanted to do, but never could.

Still, there are weaknesses to that. Consider a few of the balls Keenum heaved up toward the end of the game that were ill-advised and nearly intercepted. When the game demands that teams pass, this model will be at a disadvantage.

But this time it worked.

Next: 3 ways Rams can better use Sammy Watkins in 2018

The Vikings will be a tough

h out in the playoffs this year. Good luck to Case Keenum in the NFC Championship game. This could not happen to a better guy.