The reclamation of Tarvaris Jackson continued Sunday at the Metrodome with the resilient quarterback using his finest performance of a trying season to lead the Vikings into the NFL playoffs.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf sprinted onto the field in jubilation after Ryan Longwell's game-winning field goal, and other staffers hugged and celebrated the team's first division championship since 2000.
Chad Pennington never directly expressed the sentiment, of course, for doing so would have been an even bigger upset than his and the Dolphins' season has been.
Vikings owner Zygi Wilf clapped nervously as he stood on the sideline Sunday awaiting Ryan Longwell's 50-yard field-goal attempt with five seconds left in regulation and his team trailing by two.
CarolinaPanthers coach John Fox has spent much of this week trying to play down the importance of his team getting the NFC playoffs' second seed and an accompanying first-round bye.
One honest reply from Minnesota coach Brad Childress earlier this week summed up better than any detailed Football analysis why nobody should be surprised Sunday if the Bears win the NFC North title.