Vikings news: Bill Parcells says team needs to forget about 'Minneapolis Miracle'

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off as an emotional a playoff victory as the franchise has ever had following the Minneapolis Miracle, but Hall of Famer Bill Parcells says the team needs to forget all of that.

The Minnesota Vikings are coming off a thrilling victory over the New Orleans Saints. After it seemed as though all hope was lost on the last drive of the game, Case Keenum threw an improbable 61-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs which is now being referred to as the Minneapolis Miracle.

As the Vikings shift their focus to the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles, head coach Mike Zimmer's mentor, Bill Parcells, has provided some sage advice. Parcells believes the team needs to the incredible come-from-behind victory behind them in order to solely focus on preparing for the Eagles, via Chris Tomasson of Twin Cities Pioneer Press.

“(Zimmer’s) worked hard,’’ Parcells said. “They’ve overcome a lot of things this year, and they’ve got a good club and I’m wishing them well going forward. Now, he’s got to go on the road and play at Philadelphia. He’s got to play on grass, you don’t know what the elements are going to be, so that’s a big challenge.’’

Parcells has talked to Zimmer about the team’s schedule this week and about putting the emotional victory behind the Vikings because “you have to eliminate anything that interferes with that preparation.’’

Emotional hangovers from wins like the team just experienced can be enough to take down a squad in the playoffs. Parcells has a point and whether the Vikings can concentrate on the task ahead remains to be seen as they'll be facing an Eagles team determined to prove they belong where they are despite the loss of quarterback Carson Wentz.

Although the Eagles are the top seed in the NFC, the Vikings will head into this game on the road as the favorites. Philadelphia, even after a win over the Atlanta Falcons, isn't exactly getting treated as if they deserve the top spot in the conference and therefore have embraced the underdog role.

As for Minnesota, Keenum and company continue to roll as they try to become the first team in the NFL to play in a Super Bowl hosted in their city. The Vikings and Eagles will battle it out on Sunday following the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.