Andersen Can Sympathize With His Counterpart

Morten Andersen converted the game-winning field goal Sunday in the Falcons’ 30-27 overtime victory over Minnesota in the NFC championship, but he can feel for his Viking counterpart, Gary Anderson.

Anderson had a 38-yard attempt in the fourth quarter that might have clinched the Vikings’ fifth Super Bowl berth, but he missed wide to the left. Andersen said he has been in that situation often enough himself to not even think about gloating.

“I sure do empathize,” Andersen said. “He’s shown over the years how good he is. He’ll go down in history as one of the greatest.”

Said Falcon safety Eugene Robinson: “Their guy was perfect all year long. His misfortune was our fortune.”

Andersen ran off the field almost immediately after his game-winning field goal. “As soon as I hit it, I knew it was good,” he said. “I just wanted to get some distance from all the people who were coming over to crush me.”