Another Minnesota Vikings Season

For about a half century, I’ve felt this moment. Another Minnesota Vikings season. Despite none of those seasons ending with that one incredible win, it’s been a beautiful thing. I’ve enjoyed every moment of being a Vikings fan. Well, not every moment. There’s been some frustrations. Despite those frustrations, it’s been a blast. 

During my time with the team, the Vikings have been remarkably consistent. Unlike their division foes, the Vikings have had no extended periods of being a trash team. The Green Bay Packers were trash for most of my first twenty years of following football. They were so sad that they played a handful of games each season in Milwaukee. The Chicago Bears were trash for about a decade and occasional stretches since 1985. The Detroit Lions were trash for nearly all of my life. The Vikings have been playoff contenders far more often than not since their first Super Bowl appearance in 1969. Only four times since then have the Vikings had consecutive losing seasons (1984-85, 2001-02, 2010-11, and 2013-14). Unfortunately, three of those have come in the last 25 years. The only stretch in which the Vikings have had three consecutive losing seasons was the franchise’s first three seasons. I’m an optimistic fella. Even at the start of their least promising seasons, I have the playoffs and often even a Super Bowl in mind. Even if their talent is suspect I expect them to outplay that talent. Despite the appalling number of instances in which it hasn’t, I expect the ball to bounce their way. Always. In that way, I’m unlike most Vikings fans. Most Vikings expect the worst. The question is always when will the worst happen. Not whether it happens. The Minneapolis Miracle is the rarity. Gary Anderson’s miss is the norm. It’s always been that way. 

Until this season!

This Vikings season is expected to be one of transition. A daunting schedule. Especially the first half. An interim quarterback. The quarterback of the future is in the building but won’t be on the field. His knee is in a brace. The future might be bright but the present is a little hazy. Still, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Here are a few.

Justin Jefferson

Christian Darrisaw

Jordan Addison

Aaron Jones

Jonathan Greenard

Dallas Turner

Justin Jefferson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Harrison Smith

Stephon Gilmore

Joshua Metellus

Camryn Bynum

Justin Jefferson

Will Reichard

Kevin O’Connell

Brian Flores

Justin Jefferson

Another Minnesota Vikings season begins today. It’s going to be beautiful. Just like the past half century, I can’t wait. Skol!