It was a great season, but again the Vikings are home watching the Super Bowl after a missed opportunity late in the fourth quarter. In 1998 it was Gary Anderson that missed a chip shot to seal the deal, this year it was Brett Favre trying to make a play on a down that should have been a run. Much like the Boston Red Sox’s epic drought of World Series titles, the Vikings have epic fail written squarely across their foreheads.
Listen, dont get me wrong, the Vikings did not deserve to win this game with all the mistakes that were made during the game. Fumbles were as plenty as bare breasts on bourbon street during Mardi Gras, and a penalty on the last drive for 12 men knocked them out of field goal range. How could you, in all seriousness, figure out how to blow a shot like that with a penalty as stupid as 12 men in the huddle. I could understand if this was 2nd grade fucking pop warner football, but not in the NFL. For that, someone needs to lose their job.
Secondly, the fumbles were ridiculous. The Berrian fumble in the red zone during an amazing drive was completely unacceptable, and the Peterson fumble on the goal line at the end of the first half should be on blooper reals for the next fucking century. To think that a team with so much to play for would come in and blow it in that fashion is heart-wrenching.
Then, on the Favre interception, I have no idea why that was not a run play. This has continually been an issue all season, and Childress is responsible. This includes problems during the Bears loss in Chicago, and a few calls from this game as well. Longwell is as sure footed of a kicker as any in the league, and there was no reason to call a pass. When you factor in that the Vikings still had one time out, and Favre still decided to throw across the field, rather than throwing to Berrian or keeping it, the reason they lost becomes more apparent.
Im disappointed, Im angry, I dont even know what to say anymore. It feels like 1998 all over again, although the salt in the wound is absent with the Saints being favored and at home. Regardless, the Vikings now need to move forward as a franchise, with or without Favre, and figure out a way to exercise the demons.
The season wasnt a complete loss, but it sure feels like it now. I can only imagine what is going on in that locker room, but it doesnt really matter now. All that matters to me is that it happens some time in my life. From here on out, after this loss, its looking more and more grim every day.