The Best Of The Daily Norseman...So, The Weather Forecast for Tomorrow
by Ted Glover on Jun 3, 2011 2:00 PM CDT
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PrintEdit: We've been kicking around what to do with the lockout. As a staff, we're tired of talking about the stadium and the labor issues, so what we're going to do is open up the archives of DN and put some of our better posts back on the front page. What constitutes a 'best of' post? That's for each staff member to figure out. We'll even open up the comments again, so you can mock us for our ridiculous predictions or statements...because at least in my case, I've made far too many of them.
Anyway, we'll do this periodically throughout the summer, at least until there's football to talk about. And don't worry, we'll stay on top of the stadium and labor issues as they occur.
This was one of my first posts as a front page guy, and it originally appeared on Jan 24th, 2010, a couple hours after the Vikings lost the NFC Championship game in New Orleans. I don't know why, but this struck a chord with a lot of people, and I received a lot of email from guys wanting to tell me about their Dad and the Vikings.
--Hope you enjoy, Ted
Is partly sunny, with a few clouds, and a chance of snow. When I wake up tomorrow morning for work, I'm pretty sure my wife and kids will still love me, I know my dog will, and I even think my Mom will. Hell, I know she will. She's my Mom, she has to, she has no choice.
Is this how I envisoned the season to end? No, no it is most definitely not. This was the last, best chance that Minnesota had to win the Super Bowl before my Dad leaves me. He might hang around a few more years; I hope he's here 10 or 20 more years, but that's not the point. He won't be. He knows it, and I know it. And we both knew, that once Favre signed, we were all in for this season, and our fortunes rode as far as the magical arm of #4 would take us.
Well, he took us a helluva long way. More than if he hadn't played. That's little consolation now, and I'm sure many of you will question the emotional investment. I will not. Maybe it's because I'm numb to what the Vikings do in big games because my heartbreak goes back to the Nixon administration, but truth be told this is FAR from the worst I have felt after a Vikings loss. It sucks, and please, by all means, focus on the suckitude, because it's what we do. Other than Browns fans, it's something we excel at better than anyone in the NFL. And yeah, this sucks, but this isn't even as bad as 1987. Trust me on this. 1975 and 1998 makes this look like a pre-season game.
Anyways, as I dropped my Dad off at his place tonight, I got him comfortable, put on some polka music for him (if you're not down with the Six Fat Dutchmen, my friend, you're not down) and just...lingered...for a minute or two. I wanted to cry, and I think he did too, as the realization of what wasn't going to happen started to hit us. But, as always, he had it figured out long before his ignorant son did.
"Well, son, you can't win them all."
"No Dad, you can't. But it would be nice to win one."
"It was a helluva run. I had a great time watching the games with you this year. Who woulda thought Brett Favre was going to be our quarterback?"
"Who woulda thought, Pop?"
"Give me a hug and go home. The sun will come out tomorrow. Might snow a little bit, but we'll live."
"I'm sorry the Vikings didn't win, Dad."
"Son, I know if it was up to you, they would have won the Super Bowl. Just wasn't meant to be. Go home, I'll see you tomorrow."
After all these years, Dad still knows best. On the way home, the song 'Centerfield' by John Fogerty came on.
Yeah, it's a baseball song. But it's about renewal, hope, and a new season. Which is really all we have to focus on, now that the Saints are going to the Super Bowl, and not the Vikings.
This hurts, but life goes on. Longer for some more than others, but it does go on.
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Writing like this is why...
… I keep reading this site even though I’m not a Viking fan. Cheers, mate. Glad to hear you’re enjoying your Dad while he’s around. I lost mine way too soon.
What begins in fear usually ends in folly.
by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Jan 24, 2010 10:49 PM CST reply actions
In all seriousness
Thanks. Thanks very much.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Exactly...
Not a Vikings Fan, but this site offers some of the best sports writing on the web. This article is a perfect example. and I really think you touched on such an important point in the midst of your beautiful words. The great thing about being a fan is about the little things that happen througout the course of the game and throughout the season. Whether it is the draft, training camp, Packer/Viking week, or the playoffs…it is all the more enjoyable with those sepical people we have developed a bond with through the years. My father and I ahven’t talked about anything other than sports for the past 20 years….. but we talk passioniately about the Packers every day. The Vikings have lots of bright days ahead and i look to a continuation of the best rivalry in the NFL for the next 100 years.
by Sequoia on Jan 25, 2010 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm touched
That was beautiful!
My world does not stop turning.
This is just another test of our faith and thanks to rays of sunshine like your post
my faith remains strong. Rec’d
A bird in the hand is worth about 10.99 at KFC and makes me lick my chops
Yummy!!!!!
Good post
Amazing how one sided the stats were :
1st Downs 31 15
Passing 1st downs
17 8
Rushing 1st downs
10 4
1st downs from Penalties
4 3
3rd down efficiency
7-12 3-12
4th down efficiency
0-0 1-1
Total Plays 82 55
Total Yards 475 257
Passing 310 189
Comp-Att
28-46 17-31
Yards per pass
6.7 6.1
Rushing 165 68
Rushing Attempts
36 23
Yards per rush
4.6 3.0
Red Zone (Made-Att) 4-6 3-3
Penalties 5-32 9-88
Turnovers 5 1
Fumbles lost
3 1
Interceptions thrown
2 0
Defensive / Special Teams TDs 0 0
Possession 36:49 27:56
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
Perspective.
I will be the 1st to tell you how hard this loss was. Turn on the news. Hundreds of thousands dead in Haiti, America stuck in two wars, and an economy that leaves 1 in 10 without a job. Bottom line is that football is just a realease from it all. I feel for you MilCardFan, because my father as well is gettin up there in age and he has told me that witnessing a Vikes super bowl was also a life dream. Back to work tomorrow I suppose and back to life. SKOL my brothers.
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 24, 2010 10:51 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Nice Post
I’m much younger than you but my dad is also not going to be around for many more years as he’s in his late 70’s. Glad you get to share Viking’s games with him as it is great to share emotional moments with father’s as they age. I rarely comment here, but enjoy reading classy and touching posts like this. Next year the sun will come out.
by CanadianViking on Jan 24, 2010 10:53 PM CST reply actions
Good thoughts...
It is our curse/blessing to be a Vikings fan…I too have lived through much worse than this when we talk of the Vikings….as you know by now…being an old fart as seen from my posts here…
You know that it might snow tomorrow, and certainly there will be a tomorrow….and a new season….and this season was a good one, just not the best one (a SB W)…your Dad is exactly right…
As much as we all would like to have done it this year, do think we still have a window to get it done…and hopefully while such fans as you and your Dad can enjoy together…I too would like nothing more than to see one SB before I move from this world, and will be here year after year to see if it will happen…
Just remember, that sweet spot is there, and God willing, we will be back next year to get ours…..The team played hard, made mistakes, but were in the game…in spite of themselves…to the end….They did not roll over, they made it a game…They fought, which is what I ask of them…
Tthere are many moments this season that were potential turning points when you look back…and I am sure the team will be doing just that in preparation for next year…as they should….The Saints also deserve theirs, so if we can take something from this, maybe it is that on this particular day, for this particular game, at this particular time….it is their day…
So let’s all take a rest, a break, and prepare ourselves for what is sure to come as the tomorrow….a new season, new hope, return of faith, and the Vikings! Good night all, and see you latest next season for thise of you that just are there for the playoffs…Guys like MilCardFan, his Dad, and I will be right here….
SKOL VIKINGS!!!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 24, 2010 10:54 PM CST reply actions
Good attitude at least
Probably the best slant is to just ignore this awful loss and try to (somehow) move on but I doubt that everyone can easily do that. I’d not be surprised if the Vikes just lost a good chunk of fans tonight – and I’m sorry but even if they take a break from watching out of disgust, that doesn’t make them any less of a fan, imho, it just makes them tired of being crapped on.
I’m still trying to decide if it’s worth the emotional investment going forward, especially since our team is just getting older and we don’t really have the young franchise QB that we really need AND we have so many glaring needs (Secondary, D-Line, parts of the O-line, a better RB who doesn’t fumble). I see many, many dark seasons ahead before we can get good enough to even sniff the playoffs again. Le sigh.
It's always darkest before the dawn
Twins came out of nowhere in ’87 and ’91. Ohio State came out of nowhere in 2002, and pretty much dominated the decade.
Cardinals won it all in 2006 after nearly pissing it all away in September.
It can happen, it just seems farther away now than at any time in the last 10 years.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
You aren't kidding brother...
Plus I talk a big game but I’ll cave in and watch next year, knowing me. LOL
This was just the worst way to lose a game. Honestly, and I’m not kidding, I’d much, MUCH rather just get blown out. In many ways that’s simply easier to take.
What I’m worried about is that our team and specifically our defense is just getting older. I saw an article about teams that have peaked and are on the downward slide and we’re near the top due to pressing needs and an older team. :( It’ll be years before we have another shot like this with this kind of team. Oh well. |:(
The Audacity of Hope
Edison did not succeed in inventing a workable elelctric light bulb his first 3,000 or so tries.
If he and everyone else like him had given up, we’d have likely spent this night sitting in the dark or set our house on fire.
It’s even harder to win the lottery if you never buy the ticket.
Yep Right On Point!
Quitters never win, and winners never quit! *
- They also often do not tell you how many times they failed before winning!!!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:00 AM CST up reply actions
Hi Wytefang...
I guess having been around so long watching them I take a different perspective on any particular game, playoff game, or season even….
Over time, this team has provided me so many moments of true happiness and enjoyment….These are worth the times when we have these type of heartbreaker games…
Knowing what we were going into tonight (all the factors we discussed ad nauseum prior to the game LOL), my hope was that we would win, which we did not as we know…
More importantly to me though, was that we go in and give it hell, which we definitely did do. We did make mistakes and they were costly as we know.
BUt we did not give up to the end, which is what I expected from this team. Mistakes and all, they did their level best….I truly believe that…
That they did not come away with the W as hoped for is somewhat irrelevent in the long term view for me. I know we WILL be back next year, and with a talented squad…
That squad has yet more experience under their belt. They know the bitter taste of defeat, the pressure to get to that point of playing for it all (almost)….
Thye will be even more hungry next year, and will perhaps not have a letdown in the season that will cause them to lose the chance to get the number one seed….
Let’s see, but know your outlook is different from mine, for sure. I would ask that you and all other fans on the edge look within yourselves…..
Ask “What moments of joy did I get, and moments of sadness?” When you do this, compare these to not having been a fan at all….
Is it not better to have been in the mix and feeling the ups and downs, as opposed to detaching completely and missing it all?
Life is like that…You can play it safe not get onvolved and miss the highs or great points, or get involved actively and play the game of life….valiently fighting to make a difference…
I choose the latter in this case…I will not win all the time, but I will play every moment God gives me to the hilt…bet on that…and at the end of the day, is enough for me….
Cheers!!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 12:05 AM CST up reply actions
Well that's a tough one..for me...
I’m always expectant of great success. I want to go all the way EVERY season so I’m a super hard fan to please, I think. LOL Don’t use me as the norm, cause I’m definitely not.
I think this was their best shot in a long time and will be for a long time to come, I guess that’s what hurts so much. :( I am pleased that they didn’t give up, though, I’ll say that much. I was VERY impressed by that, despite the Turnovers. That being said, I’m definitely OFF the AP bandwagon for good at this point. I wish we’d trade him for a young franchise QB…you can always find a good RB out there, QBs are MUCH harder to find and we’ve seen the impact a good one can make, that’s for sure.
Super agreed
I’m definitely OFF the AP bandwagon for good at this point. I wish we’d trade him for a young franchise QB…you can always find a good RB out there, QBs are MUCH harder to find
Amen. I don’t hate the guy. He’s a phenomenal player and all. And the fumbles are concerning but certain not a death sentence. But your second point is what I find most true. RBs (even really good ones) seem to be found all the time, practically a good handful in every draft. But QBs are a rarity. As such, if we can fleece over some team into thinking it can trade their up-and-coming star QB for “the best RB in football” I’d do it in a heartbeat. We can always find another RB in the draft, even if it took a couple years. QB? A team is considered extremely fortunate if they find 1 good QB in 10 years of drafting.
This loss isn't a big deal in Life's perspective
Excellent post that helps us realize how family is more important than football.
Interesting thought: Leber never touched the receiver when he was called for PI on an uncatchable ball. Let me know if i’m wrong, but I don’t think there was worthy PI contact.
It doesn’t matter now, what is done… is done. This loss is bitter as the Refs made so many game changing calls in OT, but life is sweet as we always have hope for tomorrow!
Hang in there Vikings fans… Sage & T.Jack learned a lot from Favre! They will lead us all the way next year!
Sage and T-Suck get us all the way, eh?
Wow, talk about drinking the kool-aid. LOL What are you on and where can I get some. I need to dull the pain from this awful Vikings loss. LOL
You can't blame it on the officials
It’s the players. The calls work out over time, the roughing the passer call that kept a Vikings drive alive was BS too, that didn’t get called last week against Dallas when a Minn defender made the same move against Tony Romo.
It’s not the officials that fumbled that many times and threw interceptions. The Saints were better yesterday. Now, where can I go to read all the loud obnoxious comments from the Vikings players like were all over the media last week?
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 25, 2010 7:49 AM CST up reply actions
The Saints were better yesterday.
Wrong. Just not true. When someone has double your offensive numbers, you’re getting outplayed on a man-to-man basis.
But when the other team continually puts the ball on the rug, sometimes lesser teams are allowed to escape a blowout. And sometimes they can even pull off the win.
EXACTLY!
On paper, we “beat dem Saints”.
On the field, we didn’t.
by AustinVike on Jan 25, 2010 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
When I look at the scoreboard and it says the other team has more points
It tells me everything I need to know.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 25, 2010 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Then you should probably avoid football analysis because every game goes way deeper than the final score.
Exactly.
Excellent points, Jayrome007 – I doubt you’ll convince this guy, though. If you want to believe that the Saints were magically better, despite getting pounded defensively, you’re going to believe it no matter what. 9 out 10, we beat that team in a neutral site or with 5 games in New Orleans, 5 in Minny.
I don't know
Ask Keith Brooking or Gerald Sensabaugh.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Jan 25, 2010 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think Brooking was out of line at all
I wish he hadn’t done it but it was a matter of sinking to the level of Col Klink and Favre. Scoring the last TD was low class and Brooking stooped to it. That stuff has a way of coming back around.
by StillHateTheGiants on Jan 25, 2010 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
hey still hate
on the pass interference call, there was no fkn contact, almost makes ya think, league wanted saints in, for all n o miss haps with katrina, wonderful story, that they wanted to make sure got told, receptions that were not receptions, interference with now contact, 1st down spots that were not 1st downs, list goes on, but for as many mistakes the vikes made, they over came them, just to get fked by incompitant non professional nfl refs, they suckl
by lil league coach on Jan 25, 2010 11:28 AM CST up reply actions
Very well said
Hell of a game, hell of a season. I’m not happy how it turned out but I can’t complain with how much I enjoyed this season and the championship game
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Jan 24, 2010 10:58 PM CST reply actions
:'(
Excellent write-up, MilCardFan. A little perspective on what was a heartbreaking loss (I’m far too young to recall any of those other games you mentioned). Oh well, the next season will begin soon enough.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all." -Earl Weaver
I would recommend
That if this is true:
I’m far too young to recall any of those other games you mentioned
Get out before you’re too far in, lol.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Well...born in '87.
So I’ve seen my fair share of Vikings letdowns. And growing up in the household that I did…there really isn’t another option. I’m branded for life, I’m afraid. :(
By the way, I hope your dad gets to see another amazing season next year. My dad passed away a couple years ago, and I wish he could have seen this year. He would have loved it. :)
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all." -Earl Weaver
Are you kidding
He is a faster Daunte Culpepper. Not to mention a leader who inspires his teammates. And as we saw this season. The Vikings are damn good once someone lights a fire under their asses
Ugh. Daunte sucked and consistenly lost us big games in the clutch.
He was nearly as bad as Adrian Peterson is at fumbling at horrible times. No thanks.
And Tebow doesn't light a fire?
You have not been watching this kid. He never called anyone out but himself and then challenged the team to do the same.
I will say it again. QB’s with the “intangables” like heart, grit, determination, often overcome the flaws the draft pognoticators have their tunnel vision on. Would I gamble on Tebow or McCoy with the late 1st rond pick-absolutely. Better bet would be the best available at a need we have in the 1st and move up in the 2nd by switching spots with a team that might want T-jax as a backup or dare I say a starter for some team trying to build their QB scenario.. Only other thing would be to tade Jax, maddie Williams and a pick to ge the corner ou tof Tenn. Otherwise we focus on a QB for the future. Move upin the 2nd, do some other wheeling and dealing nd get a massive guard for the right side or if a tackle of Loadholt calliber is available, then grab a guy to take Mckinny’s place. Trade Mckinny to Miami o, jax or Tampa where he will be valued higher in his home state and slide up.
I am not sure how deep this draft will be so loading up on extra 2nd and third round picks would be great. Especialy if we can dump some wasted money.
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 25, 2010 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
no
Unless he’s going to play middle linebacker or tight end, and we have a spot for him.
by medicineball on Jan 25, 2010 2:46 AM CST up reply actions
First time comment
First time comment for me on a sports blog. Usually follow some gaming / tech stuff with my google rss feeds.
I’m a huge vikings fan though. My wife and I were literally on EDGE this whole game. But you know what? 32 teams fight through for the chance to win the SB. Only 2 get the shot. We were a coin throw away.
Can’t ask for MUCH more than that. Except to be in the big game itself. But that was too much to ask for, I guess.
Nonetheless, NONE of us knew what to expect this season. The wife and I went to a pre-season game. Saw Favre threw the first pass against the… damnit, I forget! Nonetheless, it was a wild, wild ride. Very fun, and worth all of it in the end.
Here’s to next year. In the end, GO PAYTON! (Manning, that is)
Oh, and thanks for all of the commentary!
This is my fave Vikings blog! go DN!
Great post!
I did not watch the game with my dad because I didn’t want to get him sick with the stomach flu, so your post is very heart felt. My dad has endured a lot more heartache than me as a Viking fan, I sure hope we win one before his time comes and I hope that’s not for a very long time.
Nice post
From a Bills fan, I more than feel your pain. That’s a tough way to lose, but you guys had a very good season. I know that’s no consolation right now, but oh how I wish my team could be anywhere near that good at this point. You’ve got a great young nucleus, so I’m sure you’ll be fine, even if Favre leaves.
Good luck next year, guys.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
This post sure touched me.
I remember back when my Dad’s best friend (and basically our family’s best friend) was dying in the hospital of Prostate cancer. My parents would often drive up to Minneapolis to go watch games and to go tailgate, even in the subzero temps. In fact, anytime we madea trip up to the Twin Cities there was no question about where we were staying, he and his wife always kept his house open for us and wouldn’t have it any other way
One of the last things my Dad ever said to him was, “I’m sorry you’ll never get to see the Vikings win the Super Bowl”, and he just said, “Yeah, I’m kinda sorry too”. Jeez man, tough memories but you and your Dad will always have a bunch of great memories of the Vikings and even if sometimes it was in futility at least you got to share in that.
by Laughing Stock on Jan 24, 2010 11:06 PM CST reply actions
Life is the journey
not the destination. We cheer because we must.
by Jepp The Viking on Jan 24, 2010 11:08 PM CST reply actions
Amazing....
Great minds think alike lol!
I posted a reply to you above 2 minutes after you had posted this (I was reading posts above and reaction/thought/words were the same)….
SKOL VIKES
Stille love ’em!!!!!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:21 AM CST up reply actions
I am still very hopeful that you and your dad
will watch a Vikings Super Bowl victory together.
I have to be hopeful. My very first football wager was a $0.50 loss as a kid to my grandparents on the Super Bowl vs. the Raiders. I have always believed that I will turn the tables on them sometime, and I am sure they will get the message and be happy when it finally happens. They just won’t be able to hand me back my two quarters, that’s all.
Today’s loss was easier than some, because we fumbled it away so many times, that it is hard to make a convincing argument that we deserved to win.
Next year will be hard without #4. But that is a story I am not going to officially follow until a week or two into training camp. Following it before then will just give me an ulcer.
It is hard to imagine that a window of opportunity didn’t just close, but time will tell.
Take Care!
by Sonic on Jan 24, 2010 11:10 PM CST reply actions
Good post Milcard but I am devestated
On behalf of those who have been alive to see it all – This is a repeat of my comment so I can just tell my fellow DNes how I feel and how much I appreciate them along with my hopes dreams and how us old guys feel.
Near tears actually.
All of us have suffered but one guy from KFAN made it abundunly real for those of us in the uupper age group. Nsot of you 30 or younger only hear about the distast of losing 4 Super bowls. I have lived ou tof my state for that long and have never dreamed of changing allegiance from my vikings.
So now on top of it I have dealt with 5 NFC losses.
(Thanks fumblepotomus) and the dumb ass who doesn’t know he isn’t supposed to be on the field.
Twice now I have hoped to go to Miami, even if I couldn’t get in the game.
How much more will I endure. Will I live to see another Super Bowl for the Vikings, much less a win.
You have no idea how much I hurt right now. I know you all do. Just a little different for us old farts.
Brett-Please come back at least til we can draft mcCoy and let him watch you and learn like Aaron had the chance to.
I think you still have enough. One more time. One more brilliant effort. We don’t have anyone else who will lead us like you have.
Brett, if you read this-from one old guy to another. I wish I could be doing what you are doing at your age. Life is short, your time is short. Live your footbal dream, build your records until the body clock says enough.
If you just came back I could handle all this.
This is CitrusVike signing off. Love my ikings and love you guys here on DN.
I will really not sleep and (I know this is not manly) but will cry for a bit.
Then try to build the hope. Draft a qB that is the best NFL prospect-McCoy!. Draft a sharp corner or corner safety combo-best available. Move up and get a quality guard for the rt side. Or a LB who is not injury prone. Fill one of those later requests in FA if you can.
Wilf, Chilly tell Brett we want him to give us one more year. I have grown to love his charge of the offense and his childlike love to play. WE need him. I don’t care what the BF haters say.. I am not ready to see TJax or Copter take the helm after what I saw from this 40 year old marvel.
He brings old school attitude with a sense of fun for the whole team. He is worth every penny! He made this team jell.
We should all write Brett in Miss and tell him. Thank him for giving us hope and as much as it hurts-to this game.
CitrusVike is really down. I know you guys are too.
We need BF and I think he loves us. He was happy. We will be just above mediocre withou thim and be one and done with jax or Copter. Maybe Copter could win us a wildvard game and give us enough to make the playoffs.
But..Like BFHow much longer til the NFL goes the way of MLB and NBA where the rich get richer and we are teams to fill a schedule. We need to do it next year and keep this team in tack. Trade Madeu Wlliams for a draft pick and spend his $ on a player who can help.
I appreciate all of you.
I
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 24, 2010 11:10 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Since we made the final eight, we can only pick up as many free agents as we lose, so the question becomes to you want to keep guys like Chester Taylor?
Predictions of mediocrity are subject to failure too. More than a few people once thought Albert Eistein was some whacky loser in the Swiss patent office.
yes
after watching ap in the most important game of his life drop the ball THAT many times, i believe we NEED chester back. he was the one guy i did not have to worry about doing his job last night. maybe we can make him the feature back, & have ap come in relief. less touches= less fumbles.
by indianavikesfan on Jan 25, 2010 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
This one reminds me of my grandfather.
Lost him in May, he sounds just like your father does, MilCardFan. He and I were very close, too. There is so much I wish I could have told him. Glad to see you’re telling him what you can.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
-Rogers Hornsby-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jan 24, 2010 11:14 PM CST reply actions
Wow, are you a Vikes fan AND a Cubs fan?
I can’t imagine. Do you cheer for the Browns in your sparetime?
I kid, I kid. It’s all I can do at this point.
But seriously, Cubs and Vikings? I put away my Cardinals allegiance for one evening to commiserate with you, my friend.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Not a Vikings fan.
I made a comment in another post here which shows which team I cheer for.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
-Rogers Hornsby-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jan 24, 2010 11:20 PM CST up reply actions
I do know one Vikings/Cubs fan.
It’s not me, he’s a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue, the SB Nation for us Cubs fans.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
-Rogers Hornsby-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jan 24, 2010 11:23 PM CST up reply actions
Well, anyways, thanks for your thoughts
I’m sorry about the loss of your Grandfather. I’ll never admit this over at Viva El Birdos, but if the Cubs ever win the World Series, I won’t feel too bad. I know that after all I’ve gone through as a Vikings fan, it pales in comparison to what Cubbie fans and their fathers, sons, and grandsons have had to endure.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Thanks.
He was a lifelong Cubs fan.
Also, I apologize for people like Rzrpack2 (I think that’s his name). I just wish people didn’t troll as much. I cheer for another NFC North team, but no trolling shall come from me.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
-Rogers Hornsby-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jan 24, 2010 11:35 PM CST up reply actions
my parents have season tix
for cubs, but my first love is the vikings. Was at the bartman game, two games in 07/08. Just horrible, and to top it all off, I am a hawks fan
by Frozen Toews on Jan 25, 2010 1:28 AM CST up reply actions
LOL
We all have our crosses we must bear….
What to do?
At least we are in the game as opposed to those poor souls not brave enough to be fans!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:30 AM CST up reply actions
New post here Ted.
I’m also a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue (my second favorite SBNation site), know Vermont pretty well, and for a Packers fan, he’s a darn nice guy! (great idea with the reposts – it’s interesting to see some of the archaic stuff, names and such).
Sorry for the typos
It is late, my body ishurting as well as my spirits.
Oh. For thos of you who asked more jesey’s are coming. I will post what I will have in stock after I tke care of those who have supported my “mission fund” I appreciate the orders and friendly dialogues with each of you. It is helping me get closer to my goal and has bee very fun doing something I enjoy.
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 24, 2010 11:16 PM CST reply actions
Thanks for providing some real perspective
on this. Appreciate your post.
We all know that art is not the truth, art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.--Picasso
Nice post.
I lost my grandfather last year after the Panthers blew it against the Cards. This article reminds me of him in a way, it was a joy to read it.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
Drafting a linebacker would be great, but not as a replacement for EJ, as I wouldn’t call him injury prone, just more unlucky. Get a quality linebacker and switch up to the 3-4 once Pat Williams is gone, as he probably has one more year left. I think the quarterbacks this draft class are all a product of spread offense systems, but as we see with the colts, a spread offense puts points on the board. So, I think we should wait for next year and grab Jake Locker from Washington, god forbid some severe injury next season. But if we absolutely had to get one this year. I would put all my money on Tebow. Trade up for an early third round pick and swoop him up.
respectfully, no
Jared Allen is our best defensive player. he is a 4-3 defensive end. He cannot play OLB or DE in a 3-4. Thus, no deal. We can’t go to the 3-4 and we don’t need to anyway. The only time we ran the 3-4 we went 3-13 on the year. Our defense is awesome. Keep everybody. Move some personnel around.
by medicineball on Jan 25, 2010 2:44 AM CST up reply actions
The Recovery Plan
The major pain has passed, and I now know what we must do. I have created a Vikings recovery plan.
Step 1: Make sure Brett knows we all love him to death, have him come back after extensive physical therapy, and then put him through a really hard conditioning program that focuses on injury prevention. Have him feeling like new come next season.
Step 2: Focus AP on ball protection drills all off-season.
Step 3: Sign one of the really really really really good #1 receivers that will be out there as free agents, Brandon Marshall, Vincent Jackson, or Miles Austin. This would help because we need a true #1 receiver week in and week out.
Step 4: Sign Shawne Merriman
Step 5: Sign Antoine Bethea and have him play safety. Also sign an extra cornerback or two. Probably Carlos Rogers from Washington.
Step 6: Find a young DT to replace Phat Pat when he retires.
Step 7: Pay the refs to botch booth reviews in our favor, and play with the intent of injuring the opposing teams QB.
Step 8: Go undefeated and win the super bowl.
disagree
I disagree with every single thing Maybe step 2 is a good idea though. If we can get Brandon Marshall, great, but I doubt it. Berrian was injured for almost the entire season. That’s why he didn’t produce the state like he usually does. He’ll be back. As for step 6, maybe. I hope PWill stays. If not, it’s probably Jimmy Kennedy’s spot. Most likely Terrence Cody won’t fall to us in the draft.
by medicineball on Jan 25, 2010 2:42 AM CST up reply actions
Wow…I think you are off on some of those. The biggest one being your take on Merriman. Merriman would be a TERRIBLE fit for your system and he’s only someone you want if you are in a 3-4 and you get him for a bargain. He’s NOT the guy he once was.
Going after a CB would probably be a good move but you guys are going to have a tough on FAs as your cap is going to start turning into a vet team cap here in the next year or two as some of these contracts reach the later parts.
Funny
Haha this is funny. C’mon number 3 tho is ridiculous. Sidney Rice is a definite number 1 receiver and Harvin and Berrian are legit as well. They do have to do something bout AD’s fumbling. As much as I love him he needed to be benched.
Believe in the power of one. -Evan Tanner
Give AP a ball on the very first day the team gets back together for the offseason. He carries that ball with him 24/7, every single day until the end of the next season and everyone else tries to knock it out of his hands. Coaches, players, training staff, everyone. every time he drops the ball he does 100 push ups on the spot.
Here's Hoping...
your father is around for many more years MilCardFan. I lost my father to cancer 19 years ago and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish he were still here.
Hey Purple grey
We’ll have to chat tomorrow.I am so bummed. Thought I was goona have a heart problem or very least a major anxiety attack. Serious. That is how much I was into it.
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 24, 2010 11:39 PM CST up reply actions
No Problem Citrus
I’m just as bummed as you are. I told my wife that the Vikes needed to end it on that last drive in regulation. I didn’t want to see overtime and sure enough, my worst fears were realized. I’ll drag up for awhile, then get ready for the draft. Such is the life of a Vikings fan…
Draft day will get me out of the "muck"
If we get someone big
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 25, 2010 12:13 AM CST up reply actions
For Sure
Our drafts have been great that last few years. There’s no reason to doubt that this one will be any different.
It does hurt, but
Look, the Vikes had a great year. Lots of thrills, remember the 49’rs game? What really matters is I will wake up tomorrow knowing my son and my wife still love me. That my Dad may never see us win the SuperBowl, but he is still a great man. MilCardFan, I feel your pain. Fan since 3rd grade 1971. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is sure, I’ll love the Vikings no matter what!
A fan is a fan, win or lose. Not sure about draws.
Here here....
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 24, 2010 11:37 PM CST up reply actions
Milcard
I thik we talked about how our Dad’s rallied us around the Vikings (and Twins) as a kid. How my Dad passed just a month after the87 series win.
With my onjuries and risks I couldn’t help bu tthink. Will God allow me to see the vikings win the Super bowl. Maybe my time will be longer than I worry about.
Bt. Will a new collective agreement hurt the small markets. Will a beautiful new stadium be wasted like the T-Woves cause the netwerk mogels want big city teams to prosper?
We had a good talk. A recent Doctor analysis made me think. One wrong fall, one major injury to my wounds could do me in.
I am sorry for all your loved ones guys who never got the chance to see another Vikings Super Bowl.
Comments to comments :)
I do not thinks EJ is injury prone but he has sustained some major ones the last couple years. How long before it takes a toll. Brinkly also has had serious knee problem. He did well in the clutch. Anybody else think Kennedy may ive up to his high draft expectations from way back. I thought he was playing some great ball the last 2 or 3 games.
TEBOW- As agator fan I have said this and been pu tdown a lttle for it. Tebow is a guy with the intangebles and teachable. Favre had mechanic problems when he was young, Bradshaw and Stabler the same. Prototype QB’s are not always the answer. Alot of it is determination like Ryan, Flacco, and Sanchez have. Some other “big shots” can’t adjust. They find they can’t work more high level checks on recievers when they get to the NFL. If all else failed, I wonder if Carr could now be ready. He was never a quitter and has done well in backup rolls with the Giants
By the way. Chilly, orget McNabb. He won’t lead this offense as well as BF. I see Tebow possibly being a take charge guy as he grows. Available in the 3rd round. Trade T-jax to move up if we can’t get McCoy. Or take him in the 2nd. I have no problem with the gamble. We did with T jax and he isn’t inthe same league as TJax
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 24, 2010 11:39 PM CST reply actions
Tough questions to contemplate
Will God allow me to see the vikings win the Super bowl.
You know, I’d like to think that. It’s not like we haven’t suffered. But then again, Job still thinks we’re a bunch of pussies by comparison, so you never know.
Will a new collective agreement hurt the small markets.
Tough to say. Jerry Jones seems adamant that revenue sharing goes away, and it seems like there’s going to be a work stoppage in 2011, so 2010 might be the last time we see football as we currently know it. Yeah, I think that’s a definite possibility.
Will a beautiful new stadium be wasted like the T-Woves cause the netwerk mogels want big city teams to prosper?
You’re assuming that the Vikings will get a new stadium. Networks want big market teams to prosper because that means ratings, but that’s not necessarily at the expense of mid or small market teams.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
I doubt we get a stadium after this loss.
People will only be fooled so many times. We’d have had a good chance had we made it to the SB though, I bet. :(
As shallow as a reason as that is for either getting or not getting a stadium
I agree.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
One last thing about Tebow
TEBOW- As agator fan I have said this and been pu tdown a lttle for it. Tebow is a guy with the intangebles and teachable
I’m on board. You can teach a guy to throw, but you can’t teach heart and you can’t teach a guy to lead.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Same league as Tebow
Just woke up from the nightmare that was real. :)
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 25, 2010 12:42 PM CST up reply actions
I hope Favre won't take months to decide if he wants to come back now.
Judging from his post-game interview it seems like he wants to come back. You can tell he’s had so much fun this year doing this.
I am so wired I will never sleep
and bore ya’ll with my rants :) I have few around here to dothat with. Thank God for Dailyy Norseman
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 24, 2010 11:41 PM CST reply actions
The ride is never dull with my Vikes....
Ups like have seldom experienced and downs can say the same of …
Strangely enough, this season has many of the former for me overall….
Even without having attained getting to the SB or taking it all, I got some love…
More good memories and moments for me than I can recall…
From recent years this team did provide….
So I go forward, head held high…
Knowing they will be back can abide…
With the thought, “Next year we will REALLY fly”
SKOL VIKINGS
STILL love ya!!!!!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 24, 2010 11:43 PM CST reply actions
I'm just going to stay up for a bit....
Maybe I’ll play some Madden 2010.
"Once again the trousers of evil are yanked down by the mocking hands of justice!"-Revshawn
Good post, Milcard.
I’m devastated though. Probably won’t have the stomach to root for my team next year (after the awful Giants loss back in the day, I skipped several years of rooting for them – it was just too painful to watch us choke and choke and choke all the time). Maybe I’ll wait until the curse is gone, maybe I’ll give in and miss it too much NOT to watch.
Just an awful, heart-wrenching, disgusting loss…what a way to lose. How you do NOT just slide and get a few more yards so we can kick a FG is beyond me…but I don’t even blame Favre, really, it was just an asinine decisions to throw the stupid ball. Longwell would’ve made that kick, no doubt in my mind, even if it was a long one.
Whatever. I’m done having my night ruined by these chumps. See ya Vikings until next year (maybe).
Been fun going through all this, until tonight anyway – some great people on here. :D
Hey man.
Even though I cheer for the other guys, I know the feeling you’re talking about. I am being totally sincere when I say that I hope you all the best, and I hope you get to make that memory with your dad. You guys deserve it.
We all share a passion for our team, even if those teams wear different colors. And as your brother in the bonds that we share, I wish nothing but the best for you and yours.
Much respect and love.
Snap, place, kick! And it's good! It's good! It's goo-hoo-hood! Pigs have flown! Hell Has frozen over! The Saints are going to the Superbowl!
by Joseph William Stern on Jan 24, 2010 11:47 PM CST reply actions
I read your post about you and your Dad
Very touching. I’m really happy ofr the both of you, I really am, even though this sucks for me and my dad.
My wife is a Colts fan, so federal and marital law compel me to cheer for the Colts, but if the Saints win, I will think about you and your Dad, and thousands of other father and son Saints fan, and I won’t feel bad about feeling happy at all.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
That means a ton to me.
I can tell by your post that you and your father share a bond that will vastly overshadow any game. That sort of love and joy is something I would always take over any sporting event.
Snap, place, kick! And it's good! It's good! It's goo-hoo-hood! Pigs have flown! Hell Has frozen over! The Saints are going to the Superbowl!
by Joseph William Stern on Jan 25, 2010 12:00 AM CST up reply actions
My year in sports
My NBA team, the Nuggets, lost two heartbreakers to the Lakers in the NBA finals. My baseball the team, the Rockies, saw our solid-as-a-rock closer blow a two-run lead in the 9th inning of Game 4 of the NLDS. My college football team has won 6 games in 4 years, and this happened. If my college’s basketball team’s season ends badly, I may quit cheering for sports teams altogether.
The Colorado Rockies aren't a team, they're an armada.
Just wanted to say....
that watching the game with my dad too, and my bro, was a much underrated aspect of this vikings season. We went 13-5, 13 weeks I got to celebrate a victory with my dad and my family and that’s what it’s all about for me. The games….they go as they do….as fans we can only hope for the best as much as we wish we could call the plays.
Wonderful post man. Thats what it’s all about.
Skol Purple Everything, and all those who live and love the team. Our parents could al teach us a thing or two about dealing with the Vikings. My dad suffered through the 4 SB losses and even he was sure this was our year.
I got a hug from Pops as he went out the door, saying we’ll get ’em next year.
Peace
As a Saints fan...
We’ve endured our share of heartaches as well, so this story pulled on my heartstrings.
I had a heart attack last yr (and I’m only 41), and have been a diehard Saints fan my whole life. I went through my first 22 seasons not even finishing above .500. Trust me, It’s a struggle to defend your team when you can’t even record 8 wins in a season.
I feel for you, but the victory is in believing that they’ll get there someday. Who knows what will happen tomorrow; that’s irrelevant. It’s all about the ride we’re on while we’re alive.
(Thankfully, the Saints are still alive.)
I’ve seen nothing but class from the fans at this site, and I wish you luck next season. The Vikes have become my 2nd favorite team because they have the best fans I’ve run across. And as an aside, my baseball team is the Astros, and they lost the WS when I was trying to salvage my house during Katrina. It is my only post-season experience as a pro sports fan before today. At least y’all have the Twins’ World Series experiences!!
Baggs5....
Adversity and challenges do two things to people….
Brings out the best or the worst…
My hope would be that when in such a situation I always fall in that former category….
So far has been such for me…and I never give up hope and faith…
ESPECIALLY in the face of adversity! These are the moments, insome cases decades lol, where we grow the most as a person. I am far better for having faced my demons, and knowing the road I choose….and walk on…
Good Luck for the Saints!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:15 AM CST up reply actions
Life goes on
The Vikes were the better team on the field today and but for a few ill-timed mishaps would be in the Super Bowl. And what a Super Bowl it would have been! But these things happen. If Brett comes back you’ll be there next year. If he doesn’t, well your defense could carry you. Look at what the Ravens did a few years back with Trent Dilfer at QB. Heck of an organization, heck of a team. Hold your heads high.
by sylvandale rocky on Jan 25, 2010 1:14 AM CST reply actions
Keep the Faith
The more Viking fans who do, the likelier it is that hell will actually freeze over, and even if it doesn’t, we can still drive the devil crazy by just by being to stubborn to quit.
Better team won
you can’t turn it over 5 times and win, period.
I always root for the NFC but I have a feeling the Colts are going to spank the Saints. Its kinda too bad in many ways. The Jets defense was incredible today and Manning went throught them like a hot knife through butter.
Generally you are right....
BUT exceptions always to every rule happen….
Almost happened today, but it didn’t…..too bad…
Next year….
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:28 AM CST up reply actions
MilCardFan,
Tell your Dad that Brett Favre will return for the 2010 season, and that he has one thing to accomplish. That is bringing the Lombardi Trophy home to Minnesota.
Brett Favre has one season left. I could see it in his eyes. Brett Favre will not let you or your Dad down next season. That is a Guarantee!
Brett Favre will lead the 2010 Minnesota Vikings to a Victory in Super Bowl XLV.
by REVENGE4FAVRE on Jan 25, 2010 1:56 AM CST up reply actions
Hey R4F!!!
Glad to see you have kept the spirit up! Many are down as can be expected…..
Things is I see this all as a journey, not a one-off thing/game…
Sometimes it takes being knocked down a few times to know what it takes to stand up….
Those who DO get up win eventually, even if only within themselves….
They are not quitters, always a winnernin my book!
Cheers and enjoy the off-season….Is it Sunday yet LOL?
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 2:03 AM CST up reply actions
Finally
A voice of reason!
"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?" -Joe Kapp
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jan 25, 2010 6:22 PM CST up reply actions
That may not be true, though.
From Adam Schefter’s Twitter page:
Let this be the first of hopefully very few Favre-Watch updates: Favre told ESPN’s Ed Werder it was “highly unlikely” he’d play again.
It seems all of us football fans (whether Viking, Packer, or anyone else) will just have to take a wait-and-see approach.
"People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."
-Rogers Hornsby-
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jan 25, 2010 8:43 AM CST up reply actions
Screw Them!
ESPN is worse than any of the tabloid celebrity chasers. I have stopped watching their lame coverage of sports and wish that Chris Carter could find another venue.
by TexasViking on Jan 25, 2010 10:01 AM CST up reply actions
Favre's coming back
Adam Schefter is wrong about everything, especially when it’s Vikings-related.
The Colorado Rockies aren't a team, they're an armada.
Amen free!
Lots of us made predications on Favre after the Sanchez draft pick all the way to working his wayout of training camp.
My 1st prediction. He will say he is tired but not retiring , yet pondering it. He will be at camp but not OTA’’s.
He will tell us he loved the experience and left a winner and doesn’t have naything left to prove-true that.
u the will be dogged by this moment. he knows he has enough for one more run and then if making the playoff and heaven help my weak heart, can still go ou ta winner even if he leads us into the playoffs and another run.
Guess I would rather have that then watch TJax or Copter go back to Chilly calling every shot and playing bread and butter fotball. You could forget seeing Rice hauling in long passes and double digit TD’s
I would be back to boredom
by CitrusFLViking on Jan 25, 2010 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Asking Favre after that game if he would be back to play next year
is like finding the guy who just puked his guts out after barely making it to the bathroom in a desperate lurch from his spinning bed and asking him if he would like another drink…
Maybe I dont want the sun to come out tomorrow
I want everyone to feel the pain of being a Vikings fan. May not be the worst thing in a world full of effed up problems. But to me it was pretty dang important.
Very moving article. This definitely puts it in perspective. Much appreciated.
Skol Vikings!!
as i previously stated
I talked a lot of trash here cause I was a Favre hater. but…. I have to say he far exceeded my expectations and so did the team. I thought Favre would’ve broken down and started throwing picks. He threw a couple of his bad throws yesterday but I think overall he played well. That was one of the most entertaining NFC CG i ever saw
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
MilCardFan
Thanks for taking the time to write about your night and experiences. I was so upset last night that I just stared at the TV following the game and wishing that somehow all the replays would magically reverse the outcome, then I got tired and went to bed. Like many have said, this loss was painful, but not like some I’ve experienced. You and your Dad are blessed for being able to experience this together like I am with mine and my kids. Your post brought tears to my eyes as I read this morning. Thanks for saying what I feel. Take care friend.
"Skol Vikings! Let's win this game Skol Vikings!
2010 Season Right around the Corner
Please come back Brett… your still heads & tails better than the other two QB’s we have.
Keys to 2010-11
Top Ten Viking wishes for next year
1. Brett Favre has to come back!
2. Peterson has to hang on to the ball( get Tiki Barber to help him?)
3. Help Harvin get over his headachs (can’t imagine how tough it is to play with a migrane..WOW)
4. Sign our free agents we can not take any steps backwards (losing sharper did hurt)
5. Jimmy Kennedy continue t oimprove so he is ready to take over once Pat retires( I Hope Pat comes back )
6. Childress needs to improve as a Coach, I think this year will help him understand what a QB’s job is, and he needs to stay out of the way.
7. Chester Taylor needs to come back
8. Draft Tebow to learn behind Favre for 1 year
9. Please keep Leslie Fraiser , the only saving grace in losing, is now maybe Fraiser will not get a head coaching Job
10. Move Winfield to Free Safety
oh give me a break. Learn how to have a discussion.
About 75% of sports fans want nothing to do with the guy. Why are you so interested in him?? If someone questioning why you want a certain player hurts your feelings that bad you need to stay off the boards a little longer til you are done licking your wounds. What a baby.
Why is TrevorR a troll if he doesn't like Tebow?
I’m confused.
by Wytefang on Jan 25, 2010 6:59 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Great post Mil
I’ve been Vikings fan since 1966, when was lil fella.. my dad is not sports fan, but my 3 kids(26,18 and 17 now) and I have watch Vikings since they were old enuff to know what football was..I’ve brainwashed all my kids to be Vikings fans..Told my 18 yr old son after game, get use to it, I’ve had 40+ yrs of heart ache…As to refs calls…No, was not pass interference..as to last catch review…ball touched ground….even after 5 turnovers, still took refs to finally give game away….I really thought we would pull this one out… I think (hope) Favre will be back..Would have never thought b4 this yr I would have ever thought something like that..(always hated Favre and did not want him to come here).. yes, defense is getting old in some places, but we still have a really good chance next yr…..IF Favre comes back….I watched Favre’s press conference and then turned off sports center, wont watch for couple days and listen how great Saints are…..not sure if I will be able to watch Superbowl…Did not watch superbowl after 1998 Viking loss….Yes, it;s just a game…but then again…it’s OUR team and us loyal fans will wear the Vikings wins and losses on our sleeves, along with our hearts….
great article
rec’d
2009 BTB Part Deux Fantasy League Champion. 'Kill Everybody 13-2'. KDP knows football.
To Help With the Grieving Process
At least listen to KFAN this morning. They’re echoing all of our sentiments.
http://www.kfan.com/main.html
"Skol Vikings! Let's win this game Skol Vikings!
I missed the morning show this morning…I was curious to hear Cory Coves take since I know he wasn’t a fan of the move to get Favre.
I caught some of PA which I usually skip but I wanted to hear his take on it. Heard a little common and a lot of Berarrio (or however you spell that damn name). I, for the most part, enjoy Berarrio the most…the Gerbschmidt character he made up is pretty classic (coming from a Packer fan).
Thanks for the write up MCF.
I had my 81yo father here to watch the game and it was a lot of fun!
Great game! We’ll get ‘them’ next year, huh!?
Thank you 2009 Minnesota Vikings!
SKOL!
I BELIEVE...
by ArizonaVikingsFan on Jan 25, 2010 9:02 AM CST reply actions
thanks
This is a beautiful essay. I am a Packer fan but my dad loves the Vikes, and I was rooting hard for the purple yesterday. Hang in there guys, next year is going to be amazing for both our teams.
1999 Was Worse
For me, at least. By every measure the ’98 Vikings should have beaten the Falcons easily, and the way the Vikings lost that game was totally improbable, yet utterly predictable.
Last night sucked, no doubt, but at least this wasn’t a Viking team that was considered a lock for the Super Bowl going in to the NFC Championship game.
The way last night’s game unfolded was totally different than the Giants game in January 2001, but the aftermath feels the same to me…or maybe it’s just the hangover.
by Midnight Rambler on Jan 25, 2010 9:09 AM CST reply actions
Great post
Terrible way to end a great season. Hopefully Favre comes back for another year (didn’t think I would ever say that) and the Vikings make another run at the superbowl.
Eagles fan here...
Tough loss yesterday… I’m no stranger to crushing NFC Championship Game losses, and couldn’t possibly be more sympathetic. Not sure if it’s too soon to start discussing the offseason plans (and if it is please don’t be shy to tell me to go eff myself), but regarding this line…
once Favre signed, we were all in for this season
I agree with that, and the Vikes are back to square one in looking for a QB. So I pose this question just to gauge the fans’ sentiment on another QB… If the Vikes were offered Donovan McNabb for their 1st round pick, would you pull the trigger on that deal?
congratulations to the vikings and their fans.i followed the vikings a bit this season—more than ever. i think the vikings are the best team in the nfl this season. they have it all, passing, running, offense, and great defense. i thought the vikings were the better team on sunday in spite of the turnovers. it was just unfortunate they lost. but u guys ought to be proud. it was a great season and a great team.
Devastated
Fraiser is gone unless Vikes make him head coach. Defense played great. Trade AP for another first round pick and draft Spiller. The kid has CJ talent. Cody would be a stud on the D-line. I too have been here four all SB and NFC CG loses. It is hard to take. I feel sorry for having turned son into a die hard fan. We are devastated .
Spiller's a stud
I agree CJ Cpiller would look good in purple. Any idea if he has had any fumbling problems I can’t take it if we have another back that fumbles.
Viking Fans
This loss was as difficult as every one since the 1969 season ended at Superbowl IV. This is the price we pay to be fans of the Minnesota Vikings. I loved the entire year and hope Brett Favre is able to come back next year and play close to the level he played this year. If not, I will cheer for Tavaris or Rosenfels or whoever quarterbacks the team. I will pray that AP works on holding onto the ball in the off season and that Sydney, Bernard, and the other Vikings all come back. I will even root for Chilly; other than the bonehead 12 men in the huddle error, the coachs’ game plan was sound.
I will remain a Viking fan until the day I die or get too senile to understand what is happening regardless of their record. Next season starts now!
Enjoyed the ride...Thanks Vikes...
It was a great Ride…We’ll defiantly be back in the NFC Championship game next year…I see this team only getting better…The 98 team was under archiving, the 2000 team was over achieving and this team was number Three for most of the year in the power rankings…and that’s where we finished…So we took third place out of a field of 32 teams…the number 1 and number two seeds are going to the Super Bowl The conference championship games are usually more exiting then the Super Bowl…don’t get me wrong I would love the Vikings to get their first super bowl Victory, but it’s only one game and a season full of exciting victory’s and memory’s are what makes a great football season, not just one game…bad news for the Saints, the last two teams who beat us in the NFC Championship game went on to lose in the Super Bowl by at least two touchdowns…Good luck Saints, sorry we wont be there to help you out with all those turnovers..If that sounded like a back handed comment " it was "….
Great post, MilCardFan,
and a great perspective. I’m sort of on the other end of your story. My own Dad has been gone for 29 years (early onset Alzheimer’s) but I got to watch the game with two of my grown sons yesterday. After an OT of cursing at the refs and Troy Aikman, and a couple of minutes of moaning after the game, we all just got really quiet. I had to drive one of my kids home, about a 25 minute trip.
We usually play ‘identify the band’ on the radio in the car, but this ride was just a long grim silence. Then a few minutes away from his apartment, one of my favorite songs came on – the little known ‘Bittersweet’ by Big Head Todd and the Monsters. I don’t even understand all the lyrics, but it is a soft, lovely song that reflects its title. It changed my mood a little and I apologized to my son for my mood. He said it was ok and then when I dropped him off, just turned to me and said, “I’m really sorry, Dad.”
There’s a lot to reflect on, but this morning what I am mostly thinking about is how much I liked this team – all the players, all the characters. It’s a very easy group to like. I get the feeling that Brett feels the same way about this group and can only hope that that is enough to overcome the battering he took yesterday; I hope that he comes back next year, because think the ride will be well worth it, no matter the outcome. Bittersweet, indeed.
by Migrant lurker on Jan 25, 2010 10:11 AM CST reply actions
This loss SUCKS.....
but coming to the DN has helped with the healing process. Great post by the way. I know it’s just a game, but damn, it sure does hurt.
Really moving piece
Just wanted to echo the sentiments already expressed above. All the best to you and your father.
Proud member of the SB Nation product team
Great run Vikes...
As a Bears fan I’m mostly programmed to hate all division rivals, but even I could see that this season was different. I was really pulling for you all, and I’m sorry it didn’t happen. Take comfort in the fact that you have one of the best young running backs in the game, and now an entire roster that is playoff tested. You should all be proud.
How can we have the worst offense in the league when everything about our team owner and coach is offensive?
by Khalid El-Amin on Jan 25, 2010 10:32 AM CST reply actions
My beloved purple
Yes, they broke my heart…but man, what a ride. This has been such an exciting season for us. Brett Favre, Sidney Rice, Shank, Percy and the rest of the gang gave us a season to remember. I would have loved to see us in the Super Bowl, but there will be other years (hopefully). Win, loose or draw, I will always bleed purple. SKOOOOLLLLLL FOREVER!!!
Great season
Just ended a game too soon.
SKOL!!!
"Is it normal to wake up in the morning in a sweat because you can't wait to beat another human's guts out?" -Joe Kapp
by less cowbell, more 'neau on Jan 25, 2010 6:25 PM CST up reply actions
time running out
well to many things happen to mention them all, but i hope we make ot back, for your dads sake, for all of us, u commented u felt like crying, well id did, bawling like a lil kid, i felt as if it this team is cursed, its never gonna happen, i am 43 yrs old, and i wonder if later in life if the kids will be hoping he same thing, “hope they do before he is gone”.really makes me think of how life is realy short, loose to a bad call in hail mary/push off game, then wait till 80’s, to watch darrin nelson drop pass, then wait till 90’s, to watch 15&1 go down the drain, now 12 yrs later, and beyond playing against ourselves,and the saints, the refs become oppsistion also…….. WTF, well i have a purple heart!!! guess i will always be wounded, bring on next season
by lil league coach on Jan 25, 2010 11:13 AM CST reply actions
Hi guys
Just popping over from the Pack site to empathise (I tried sympathising but I’m an idiot sports fan).
I’m sure it doesn’t help at all right now but that was a hell of a game and you’ve been really impressive all season long. I hope the numbness wears off in time for pre-season in a few months. Have a good offseason.
ok, MCF, nice try almost getting me to cry at work!!
..seriously, this is the most poignant post in quite a while.. but i think that no matter how crushing the loss was to you and your dad (and the rest of us!), seems to me the silver lining is that these games, win or lose, creates a common bond that brings you and your father even a bit closer ..for eternity..which , without saying, is definitely the greater good..
God Bless..
"the following statement is true:
the preceding statement was false" - george carlin
Nice Post
Thanks MilCardFan, for a great post! My Dad is also getting up there, and not in the greatest of health.
I was talking to my brother on the phone last night, and as he was over at my Dad’s watching the game, I could still hear my Dad bitching about the turnovers and the officiating in OT! He might be getting up there, but he’s still pretty loud!
One of my prized possessions is a Viking schedule that was printed out for my Grandma for the ’02 season. She passed away in October of that year, and while we were going through her stuff my aunt and uncle asked me if there was anything I saw that I would like to have. I looked at that schedule taped to the side of her dresser and said, “I want that!” Even at 93 years old, they said you always knew when the Twins or Vikings were playing, as she was quite loud!
I hope the Vikings can make another serious run next year. The talent is there and the big question mark is at QB. Will Favre come back? Will he be able to endure another full season of football? As a Viking fan, these questions are huge as we can only go as far as our QB can get us.
The Minnesota Vikings - Undefeated in the Playoffs at Lambeau Field!
No Super Bowl For My Dad. :'(
My Dad was diagnosed with Cancer throughout his body about a month ago, so , barring a miracle, he won’t be around for a Vikings Super Bowl victory.
But my Dad is pretty persuasive, so maybe he can give the big guy a talk and maybe, just maybe, get the Vikings that Super Bowl win that we all covet probably more so than any other NFL teams fans.
I AM VIKING, HEAR ME ROAR!!!
Great Article!!
You know guys, my dad just retired last year and he has been a loyal fan since the Vikings started in 1961. I felt as all of you did. I was really hoping that he would finally see his team that he stood up for, took many many years of rousing (the vikings only kicking field goal jokes), and humiliation, finally win the big one. I lived in Wisconsin in 1994-1997. I proudly wore my Vikings “Rocket” jacket in the face of the Packer Super Bowl win. I held my tongue when the cheese heads threatened to cut the Viking off the back of my coat. I held my dignity and as I waded through a sea of Packers Super Bowl Champion coats, shirts, hats, and novelties I thought, “Some day…some day..I will proudly wear my Vikings Champion apparel. Some day the Lombardi will be in Minnesota.” Last night I envisioned me buying well deserved Vikings Super Bowl apparel and memorabilia for my dad and my brother. They could proudly wear them in Tennessee and it would have been a great testament about keeping faith and hope alive. But sadly, those three points took that vision away. Oh well, it’s too bad. I guess I’ll have to settle for a Division Champions shirt, this year. My Dad is a tough old bird, he’ll bounce back as all the veteran Viking fans do. Nice article again, by the way. You made my left eye water up a bit. I emailed the article to him and it will probably touch him too. SKOL VIKINGS!!
MilCardFan
Yesterday was a tough day for me, and I barely got to watch the game. You may remember when you first posted about your dad, I shared that mine had Alzheimer’s, and was failing, and how the two of us watching Favre’s MNF game against the Raiders together back in 03 when I was in town was maybe one of the last football games we shared together that he could follow. Well … he passed away at 8:45am Sunday. It was a blessing in many ways because his quality of life had declined a lot in the last year or two, and more pronouncedly in the last month; I would not have wanted to keep going if I were him.
This reply of mine doesn’t directly have to do with what you’re talking about, sharing a never-yet-achieved Vikings superbowl with your dad or anything like that. My dad was never a Vikings fan, and even if he had been, he was already “gone” before yesterday in many ways, and would not have shared in the emotions of any victory. It’s about that generic father-son thing, and how I feel really sensitive to your emotions right now. All that is bigger then whether the Vikings won or not yesterday — really that is only starting to settle in right now. I’m not sure what I really want to say to you, except for maybe … appreciate those bonds you have with your dad while you still can. Believe it or not, when all is said and done you may come to the realization that it didn’t even really matter if the vikings won it all or not while he was still around. Like the Buddhists say, maybe it’s the journey that is more important than the destination. Keep enjoying those little moments that you just described for us above, on your journey with your dad. I believe they are going to be just as precious to you, whether you don’t get to your destination together, or you do.
I couldn’t sleep last night, so I got up and surfed the internet for a while in the middle of the night to take my mind off things (why I’m doing this now I guess), I watched Favre’s postgame press conference. Maybe it was my heightened emotions at that time, but man did the sense of “something central to my life may be gone from my life forever” in his face really hit me like a ton of bricks. I could not believe how broken Favre looked at that podium (emotionally as well as physically). That, plus the shots of Deanna covering her face in the stands, really made really feel like that family may just hole up in their place for awhile, and we should expect to give them some time to gather themselves and take stock what they should do next.
In the meantime, I too will probably have to get away myself from football and the Vikings for a while. Before I do, I just want to say, I’ve really enjoyed the community here, and thanks to those that predate me, for welcoming me. This is my first year of being intensely involved with the Vikings fanbase, and I’ve come away impressed that the intelligence and maturity of the greater part of it. It’s been a heck of a ride, a lot of fun and excitement this year even though it didn’t end like any of us wanted it to. The destination may not have been achieved, but that didn’t make the journey any less memorable or positive! “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
Sorry also to hear this....
It is hard to lose someone you love no matter the circumstamces….I think anyone not hearing about such a thing and NOT feeling their heartstrings pulling is a cold and hapless person…
Fortunately we have few such individuals here. This is a place we can all come to to celebrate the Ws, rant and scream and cry over the Ls, and as a group commiserate as fellow human beings…
We can also show our emotions a bit here, and fellow Viking fans can understand what the hell we are saying, they know, they have lived what we are living….That is a special thing….
I understand where you are puddnhead, in many ways and on many levels. Please take all the time you need, know that we all grieve with you and for you, and that we are here when you are ready to come back….
We probably will lose some bandwagon fans after this game, I am sure, but you know what? I think they will be back, because this place is special, it is ours, and one that will allow showing the many sides of being a fan, even the painful ones, and having those around you here that understand.
Again sorry for your loss, take care of yourself and your family as you need to, and see you when you come back. Note I did not say WHEN you come back. We will be here, door open, lights on, and welcoming you and all fans for what is to come…whatever that may be….Cheers!
I would rather be IN the Arena than watching from the stands...That is my life!
* Read Teddy Roosevelt's "Man in the Arena" if you need further explanation...
by vikingfanfrom afar on Jan 25, 2010 1:41 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry to hear about your Dad
I do remember that exchange, and I’m sure he’s in a better place now. May you find comfort and peace in your time of need. God bless.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Sorry about your pop, puddnhead.
That’s rough. Sympathy to you and your family during this (obviously) rough time. Hang in there, bro.
When you look at the numbers, total yards, this number or that, yeah, it LOOKS like the Vikes were the better team. BUT, those numbers are a bit skewed by the fact that the Saints were blessed with great field position for most of their possessions. A couple of those were due to the Vikes turning it over and poor kicking coverages. When that happens, you give the other guy the opportunity to score quickly. Thus, not as many yards or TOP, but still the same score. The real telling stat, as it usually is, is the TO margin.
I’m not saying the Saints were the better team here. What I saw was two VERY tough, VERY good football teams who played to a tie. I saw a beloved warrior play maybe his last game. I hope not. I think he should honor the last year of his contract and ya’ll would be crazy to not want him back. But, I know Brett. He takes this kind of stuff hard, real hard. Right now, he’s probably wondering why he ever picked up a football for the first time. He’ll be okay and hopefully he’ll be back.
Bottom line: Damn great game between two damn good teams. It’s a shame one of them had to lose. By Odin’s beard, we’ll see ya next year, Vikings.
"In my experience, the likelyhood that someone is right is increased proportionally by the intensity with which others are trying to prove him wrong." - James Mason aka Mr. Jordan in 'Heaven Can Wait'
by Tigernut on Jan 25, 2010 12:28 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I saw one team be better in nearly every way except...
turnovers and hitting the QB. And that was about it…we clearly outplayed them otherwise.
If you insist.
"In my experience, the likelyhood that someone is right is increased proportionally by the intensity with which others are trying to prove him wrong." - James Mason aka Mr. Jordan in 'Heaven Can Wait'
by Tigernut on Jan 25, 2010 8:24 PM CST up reply actions
feeling the pain like the rain
Thank you big time; drinks on the house for you!
To everyone who has lost one parent or another; I feel for you. Wish I could hold your hand or at least hug you.
I naturally thought the season was scripted to have the Vikes in the Super Bowl, and that Favre would go out on top. Now, there is nothing. I can only hope it dumps in Miami but will mildly root for the Saints, given how hard it is.
I’m a Cali bud who remembers the Vikings back to 1976 with Fran Tarkenton and Chuck Foreman and Bud Grant. I remember going hiking on Mount Tam the day we lost to the Hell’s Angels (I mean the Raiders). I remember 1983 (Sammy White dropping the ball) and 1987 (Darrin Nelson fumbling; my Dad analyzed that on the VCR for weeks) and 1999 (who hit the air conditioning button?!!)
When I thought about the fact that I don’t know how much longer Dad will be here, it made me feel as low as the soil.
In the bigger scheme of things, we’ll pull out of this, and I thought I had this morning, but this brought it back home again.
Wish I could be there in Minnesota to be with y’all, but will shed a tear or 2 for you instead.
by Darrin Mortensen on Jan 25, 2010 12:31 PM CST reply actions
Colts dat!
;) I lost quite a bit of respect when I saw the Saints’ lame game-plan to try and take Favre out of the game. I know that’s every defense’s dream but still, pretty classless. :(
MilCard...
thank you for eloquently bringing focus to the things that mean the most, helping to put our loss in perspective. I know you will continue to enjoy rooting for our beloved Vikings with your dad, and ultimately, that is more important than how we finish the season. SKOL
Beautiful piece of writing.
As much as this loss hurts, my pain does not compare to yours. One day though, we will win. One day.
In AP I trust
F-A-R-V-A =/= F-A-V-R-E
Okay, I was wrong about Favre.
by FarvaForTheVikings on Jan 25, 2010 1:35 PM CST reply actions
Response to ztavike-Spiller
Spiller played four years at Clemson and did not have a fumble
Great post MCF
Put my 3 year old son to bed at halftime last night… first thing he asked me this morning “Daddy, did the Vikings win?” I said, “Nope.” and he responded “Oh, man!”
Based upon his response and the agony I’ve felt being a life-long vikes fan I wondered if maybe I should save him the same and force him to pick another team? I guess that’s for him to determine as he grows older, but I’ll do what I can to make him bleed purple and gold… and hope that someday we can experience a Vikings SB victory together… something I never got to do with my father.
Skol Vikings!
Circle of Life, man
Funny how age and youth can change perspective on things. I would hope you and your son share the ultimate Vikings moment someday, too.
"We're used to Favre-a-palooza now. We're engulfed in Favre-a-palooza. It's not even Favre-a-palooza anymore. He's family now."
--Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe, on Brett Favre
Feeling the Pain!!!
We all feel the same on this one… who else had tortured sleep last night???? When I woke up all I thought of was 1st down on the 33 yard line!!!!! and we blew it!! even after 4 turnovers(at that point) it was our game….. The one consolation I take from this game is that after all the turnovers, questionable calls, penatly’s that shoulda been called.. Our team kept fighing, didn’t look anything like the meltdowns in Arizona and Carolina!!! The better team lost, didn’t get beat!!
I totally did too..
It reminded me of the morning after my best friend died and the morning after my mom died and the morning after my dad died. You wake up, nominally happy, then it hits you..WHAM. :(
Now granted those are much worse losses than this, it IS after all, just a game, but still. :(
Worst. Monday. Ever.
But as I’m learning, there is always next year. Sigh. Can I stomach drinking the kool-aid again? I don’t know but I’ll try to.
To me, the game was better than a win
Just the chance to watch Favre battle on after taking all those hard hits was worth more than winning a game
Football is just a game plated by people, and Favre is the best player
Wins are decided by refs, coin flips, and random bounces
Favre’s heart and gamesmanship is ever present, regardless of fickle matters such as the final score
Appreciate what you saw, because that was a rare spectacle
He’s always open. He catches a lot of balls. He’s un-guardable, no matter how old he is
How about a warning next time?
Something along the lines of NSFW to spare my co-workers from seeing a grown man weep at his desk??
Geez….
by VikesNCubsDeadEnder on Jan 26, 2010 12:45 PM CST reply actions
Yup, Favre came back for the 2010 season and everything was fine.
/sigh
by Midnight Rambler on Jun 3, 2011 10:21 PM CDT reply actions
Well...
We begged him to come back and he did. Things just did not work out at all, but I’m still of the opinion that he was a benefit to the team as a whole for those two seasons. Even though the 2010 season is best forgotten, 2009 more than makes up for it. YMMV.
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