Vikings Looking To Keep Impressive Streak Going
by Christopher Gates on Dec 27, 2010 8:46 PM CST
in Minnesota Vikings 2010 Season
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PrintThe Minnesota Vikings currently sit with a record of 5-9, as we all know. We know that this isn't the record that any of us expected the Vikings to be sitting at with two games remaining in the 2010 season, but that's the way things are. Barring a monumental upset tomorrow night, the Vikings are going to be sitting with a record of 5-10 going into the season finale at Ford Field. . .again. . .against the Detroit Lions, who also have a 5-10 record after winning consecutive road games for the first time since the Reagan Administration or something, whenever it last was.
So going into the season finale, the Vikings are quite possibly going to be looking at the end of a streak that is pretty impressive by any stretch, and I'm not sure is currently matched by any other team in the NFL at this point in time.
The last time the Minnesota Vikings finished in sole possession of last place in any division they were a part of was the first year that yours truly was a fan of the team. . .the Les Steckel disaster year of 1984, where they finished with a 3-13 record (the only year since the advent of the 16-game schedule where the Vikings failed to win at least five games). The Vikings haven't even finished in a tie for last place in the division since 1990, when they finished 6-10 and in a four-way tie for last in the NFC Central. . .Chicago was the only team in the division that season with a winning record. (Thanks to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune for those tidbits.)
Think about that for a second. . .it's been more than a quarter of a century since the last time the Minnesota Vikings finished a season in last place all by themselves. It's been two decades since they so much as finished tied for last place. There is an entire generation of Vikings' fans that have never seen this team finish in the division cellar.
Here's the list of last-place finishers in the Vikings' division since the last time the Vikings finished in last place all by themselves.
NFC Central
1985 - Tampa Bay
1986 - Tampa Bay
1987 - Tampa Bay/Detroit (tie)
1988 - Green Bay/Detroit (tie)
1989 - Tampa Bay
1990 - Tampa Bay/Green Bay/Detroit/Minnesota (tie)
1991 - Tampa Bay
1992 - Tampa Bay/Chicago/Detroit (tie)
1993 - Tampa Bay
1994 - Tampa Bay
1995 - Tampa Bay
1996 - Detroit
1997 - Chicago
1998 - Chicago
1999 - Chicago
2000 - Chicago
2001 - Detroit
NFC North
2002 - Detroit
2003 - Detroit
2004 - Chicago
2005 - Green Bay
2006 - Detroit
2007 - Chicago/Detroit (tie)
2008 - Detroit
2009 - Detroit
(Note to self. . .if you type "Detroit" a bunch of times, you immediately start wondering if it's spelled wrong, because it starts to look kind of weird after a while.)
Now, I haven't gone back to take a look at every other team in the NFL, but I'd find it kind of hard to believe that any team has put together a streak of avoiding last place like Minnesota has over the past quarter of a century. It speaks to how consistently Minnesota has been in contention over the history of the franchise without ever having gotten the big prize.
A loss tomorrow means that the Vikings and Lions will have identical records going into the season finale. . .and that, barring a tie, one team will finish in sole possession of the NFC North cellar. Even though this season isn't going anywhere, I, personally, would like to see this little streak continue.
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Now, I haven’t gone back to take a look at every other team in the NFL, but I’d find it kind of hard to believe that any team has put together a streak of avoiding last place like Minnesota has over the past quarter of a century.
While this streak is great, I actually thought the opposite of you — I found it hard to believe that no team hadn’t before. I don’t know where one looks fo rsuch things, but I just decided to go to wikipedia (where they list historical season records ina dfinal division finish) & take some guesses. My first guess of the 49ers did not quite pan out — they only went 23 years between 1980 and early 2000s — but my second guess of the Broncos did, their streak of not finishing in cellar ran from 1971 to 1999. If I read right, it actually would still be alive today (almost 40 years) except for the improbably season of 1999 in which they had a 6-10 record in a 5 team division but the other 4 teams all did better. That season was also notable of course as their first post Elway season & for losing TD to IR right away as well.
more notably
If I read correctly, the Steelers have not finished in the cellar since 1966 (going on 45 years)
1969
The Steelers were 1-13 that year tying the Bears for the worst record in the NFL (pre merger). They weren’t in the same division as Chicago, but they were at the bottom of the old Century division.
1988
Actually, the Steelers finished last in the AFC Central in 1988 with a 5-11 record. Nice try, though.
you are correct
I was just quickly scanning the final ranjkings on the wikipedia list & when I saw 4th there, I must have thought it was a 5 team division at that time (I thought that was the standard that year, but I guess not).
Anyway, this was all academic to me, I was just curious. Yes this is an accomplishment to be proud of! Apparently even the “dynasty” franchises of the NFL have fallen just short of this mark!
1990
Actually, the Broncos finished alone in the bottom of the division in 1990 with a 5-11 record. Also, would have finished alone in the bottom of the division in 1982 but, because of the strike shortened season, the NFL chose to eliminate divisions that year. So, as far having the lone possession of last place in a division, the Vikings streak is the best of any team. You can find these stats on http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/teams.nsf/histories.
Hey, I didn’t want to create a whole fanpost for this, but — why didn’t Harvin return kicks last week? Is he likely to return kicks this week? It seems like that’s a large part of his value to the team.
"Have you ever thought about love????"
Better to keep him safe.
Booker is doing an excellent job…good speed and nice dodges…seems inspired when running…he returned one for TD only to be turned back due to a foul by Jasper Brinkley.
No we're not
Did you see all those last-place finishes for Detroit? Plus the fact that they’ve got one playoff victory in the past 50+ years? (Getting close to 60, if memory serves me correctly.)
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 28, 2010 7:38 AM CST up reply actions
Detroit has lost badly in the past
What does that have to do with the present?
Detroit has a front office that has the team pointed in the right direction.
Detroit has a coaching staff that is stable and improving.
Detroit has a stadium that has a roof. (Lions know where they are going to be playing next year)
Lions have been doormats for many years, but this is a much bigger game to the Lions than it is for the Vikings. Detroit is going to sell out Sunday’s game, why? This is a playoff-type game to the Lions to get out of last place.
BTW: Detroit is favored by 6 points.
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Dec 28, 2010 5:20 PM CST up reply actions
That's nice and all
But to say that the Vikings “are the Lions” or “worse than the Lions” is incredibly insulting to the Vikings.
Sorry. That’s just how it is. If the Lions ever slap the Vikings around for a decade the way Minnesota has slapped Detroit around for the last ten years, then their fans can talk to us about being better.
By the way, we heard your team was “going the right direction” and so forth after they went 7-9 in 2007. How’d the next two years work out for them?
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 28, 2010 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
This was not meant to start an argument.
I just do not understand, what the Lions past history has anything to do with today.
Do we just put the Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals every other year?
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Dec 28, 2010 6:24 PM CST up reply actions
I'll tell you what
If the Lions were a six-point favorite, I should have jumped on the Vikings +6 when I had the chance.
I suddenly don’t think they’re a six-point favorite any more.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 29, 2010 12:46 AM CST up reply actions
You are right
You can only get Vikings +5.5
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Dec 29, 2010 2:29 PM CST up reply actions
So Vegas is in the business
Of giving money away now?
Awesome. Gotta get me some of that.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 29, 2010 3:07 PM CST up reply actions
If you want to make a killing.
Bet the Vikings straight up, you do not need the points.
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Dec 29, 2010 3:15 PM CST up reply actions
BTW: Detroit is favored by 6 points.
Not anymore….not after the Vikes smack down of the SB favorite Eagles….LOL. I bet the line goes down to about 3. And that’s only because the game is in Detroit.
Very true
Vikings were very impressive against the Eagles, the line has to drop.
"But the point is, finger-pointing is just what sports fans do when something doesn't go right." -- Kurt Mensching
by RealityIsOptionable on Dec 29, 2010 3:12 PM CST up reply actions
I think the Vikes will beat Detroit
But if the Vikings DID happen to lose, who would win the tiebreaker (for third place thus TECHNICALLY keeping the streak alive?) So sad to dwell on such a thing but…
There wouldn't be a tiebreaker
If we lost to the Lions, they’d be 6-10 and we’d be 5-11.
SBNation Minnesota - For the greatest sports fans in the world.
The Daily Norseman - The greatest Vikings' site on the Internet!
by Christopher Gates on Dec 28, 2010 7:37 AM CST up reply actions
vikes finishing 2010 division race...
"the following statement is true:
the preceding statement was false" - george carlin
I want the draft picks more than to keep the streak alive
Perhaps with higher picks in the draft we’ll be less likely to end up in or near the basement in subsequent seasons.
Kind of agree here
We’re looking at a top 5 pick right now. Wins could possible drop us to the 10-15 range……fairly significant difference when you look at what the Vikes need.
I also kind of agree
If the Vikings lose the next 2 games they could pick anywhere from number 2 to 8 (I don’t think there is any way Carolina doesn’t get the number 1 pick), and they would get to play the #4 teams on their schedule next year.
they'd better get used to this spot
if they don’t fix both their lines. If the oline continues to let their QB get pummeled and the dline continues to give opposing qb’s so much time to throw, their going to finish in last place every season.
What streak, oh the one of never winning a Superbowl.
That’s a 50 year streak. I can’t believe Tampa Bay, New Orleans, The Ravens have all won Superbowls before us. I know the Ravens are a good team they started playing in 1996 & have already won the big one. Tampa was the poster child of in futility for the NFL for years. New Orleans until recently has sucked forever. Someone in the Vikings office needs to get serious about bringing a championship here. What next the Lions win the Superbowl. What’s really frustrating is that we have been to to playoffs 26 times. 26 times are you kidding me. 26 times in 50 years that’s impressive. Whats even more impressive is how can you not win 1 freaking time in 26 try’s. Do I seem a little frustrated? Does a frog have a water tight asshole. Yeah thank God for the DN it beats ramming my head though my computer screen. SKOL Vikings.
Wow, now that you put it that way,
this franchise is the poster boy for choking on the big one. Ouch.
'98 and '09
were some good efforts.
Hard to think our team would have to be better than those teams to actually get to the Superbowl, let alone win it :P
True
But the problem is we can’t sustain success like that. We have one, maybe 2 good years stringed together, but then the team gets dismantled. It sucks being a Kings fan sometimes knowing all the choking and heartache, but when it comes down to it, i love it. I love the fact that every year we still EXPECT to make the playoffs. I love that we always have high expectations. I love that when we get to the NFC championship games I about have a heart attack. I love the Purp ’n Gold. SKOL!!
Maybe another Blizzard will start in the middle of this game???? Can we forfeit ahead of time?
I would rather do that than see Vick torch our entire D on prime time…..
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
~Mark Twain
We are going to be treated
Like a hot young trophy wife who’s uncaring husband has left her home with the pool boy who happens to look like Arnold in his prime and carries some serious man sausage. Graphic enough for you?
by Jepp The Viking on Dec 28, 2010 11:08 AM CST reply actions
Not surprised
Especially when you factor in the Vikings lifetime winning percentage of 0.551 which puts them in 5th overall. Very significant when you consider that the 5th winningest team in NFL history may leave its home. Granted, this is only wins and losses. We are all well aware of the one win that has eluded the Vikings all these years.
Impressive
Despite the lack of a Super Bowl trophy, the Viking organization through fifty years of various owners and management is an impressive franchise. It would be awful to have watched these past fifty seasons only to see this proud franchise move to LA like the Lakers. The Lakers have gone on to win many NBA Championships in LA and the NorthStars won a Stanley Cup one season after leaving Minnesota for Dallas ( I hate that as much as I hate the Cowboys and the Mavericks).
I have not lived in Minnesota since 1968; I don’t pay taxes there and really have no say in what happens but the MINNESOTA VIKINGS should always remain the MINNESOTA VIKINGS! Build the damn stadium that this storied franchise deserves!
If the team moves..
I wouldn’t feel as if it was the same team if they went on to win a SB.
Jus say’n.
As much as I love this team,
I hope we lose for two reason:
1) I selected the Eagles in our office Yahoo! Eliminator pool. My last remaining opponent picked wrong with Dallas, and is out. If we lose, I’ll win the whole thing, and $50 :P
2) Draft pick!
And Another Thing
in addition to being 5-9 so far this season, the Vikings were 2-3 in December 2009 and 1-1 in last year’s playoffs, so they’ve gone 8-13 since starting last season 10-1. They have’t been playing winning football in over a year.
lack of adjustments?
The second 1/2 of the season in 2009, we weren’t winning our road games & outside games.
We never lost at home or indoors. We won some outside road games early, but they were in warmer weather with the idea of also having the opposing team not be that great. We had a great start, which propelled us to a nice seed. We never got really blown out, but we did have a couple moderate beatings (See Cards & Panthers game).
Even the Superbowl Champs had to take the Vikings to OT…
We were a great indoor team… But, I wonder if the game would have gone differently if we were seeded #1 & played at home…
no question
would have been a huge swing. the saints wouldn’t have responded from the early lead we had if we were in the dome. That D last year would have put the clamps on them. this is depressing. Can we stop talking about this?
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