It was January 15, 2023 and the Vikings hosted the New York
Giants in the opening round of the playoffs. The Vikings favored to win and I
was so sure and of course the game needs to be played.
Yes the Vikings lost 31-24 to the Giants and most of the
talk was the 4th down and game on the line we see a four yard pass
Kirk Cousins to TJ Hockenson which ends up short and game over. The Giants
celebrating and Vikings leaving the field with fans so quiet.
The streets of Minneapolis might have been the most quiet I
have heard in some time with fans seemingly slowly making the walk back to
their vehicles.
We now bring on the 2023 season with the Vikings hosting the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at US Bank Stadium. The crowd out on front of the stadium
was packed with purple clad fans with a sprinkle of Tampa Bay fans. It was to the
point it was extremely hard to get through people which I like because it’s a place
of happiness for now.
The doors of the stadium were open with the nice weather. The
atmosphere was as good as I hoped and even better.
It is classis Vikings everywhere all over the stadium with
the end zones painted old school and the fan flags were same theme.
The place was electric with the full American flag across
the whole field, a fly over by three military helicopters really brought the
chills. The Vikings offensive players were announced one by one with the last
being Justin Jefferson. It was an incredibly loud cheer for the best receiver
in the NFL.
The pregame brings a tear to me as the loss of my dad six
years ago brings so many memories of my bond with him during the season. All I
could do is look up to the glass knowing he was watching with me. It’s
incredibly hard to think about the way he left but all I can do is hold my
memories.
The Skol chant is going crazy while Bud Grant’s family is
blowing the Gjallarhorn. I tell you it was loud and proud to be part of this Bud
Grant was to start a game.
I knew the game would be tough and Vike 5.5 point favorite I
was extremely nervous because the team seems to have a history of playing down
to the competition.
I heard from multiple sources on the radio the Bucs would be
a bottom five team when all is said and done.
I have been to way to many games in fact over 200 games in
my life having the hand sweats. The only season I can remember was my first
year of season tickets in 1998 when Randy Moss came into the league and we saw
the Vikings destroy everyone at home until of course the NFC Championship game.
The first half went as I feared leaving the Bucs in the game
although when Kirk Cousins found Jordan Addison wide open and then a TD the
place went crazy. Is this the point
where momentum goes to the Vikings and we destroy Tampa Bay? Nope!!!
Halftime 10-10 and my gut not feeling so well. You have to
be kidding letting this team play with you? Halftime was very cool with the
Vikings players of the decade out in chairs in the end zone with Mark Rosen and
Ahmad Rashad each speaking about Bud and his team of the decade. Rashad wore
#70 and explained to the crowd he is in support of Jim Marshall and the effort
to get him in the NFL Hall of Fame.
It’s crazy at halftime Kirk has thrown for 273 yards in one
half alone and the Vikings are tied, it felt like a game the Vikings should be
ahead.
The obvious many reasons account for the loss. A player
lining up off sides on a field goal giving the Bucs another chance as three
comes off the scoreboard and eventually a seven.
Three turnover by the Vikings and 0 by the Bucs doesn’t
help. The offensive line which has been beat up in twitter and all social media
avenues I will agree. I honestly felt like I was watching 2022 season extended.
It’s brutal to watch the front five get destroyed wat to
many times. I like being at games because you can watch so much more and I
watch Kirk especially seeming not to have awareness of the pass rush. I wish he
could read my mind as I say repeatedly watch out!!! Get rid of the ball!!!
The Vikings can’t afford a loss at home especially with the
schedule ahead. You HAVE to win your home games!!!!!!!
January 15, 2023 the fans leave quietly and now add
September 10th as two very quiet departures from US Bank Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles up next and I am sure they are licking
their chops to tear apart the Vikings O Line but again the game must be played.
I know the chance is slim being prime time and Eagles are
one of a couple teams favored to make it to the NFC Title game.
I can only hope the Vikings shock America and beat the
Eagles!!!
My prediction Vikings 21 Eagles 17??? I can hope can’t I?
Thank you for reading
SKOL
