Monday, September 11, 2023

Home opener disappointment

 

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

 

No comments:

Post a Comment