Redemption

by Jhigg02 | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

0-5.

That was the Minnesota Vikings record in the playoffs going into the 2021 NFL season. Words like "fraud" and "choke" were often used to describe this team despite a 44-4 record over the past 3 regular seasons. Considering that one of those playoff defeats came at the hands of the pitiful panthers, it is easy to see why. 

The 2021 regular season provided much adversity for the Vikings. A mid-season injury to the reigning MVP Teddy Bridgewater and a blowout home loss to the Ravens were tough to overcome. However, this team seemed to hit rock bottom when they were shutout at home by the team that knocked them out of the playoffs the previous season, the San Francisco 49ers. Most teams would have packed up and took a vacation after a defeat like that, like the Seattle Seahawks coach. But, not this team. 

The Vikings coasted into the NFC Championship game. Where the defending champ 49ers were the only thing in their way from finally reaching the Super Bowl. This time the Vikings had a score to settle. A 10 point 4th quarter deficit wasn't enough deny this team, and they advanced to the Super Bowl thanks to a 366 yd 4TD performance by Teddy Bridgewater. 

They had one final team in their way of redemption. The Denver Broncos and their vaunted defense. During media week, many claimed that the Vikings vertical passing game would struggle against the Broncos vaunted secondary. But, all doubters were silenced on the first play. They quickly learned that this team was not going to be denied of their first Lombardi trophy. They finally secured their place in history, and did it by going 4-1 against the best division in football. 

This team should be a lesson to all coaches out there. Don't give up and keep practicing. Anything is possible. (Except for the Panthers and Seahawks. They you have no chance.)