The Ugly Truth: Vikings Don’t Deserve the Playoffs
Steven DeLuca
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Viewers reluctantly tuning into the 3-7 Seahawks versus the 4-6 Football Team game probably weren’t aware that the game carried substantial playoff implications. Washington now holds the final playoff spot in the NFC after Monday night. The Vikings playoff hopes are still alive at 5-6, but is that really worth celebrating? Minnesota fans will go through the motions of sulking for a few days before justifying the loss. They will reiterate the team’s ability to stay competitive in every game this year and layout all the scenarios that lead to a Vikings playoff birth. No matter how you dice it up, the ultra-talented Minnesota Vikings are 5-6; and, in this writer’s opinion, the ugly truth is the Vikings don’t deserve the playoffs. Here’s why.
The Roster
On paper, a Vikings playoff birth seemed unavoidable coming into the 2021 season. The offense boasts a top 10 QB, top 5 RB, and two top 20 WRs, with Jefferson becoming a household name. The team brought in high-profile players in free agency like Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Tomlinson, Xavier Woods, and Bashaud Breeland. Also, it solidified its offensive line with 1st round pick Christian Darrisaw. Every indication pointed to a deep Minnesota playoff push. Many fans will argue that the team has dealt with injuries all season. True, but what team hasn’t? With a roster this talented, the Vikings inability to close out games this year is inexcusable.
The Coaching
In early November, PurplePTSD.com was asking who could replace Mike Zimmer. Then, after a 2-game win streak against playoff contenders (Packers, Chargers) the calls for Zim’s job seemed to die down. Winning will restore the faith of many until, well, you lose. After Sunday’s loss to the Niners, which again included questionable time management, fans quickly remember Zimmer’s 2-timeout fiasco against Dallas and several other questionable-at-best calls this season. As usual, Zimmer’s coaching seat will cool down and heat up on a week-by-week basis. Still, after 8 years of mostly mediocrity, it should be evident the great defensive-mind of Zimmer cannot create a championship mentality in his locker room. Count me out rooting for another one-and-done Vikings playoff appearance if it opens the door to another year of Zimmer calling the shots.
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The Losses
Who knew that Opening Day would be a sign of what was to come for the Vikings this season? An OT loss to the Bengals was followed by a missed game-winning field goal against Arizona. After an opening-drive touchdown against the Browns, the Vikings failed to score again in the game. They lost to a Cooper Rush-led Cowboys team and squandered a 14-point third-quarter lead against the Ravens. After another winnable loss on Sunday, it’s hard to tell if it’s the Vikings’ inability to find a way to win or their ability to find ways to lose that haunts them most. It’s safe to assume that more losses like these are on the horizon.
Today, Minnesota’s playoff chances are reasonably high (48% chance to make the playoffs). However, regardless of the talent this team fields year after year, they are nothing more than Wild Card hopefuls. The coaching is suspect, and the losses are inexcusable. The ugly truth is fans should stop hoping for a Vikings playoff birth and start praying for an organizational shake-up.
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