Tom, first of all, thanks for the great coverage and bringing a true fans perspective to the game and giving us an inside scoop that is missing anywhere else. It is truly appreciated. Also thanks for the human element you bring to this and especially kudos for not trying to do interviews in the aftermath of that debacle -- there is not a lot of judgement, humility and perspective in journalism these days, but you exude all of these qualities.
Two points to close the season, one positive and one negative. On the negative side, I really can't stand the notion that fans should be happy with a season if it turns out we won a few more games than "everyone" expected. The fact is that this year the heavens opened up for us and we were in a perfect position to step through to greatness. We did not get all the way there. Just like no one could have foreseen the massive O-line issues that doomed the 2016-17 season, no one would have expected the series of events that opened the door for the Vikings to be favored to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, at home. Personally, I am not going to shrug off the failure to take advantage of the golden opportunity we had simply because in August a lot of folks predicted we would be 8-8.
On a positive side, we have the greatest fans in sport. We have had our hearts ripped out, our heads kicked in. We're ridiculed and beaten down by a history unlike any other franchise. Yet we are friendly, welcoming and fiercely loyal. How about that SKOL chant at the Mall of America? The excitement this franchise gives to the State of Minnesota and its fans across the country and the globe. When we reach the promised land, it will be all that much sweeter!
