Great strategy and success doesn't always come with getting exactly what you want...

[StickierBuns]

This is why what KOC and the Vikings are doing right now is so impressive. Ideally, they wanted Kirko around for a year or two to mentor McCarthy: that was their 'optimal' plan. They refused to be held hostage again financially, so they moved onto a well thought out Plan B. And that backup plan has turned absolutely platinum because the right foresight, planning and ability of the staff and organization allowed it to optimize. Kirk's greed allowed them to escape what in hindsight would have been a lesser-than move, although if JJM wouldn't have been injured, he'd obviously be starting by now if Cousins had stayed. No way is Minnesota 12-2 with Cousins at the helm to this point. Darnold has been a revelation, an incredible passer with an elite arm, playing smarter and more controlled than ever while playing fearlessly. There's not a pass he can't throw and we've seen that to amazing results. What this also shows is careful leaving the warm embrace of Kevin O'Connell and the Vikings: you won't replicate it anywhere else as a QB. 

What this validates to me, along with everything else that's gone on in this fun 2024 season, is we've got the guy that is finally going to break through and obtain what us long-timers have ultimately been waiting for. KOC will figure it out and make it happen at some point....because you can't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you get what you need.

[Bullazin]

KOC is coach of the year no doubt. No one had us with 12 wins and we’re not done yet.
It’s Jim Harbaugh in the AFC, yuck, but deserved.

If slingin Sammie takes us deep, we have First World problems to deal with next year. I’m enjoying this great ride in a league where dominance no longer exists

[MaroonBells]

What's interesting to me is that the Vikings have one of the best situations in all of football. The ownership is good, facilities top notch, the coaching and culture on both sides of the ball make every player better. It turns cast-offs into contributors. It turns JAGs into Pro Bowlers. People around the league are starting to recognize this. 

So why did Christian Wilkins choose a crap org like the Raiders over the Vikings? Ignorance? Greed? I can't imagine there would ever be a time when I would take 10% more money to work for a bad company over a good one. So why do NFL players do it all the time?

[Bullazin]

What's interesting to me is that the Vikings have one of the best situations in all of football. The ownership is good, facilities top notch, the coaching and culture on both sides of the ball make every player better. It turns cast-offs into contributors. It turns JAGs into Pro Bowlers. People around the league are starting to recognize this. 

So why did Christian Wilkins choose a crap org like the Raiders over the Vikings? Ignorance? Greed? I can't imagine there would ever be a time when I would take 10% more money to work for a bad company over a good one. So why do NFL players do it all the time?

0% state income tax and weather/limelight. LA is a 1 hr flight.  Christian is known to be a little nutty anyway.

[purplefaithful]

Yah gotta wonder if Wilkins is 2nd guessing his decision...That org has a ways to go to be competitive consistently. IT may be down just a smidge as a conference, but the AFC is loaded with great organizations and QB's. That list dont include the Davis family anymore.

I do agree with Sticky - having KOC at the helm is reassuring. He may be the guy to break through where even Grant couldn't go. I hope so.

This year has been fun, entertaining and hopefully a springboard for a good run in 2025 and beyond. That is ultimately going to be determined by the upside of JJM and when he inevitably takes the helm.