Just turned 55 last month. Vivid memories start @ Super Bowl IV.
With the current FO in place? My level of confidence in a SB victory before my demise in the next 20-30 years is @ 5%.
When the Vikings had the NUMBER 1 offense (and record setting at the time), they managed ONE playoff win, at home, against the Jake Plummer-led Arizona Cardinals....then shit the bed, AT HOME, against the Chris Chandler/Dan Reeves Dirty Birds.
Most recently, the Vikings had the NUMBER 1 ranked defense (with fans slobbering about an historic 3rd down efficiency rating) and then got ANNIHILATED on the road against a 2nd year HC and a back up QB, after a once-in-a-lifetime miracle victory at home. Yup, DEFENSE travels well.
I am compelled to believe, based on what I've witnessed, that even if the Vikings managed to have the number(s) 1 Offense AND Defense simultaneously, that the Special Teams would somehow manage to choke. It's just what they DO. I am basing this outlook on 6 decades worth of observation, not what I HOPE will occur.
I'll continue to root for these forever-frustrating-fuckers, but this franchise can't expect blind allegiance from long-time/old coot fans such as myself.... not after decades of the inevitable "kick in the 'ol toolbag" ending for EVERY season of promise. There's a limit to my tolerance of "wait 'til next year". 4 decades was my cut-off. I make NO apologies about learning from my experience....you know, " Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me 50+ times, shame on me"
As I have said consistently this century, "I'll believe the Vikings can win a Super Bowl once they at least MAKE IT to a Super Bowl".
An NFL team has to WIN 3 or 4 consecutive playoff games in order to win a Super Bowl. The last Viking team that was capable of winning at least TWO consecutive playoff games? The 1987 squad. That's 30 YEARS ago. The current Vikings regime? 2 total playoff (home) victories in the past 13 seasons. Whoop-de-doo.
So it goes.
Peace.
