It's a low-key condemnation that Minnesota is in a make or break situation against the AWFUL Jacksonville squad. Even if those cats give the same kind of effort that they managed against Green Bay not too long ago Minnesota will have no excuse if they don't take care of business today.
It's much to my chagrin because after the one-win start I was as on the embrace-the-fails train as I could be. Now that they've surged to within one game of .500 the flip has to be switched again. Because even though the best way forward and big-picture would be to lose as many games as possible to set up a quicker rebound, the worst-case-scenario is finishing 7-9 or 8-8.
So now they need get out there and win.
Unfortunately, due to the inexcusable losses to Dallas & Atlanta and letting Seattle get away, the team has to nearly win-out the rest of the way to make the playoffs. As has been often stated already, Chicago & Detroit in weeks 15 & 17 are quite beatable. So the Purple's season will come down to Tampa in week 14 & New Orleans in week 16.
It's not out of the realm of possibility that Minnesota could win out.
Tampa has continued to struggle unpredictably while Zimmer has had some of his best successes against his former colleague (the cheater) so a 5-0 finish COULD happen. It's not likely, but it's possible.
Which brings us back to today.
From 5-7 they would have no choice but to run-the-table.
Stating the obvious, does anyone really think that Cousins would be able to hold-up under that pressure for four straight games?
I do not.
As an aside, let's say the team gets into the playoffs. The QB needs to helm the team to at least two victories in order for the team to entertain the idea of bringing him back.
But that's all distant.
What's present is that with either outcome the team will finally be back on a singular course for which to root. Down one would be a longer season, down the other (hopefully) a shiny new quarterback to hitch the franchise to for the next 15 years.
So enjoy the day & SKOL VIKES!
(and if you need something to help, check out the Gate Grub!)
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