It would not be an understatement to say that fans of the Minnesota Vikings are beyond disgruntled after the first three games of the season – but an even better word is probably “shocked.” It’s not just that the Viking have no wins and three losses. It’s the WAY they lost.
In each game, they dominated the first half with iron-tight defense and an offence, if not totally overpowering, put up decent points. In week one, the Vikes were up 17-7 at the half against the Chargers. They lost to the Chargers 24-17. In week two they had a 17-0 edge on the Buccaneers at the half. The Vikes lose 24-20. And week three – same story! They dominate on both side of the ball, are up a cool 20-0 at the half, and then come back out to let Detroit roll over them, blowing the game 26-23 in over time.
Tens of thousands of fans were thinking at half-time with Detroit down by 20: “No way! No possible way are these guys going to blow three first-half leads in a row!”
But they did!
This is the first head coach job for Leslie Frasier, often called a “player’s coach” because of his own background as a NFL player. However, after three straight losses – and not just losses, but embarrassing “chokes” – much of the blame is already focusing on Frazier, fair or not.
After all, the Vikings are filthy with talent. Adrian Peterson just signed a $100 million deal, well deserved because none would dispute he is the best running back in the game today. At QB is the adequate veteran McNabb, and they have other stellar weapons in the likes of wide receiver Percy Harvin and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe. Of course, Jared Allen is having a great year on defense and almost certainly is destined for the Hall of Fame.
So what’s the problem? They are a team in dire need of answers. At a dismal 0 and 3, the season is already teetering on disaster. Fans are refusing to buy Vikings tickets, making attendance an all time low. With Super Bowl champs Green Bay and the surprising 3-0 Detroit Lions in their division, it’s shaping up to be a long, cold bitter winter for fans.
