From inbox | by Craig Peters
They have improved, but so to speak, why should there be so much celebration if they are eliminated.
Disappointing season, a complete failure.
I wanted to include Hector’s comments, but I don’t speak Spanish. With the help of an online translator, here are his comments in English, followed by a multilingual response.
They’ve gotten better, but what’s the point of celebrating if they’re already eliminated?
A disappointing season, a complete failure.
That question goes back to how Rob started this game preview, with Jefferson explaining his motivation going into the final three games of a season that won’t involve a trip to the playoffs.
Even after the ultimate goal of a season (winning a Super Bowl) is no longer a possibility (only one team knows that feeling), it’s still enjoyable for coaches and players to work together and achieve further success. Besides loving winning, people who reach the highest level of sports hate losing, and this team dealt with the latter more than they expected for a variety of reasons.
The four weeks of November following the eye-opening upset earlier this month in Detroit were brutal.
I think everyone would agree with Hector that the season was disappointing, but I disagree with calling it a “complete” failure.
McCarthy showed considerable growth with more time dedicated to his tasks. Continuing this over the final three weeks and entering a full offseason as healthy as possible are important goals as he enters his second season as a starter.
The Vikings will need to run the course to avoid a losing record overall, and Minnesota needs to win at home against Detroit and Green Bay to break even at home this season.
One comparison I have in mind is how the 2022 Lions finished this season, even though that team was already eliminated. Detroit went from 4-7 to 9-8 and was able to harness that momentum to create better seasons that followed.
Several fans lamented this week that the team only started playing better in the last two weeks. Some of it depends on the impact of the opponent and individual matchups, but much of the Vikings own what they can control.
Here is the translation of my response.
This question brings us back to how Rob began this game analysis, with Jefferson explaining the motivation in the final three games of a season that won’t include a playoff appearance.
Even when the primary goal of the season (winning a Super Bowl) is no longer achievable (only one team can feel that feeling), it’s still rewarding for coaches and players to work together and achieve further success. Besides loving winning, those who reach the highest level in the sport hate losing, and this team experienced the latter more than expected for a variety of reasons.
The four weeks of November following the surprising victory earlier this month in Detroit were brutal.
I think everyone would agree with Hector that the season was disappointing, but I disagree in calling it a total failure.
McCarthy has shown considerable progress with more playing time. Maintaining this pace over the past three weeks and arriving at preseason in good physical condition are important goals for his second season as a starter.
The Vikings must win all of their remaining games to avoid a losing record, and Minnesota must win at home against Detroit and Green Bay to finish the season with a balanced home record.
One comparison that comes to mind is how the Lions finished the 2022 season, even though they were already eliminated. Detroit went from a 4-7 record to a 9-8 record and managed to carry that momentum over the next few seasons.
Several fans lamented this week that the team only started playing better in the last two weeks. Part of this is due to the influence of rivals and individual clashes, but much of the credit goes to the Vikings for taking control of what was in their hands.
