July 30, 2010 – October 31, 2010
As quickly as a Brett Favre pass sails into the hands of an opposing defensive back, the season of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings ended in Foxborough, MA on October 31, 2010. Questionable coaching, erratic play from its superstars and a bizarre postgame press conference from one of the biggest lightning rods in Vikings’ history was too much for the team to overcome, as the Vikings eventually succumbed to their season long illness and were laid to rest last Sunday.
The irony of the Vikings season vanishing on Halloween was not lost on its tortured yet faithful fan base, as their play had been downright scary for most of the season. Despite bringing back most of the key contributors from a team that was one play away from the Super Bowl last year, the Vikings could not seem to get out of their own way for much of the season. Bad play at the quarterback position and a group of underachieving wide receivers overshadowed a stellar season from Adrian Peterson.
This version of the Minnesota Vikings held so much promise and had visions of a trip to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV. However, the team surrendered to its doomed fate much earlier this year than in other years, saving its players and fans from the gut-wrenching agony that they knew awaited them. Like the Drew Pearson push-off, Darrin Nelson fumble, Gary Anderson wide-left, 41-doughnut or 12 men in the huddle, this season ends for the Vikings like all others: at home, without the Lombardi trophy.
It was not known whether Jared Allen would be present at the memorial, as he has been missing from the team for most of the season. When asked how the funeral expenses were to be paid for, ex-wide receiver Randy Moss declared, “Straight cash homey.”
Memorial services will be held periodically at the Mall of America Field on Sundays throughout the remainder of the fall.
by Steve Held
