Vikings Win Spurns Mixed Reactions
By Adam Carlson
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) kicks a 30 yard field goal to the the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The Vikings just got their third win of the season and have spoiled the playoff hopes of the Chicago Bears. You’d think Vikings fans would be really excited about this, but oddly enough, reactions have been mixed.
One of my personal favorite Minnesota Vikings facebook pages, Purple Jesus Diaries, posted this as their status update following the win.
"If the Minnesota Vikings would have lost today, we’d now hold the #2 draft pick. As is, we’re actually #6. Hope that embarrassing win was worth it!"
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) celebrates with linebacker Chad Greenway (52) and wide receiver Joe Webb (14) following the game against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
And they are not the only ones who feel this way. Many Vikings fans are expressing that a win is really a loss for the Vikings because it hurts their draft position in the upcoming draft.
I disagree with this. I would rather have the Vikings finish with a respectable record and get some wins (or ties) against division opponents in order to appear like a squad that should be taken somewhat seriously. Plus, if the Vikings really want a player in the draft, general manager Rick Spielman has not shown any hesitation in pulling the trigger on a trade to get who they want.
So, how do you feel? Is a regular season win for the Vikings really a loss because of draft position? Is it entirely too soon to be thinking draft? Let us know in the comments.