The Minnesota Vikings have a losing record going into the bye week, but expectations are still high for the team. At this point in the season, some experts and sports publications are projecting the playoff teams and division winners.
Oct 26, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
While the Vikings are currently 4-5 and tied for last place in the NFC North, many players on the Vikings team seem to have bought in to the team’s chances at perhaps making a postseason run.
Second year wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson was vocal about his thoughts on the team’s chances for success this year. Patterson spoke with Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune following the team’s 29-26 win over the Washington Redskins. Here’s what Patterson told him:
"“We’re 4-5 and we feel like we’ve got a big shot at making the playoffs,” Patterson said."
Some fans might laugh at the idea of the Vikings being a playoff team after their rough start, and they’re not alone. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had a little chuckle when he heard about Patterson’s statement. Here’s what he told Jim Souhan:
"Playoffs? I’m thinking about the bye week.” Zimmer said."
That’s just Zimmer’s mindset. There’s no way that he’s even thinking about a possible playoff run at this point. Right now, this Vikings team needs to focus on getting healthy and getting some wins.
There’s no doubt that this team has a lot of talent, they just need to put it all together and string together some wins before they start talking about the playoffs.