To be a Vikings fan is to know just how fickle the fates can be. Here’s Jim Souhan with his patented Debby Downer take on the Vikings’ chances of equalling or exceeding last year’s 11-5 record and a playoff appearance:
The perception within and outside the organization is that the 2015 season was the first major step on a ladder that will stretch to the Super Bowl, perhaps when Minneapolis plays host to the big game following the 2017 season.
The optimism is justified by analyses of a talented young roster and Zimmer’s coaching chops.
The optimism is not supported by Vikings history.
Since the franchise was born, the Vikings have won 11 games in a season 12 times, including last year. Ten of the 11 previous times, the team’s win total dropped the next season — the Vikings won 12 games in 1969 and again in 1970.
There are circumstantial reasons to wonder if the Vikings fan base may be setting itself up for another dose of chronic disappointment.
Winning NFL teams sometimes assume their success is caused by tangible, controllable factors, but luck plays a major role in a league where parity is promoted, if not always attained.
The health and availability of key players can be pivotal — especially the health of quarterbacks. Teddy Bridgewater started 16 games last season. His backup, veteran journeyman Shaun Hill, did not perform well when called upon. The Vikings might be one injury away from wishing they had Christian Ponder.
Referees wield great power, especially when asked to make difficult decisions on what is a reception and what is pass interference.
Then there is human nature. The Vikings are a confident bunch. They also are playing in a division featuring Chicago Bears coach John Fox, known as a fixer of struggling franchises, and the perpetually dangerous Green Bay Packers, who may again have the services of star receiver Jordy Nelson.
So, in summary, since the Vikings have never won the Superbowl, there’s no chance they ever will. Because nothing ever happens for the first time.
In unrelated news, offensive tackle Phil Loadholt announced his retirement after trying to get back into game shape after ending the last two seasons on the injured reserve list. I’m sorry to see him go, but better that he decides for himself when to hang up the pads than to get cut by the team after training camp.
All good things must come to an end, they say. It’s certainly true in the case of Phil Loadholt’s Vikings career. The big-time blocker, a veteran of nine NFL seasons, announced his retirement on Monday.
Loadholt was big time in many senses of the word. In size because he tipped the scales at 6-8, 345 pounds. In ability because he entered the League as a second-round pick, won a starting job after his first training camp and played and started in 89 career games plus three postseason contests. And in heart because he played through injuries, played at a tough position and was a gentle giant off the field.
In my time with the Vikings, Loadholt has been one of the fiercest competitors in the locker room. After a loss, you could see how much it bugged him just by looking in his eyes. After a win, he was quick to celebrate with his offensive line mates and deflect any credit to the rest of the team. But either way, he would give you a fist bump and then move on to the next challenge worthy of his focus. He was always approachable, always kind and never made an outsider feel anything but welcome.
Another long-time Viking signed a one-day contract with the team in order to announce his retirement: defensive tackle Kevin Williams has also retired from the NFL after many years with the Vikings, Seahawks and Saints.
Kevin Williams spent the first eleven years of his career with the Vikings, collecting 60 sacks, eight forced fumbles, five interceptions, and four defensive touchdowns. . .two on interceptions and two on fumble recoveries. He moved on after the 2013 season, signing with the Seattle Seahawks. He had a shot at a Super Bowl ring that season, but the Seahawks ultimately fell to the New England Patriots in that year’s big game. He played the 2015 season with the New Orleans Saints.
Kevin Williams was one of the truly dominant defensive linemen of his era, and while he’s not going to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame player or anything, his name should certainly be mentioned in the debate for years to come. He was a five-time All-Pro (a very different thing from being a Pro Bowler, an honor which seemingly goes to half the league today), and was always in the conversation of the top defensive tackles in the NFL during his career. His case will be an interesting one to watch going forward.
The team’s training camp starts this week in Mankato MN, with players reporting in on Thursday and actual camp activities starting today.
Update: Announced after I scheduled this post, the Vikings have extended the contract of head coach Mike Zimmer.
“Mike has instilled a very positive atmosphere over the past three years and our players have thrived under his tutelage and leadership,” Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “His focus on helping our players develop and maximize potential, individually and collectively, is critical for our current and future success. We believe the continuity established with Mike leading our football team is a very positive step for our organization.”
Zimmer, in his trademark understated way, expressed his appreciation and quickly turned the conversation toward getting back to work.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Wilfs and to Rick, they kind of came to us and wanted to get it done,” Zimmer said. “They really didn’t have to; there was nothing that was pushing this deal. But I feel very, very fortunate to be the coach of the Vikings. It’s a great organization, a lot of great people. … It’s good to get done now and to get a chance to move forward.”
Zimmer joked that with the past few days of promotional appearances at the new U.S. Bank Stadium and at other various events that he’s “just ready to get out of that suit and get ready to get to work.”
The terms of the extension were not made public, but Rick Spielman was quoted as saying that the deal made Zimmer “a rich man”.
