The Absent Uncle: Oh, those Vikings!

I caught the Monday Night Football game between the Vikings and the Bears last week. 

I have been a diehard Vikings fan through all my moves around the country, watched/listened to the Super Bowl defeats half way around the world during my Navy years. But I just have to tell you – that Monday game was the worst of the worst. 

This is the first time I have ever written a sports-oriented column – but – this game? C’mon man! 

For sure, I heard the injury list, the wonderful bounce back from 0-3 start (by the way, prior to all the injuries) and I thought – you have to beat the Bears (who are suffering another beatdown season) at home and after discovering a journeyman QB who has had some success after obtaining him on the last possible day to trade for him. 

I am not a betting man. I had no wager on this game; I’m just a long-suffering fan, a witness to four Super Bowl defeats, and so, so many leave you at the alter experiences with these Vikings.

But this game – played in an indoor environment, by professionals, with a totally all in sold-out fanbase – cheering their lungs out, playing that ridiculous horn, and yelling “Skol” at every opportunity (I really don’t ever remember “Skol” being a word in the old days – ‘uffda’ was said – a lot).   

But this one was beyond the pale; too much to endure. What more can a team ask of their fans? How can you just try to forget this – believe that the playoffs can still be achieved?

Luckily, it was a bye week. Uffda. We will be healed up, memories cleansed, and ready for the next game.

Go Vikes!