Welcome to another episode of Purple & Gold 4 Days, where we dive deep into all things Minnesota Vikings. In today’s episode, we’ll be taking a comprehensive look back at the Vikings’ season and discussing the team’s performance. Join Justin Day, as he analyzes the ups and downs of the season and explore what the Vikings need to do moving forward.

Vikings Season Recap
The Vikings’ season came to an end with a disappointing loss to the Detroit Lions. Just as a fan, predicted a 38-28 loss, and unfortunately, the prediction came true. The actual final score was Lions 30 – Vikings 20. However, there’s more to discuss than just the final score. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the rollercoaster ride that was the Vikings’ season.

The team started off with a rocky 0-3 record, followed by a 1-4 start. Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, they went on an impressive winning streak, only to finish the season on a whimper by losing six out of their last seven games. It’s safe to say that inconsistency was a defining factor for the Vikings this season.

Mediocrity and the Vikings
One question that often arises when discussing the Vikings is whether they are a mediocre team or not. As a fan, I have my own definition of mediocrity, and it’s not just about being “okay” or competitive for the division. The Vikings have a unique history that sets them apart from other teams. They hold the record for the highest regular season winning percentage among teams that haven’t won a Super Bowl in the NFL. That’s a stat that speaks volumes.

While the Vikings have made it to five NFC Championship games, they always seem to fall just short of reaching the Super Bowl. As a 44-year-old fan who has never seen his team in a Super Bowl, I believe it’s time to raise our standards for success. Simply being competitive and making the playoffs is no longer enough. It’s time for the Vikings to aim for greatness.

The Wilfs’ Ownership and Team Direction
To understand the Vikings’ current situation, we must address the ownership. The team has been under the ownership of the Wilf family for 19 seasons. Over the years, I’ve observed a pattern in their management approach. The Wilfs prioritize avoiding being a “train wreck” team, which is understandable from a business standpoint. However, this cautious approach limits the team’s potential for sustained success.

During the Wilfs’ ownership, the Vikings have had four seasons with six wins or fewer and four seasons with 11 wins or more. The majority of their seasons fall within the 7-10 win range, which seems to be the sweet spot the Wilfs aim for. While it’s commendable to consistently be relevant, it’s also important to recognize that mediocrity is not a recipe for long-term success.

Kirk Cousins and Team Building
Now, let’s talk about the Kirk Cousins era. It’s crucial to note that the Vikings’ struggles are not solely Kirk Cousins’ fault. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Kirk Cousins experiment has been, by all accounts, a failure. The team brought in Cousins after reaching the NFC Championship game with Case Keenum as the quarterback. The hope was that Cousins would elevate the team to new heights.

While Cousins has shown flashes of greatness and is undoubtedly a talented quarterback, the team has failed to build a solid foundation around him. The defensive depth has been lacking, and the roster composition has been unbalanced. The front office’s inability to address these issues has hindered the team’s progress.

Raising Standards for Success
As fans, we shouldn’t settle for mediocrity. We need to raise our standards and demand more from our beloved team. It’s time for the Vikings organization to rethink their team-building strategy and make bold moves to move beyond mediocrity. Simply avoiding being a bad team is not enough. We should strive for greatness and aim to bring a Super Bowl trophy home.

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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Vikings’ season may have ended on a disappointing note, but it’s crucial to use this as an opportunity for growth and change. We, as fans, have the power to demand more from our team. Let’s support the Vikings as they embark on a new journey towards greatness.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Purple & Gold 4 Days. For more Vikings-related content, make sure to subscribe to Purple & Gold 4 Days on YouTube and Vikings 1st & SKOL on YouTube. Together, let’s cheer on our Vikings and hope for a brighter future.

FAN WITH US!!!
Justin Day @jday_24 with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL. “By Fans, For Fans”… Tune in to Purple & Gold 4 Days!