All I want for Christmas is…
Father Christmas will be making his annual trip around the world in just a few days.
While his allegiances have never been fully confirmed, I like to think that if he did tune in to the NFL he would follow the Vikings.
He has the beard and the mythology which fit the Vikings brand. Barring an incredibly successful marketing campaign from Coca Cola he could have even been wearing a purple suit.
With all of that in mind, I think it is only fair we send the big guy our Christmas list.
Who knows, maybe he is feeling as generous as the Cincinnati Bengals defense.
Keep Brian Flores
Brian Flores is the number one reason that the defense is performing at the incredible level that it is.
As defensive coordinator he has turned round a unit which was in dire need of a change in attitude and aptitude.
A number of the signings made in free agency who have been impactful are players who Flores has worked with before.
When the inevitable turnstile of head coaching vacancies comes through at the end of the season, Flores will undoubtedly be in the conversation.
There is no doubt in my mind that he deserves another shot at the head job, but from a selfish point of view I really hope he stays to continue the great work he has been doing.
An end to kicking woes
A playoff berth has already been clinched, how far the Vikings go will depend on 100 different factors.
History teaches us that these games can come down to the finest of margins, such as whether or not your kicker can perform under pressure.
Missed field goals can happen at any time, inside the final two minutes of the fourth quarter is the worst time they can happen. Mention Gary Anderson or Blair Walsh to any Vikings fan and unfortunately all of the good they did is forgotten.
They are remembered and blamed – whether fairly or not – as being responsible for heart breaking losses. Will Reichard has made a great start to his NFL career, we can only hope if it comes down to one swing of the leg he is up for the job.
A resolution at quarterback
Sam Darnold has been a revelation this year, he undoubtedly deserves a starting place next season.
However, it is in unlikely this will be with the Vikings. Kevin O’Connell has worked wonders with Darnold, Josh Dobbs and Kirk Cousins before him.
How much of Darnold’s success this season is down to him and how much is down to O’Connell is something that could be debated endlessly.
Barring another injury setback, J.J. McCarthy will be the man under centre moving forwards. As one of the youngest players in the league the hope is he takes the job with both hands and becomes the franchise quarterback the Vikings have been craving.
A Super Bowl
Hands up, I will admit it. I am asking for too much here.
There are better teams in the league and we have learned the hard way not to expect anything. Prepare for failure and you will never be disappointed.
All of that being said, someone has to win it and why not the Vikings? We are in the playoffs already, the number one seed is in our hands.
We have a team and scheme that can at least compete with anyone. If there is no hope, why do we even watch this game?
Merry Christmas to all, and a Skol to all fellow Vikings.
