They Can't Win The Big One (Or The Little Ones Either)

Where does this choke job rate in the decades-long goof that is the Minnesota Vikings football franchise? You have to taken into consideration all the other hands-around-neck games this team has lost. Let's take 'em chronologically:

1) When they lost their first Super Bowl.
2) When they lost their second Super Bowl.
3) When they lost their third Super Bowl.
4) When they lost their fourth Super Bowl.
5) The loss in the NFC title game when Darrin Nelson dropped the ball in the end zone.
6) The loss on the last game of the regular season when they couldn't beat (I think) the inept Cincinnati Bengals, finished 8-8, and missed the playoffs.
7) The overtime loss in the NFC title game (at home) against Atlanta.
8) The loss in the NFC title game against the Giants, when they were favored by two touchdowns. Not only did they give up 41 points, they scored none.

But then you have today's game. All the Purple had to do was beat the hideous Arizona Cardinals, and they win the NFC North. They lead 17-6 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Their defense coughs up a touchdown to the Cardinals with two minutes left. Their special teams slap around an Arizona onside kick and the Cardinals recover. Their defense picks up a bonehead pass interference call. They lose 18-17 on a time-has-expired touchdown pass by much-feared Slingin' Josh McCown out of Sam Houston State. The Vikings are out of the playoffs completely.

It's safe to say that this game (and their play since starting 6-0) qualifies as one of their Top Ten choke jobs. Lord, it was beautiful. Thanks for the laughs and see ya next season Vikings!