Gut punch

And just like that, the new stadium, the re-tooled team, the season of hopes - were dashed.

If someone asked me a question like, "I love football, but I hate being constantly disappointed, What should I do?" My answer would be simple. Don't live in Minnesota. Being a Vikings fan and having annual major league disappointments go hand in hand.

This year was going to be so different. Shiny new stadium, a new coach who is showing his worth, fine draft choices who are maturing, and a decent pre-season. And then yesterday, the roof falls in once again. 

Yesterday, for no reason what-so-ever, Teddy Bridgewater suffered a year ending injury. It was just a routine drop back pass. There was no contact. When Teddy dropped back and put some pressure on his leg prior to throwing a pass, something terrible happened within his knee. And just like that, the new stadium, the re-tooled team, the season of hopes - were all dashed.

When Coach Zimmer held a presser to give the public the bad news, he could not put enough lipstick on the pig to make it even look half-way acceptable. "We are a team. We are much more than just one person." Okay coach - you are sort of right.

One of the things I have learned in all my years as a football fan, is just how instrumental a good quarterback is. Yes, there have been teams which have gone on to clinch a championship after the #1 quarterback had gone down with an injury. However, it is much more common that the wind goes out of the sail for the entire team when the starting quarterback goes down. 

So the season starts in less than two weeks. Hopefully, we can be the exception to the rule and still have a decent season. Next year, Teddy should be back. With luck, he will heal the same way that AP did after his leg injury. 

Will I still watch the Vikings this year? You bet. Will I be as excited as I was this time yesterday? Not a bit. Maybe I would be if we could coax Manning to come out of retirement for a season. That would certainly help. Kind of like when Farve helped us for that first year. Or, we just go with Shawn Hill and hope he plays way, way beyond his ability.