Dane Mizutani: It’s OK to believe in this version of the Vikings. This isn’t 1998, 2009 or 2017.

Sep 22, 2023

ST. PAUL -- The fatalist nature of Minnesota sports fandom exists for good reason.

For the past few decades, whenever fans have started to believe in the Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins or Wild, they have consistently had their hearts ripped out of their chests in excruciating fashion.

None of those teams have hoisted a championship trophy since the Twins won the World Series in 1991. Most of those teams haven't come anywhere remotely close.

No franchise has become synonymous with heartbreak quite like the Vikings.

Anyone over the age of 30 can recall exactly where they were when Gary Anderson missed the field goal, when Brett Favre threw across his body, and when Case Keenum turned back into a pumpkin as the clock struck midnight on a Cinderella run. On each occasion, the Vikings made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game only to come up short of the Super Bowl via an epic collapse.

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Maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise then that fans are hesitant to buy in to the Vikings this time around. They have been hurt too many times in the past. They know better than to get too invested.

Here's the thing: It's OK to believe in this version of the Vikings.

They are 8-1 after notching their latest comeback victory — they are tied for the best record in the league — and appear to be getting better and better with each passing game under first-year coach Kevin O’Connell.

Not bad for a team that many considered fraudulent as recently as last week.

Many people pointed to the lack of a signature win, but the Vikings added just that to their resume this past weekend by beating the Bills on the road. After trailing by as many as 17 points, the Vikings kept chipping away at the Bills’ lead, and somehow pulled out a 33-30 overtime win in a game for the ages.

In response, the Vikings finally are starting to get respect on a national stage. Even their harshest critics have started to believe.

You should too.

Never mind that the Vikings went 15-1 in 1998 only to lose to the Falcons in the NFC Championship Game.

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Never mind that the Vikings went 12-4 in 2009 only to lose to the Saints in the NFC Championship Game.

Never mind that the Vikings went 13-3 in 2017 only to lose to the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.

Those previous teams have absolutely nothing to do with this version of the Vikings. It's important to remember that the past has no bearing on the present, even if sometimes it feels like it does.

The fact of the matter is the Vikings as they are currently constructed are Super Bowl contenders. They are a perfect 7-0 in games decided by a single possession this season and have proven week in and week out that they can win games in every way imaginable.

That stems from the culture that O’Connell has cultivated since he took over last winter in the offseason. He encourages players to be themselves and has placed an emphasis on winning as a team. Needless to say, it feels much different than when former coach Mike Zimmer was in charge.

The results have been palpable. Just look at the leaps and bounds Kirk Cousins has taken as a quarterback this season now that he's finally able to be himself. His success is a perfect microcosm of the Vikings.

There's also a clear likability to this group that hasn't been present for the past few seasons. They are enjoyable to watch on the field, like when Justin Jefferson makes impossible catches seem routine, and even more enjoyable to follow off the field, like when Kirko Chainz rocks his chains 30,000 feet in the air.

It's been a fun ride so far for everyone who has followed this version of the Vikings, and after the most recent win, it looks like this is only the beginning. Shouldn't that be reason enough to believe?

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