19 seconds left. The Vikings on the New Orleans 33. 3rd down. A 51-yard field goal. Ryan Longwell is kicking it into a net on the sideline. I'm hunched over, having a moment, not believing the Vikings are on the way to their first Super Bowl of my lifetime. Longwell is about as money as they come. All he needs is a shot. I begin screaming to just let him go for it on 3rd down instead of testing the fumble gods.
Then it happens. Too many men on a field. Out of range. Then an interception.
There are many ways to lose, and this was about the worst.
5 fumbles, 3 lost. 2 interceptions lost. 5 turnovers against the new NFCChamp Saints, in New Orleans, and the Vikings still could've (should've?) won by a field goal.
I had wondered if I would feel relief if the Vikings lost. The feeling of getting it over with. Avoiding the prolonged tease, knowing the curse. But I didn't feel that at all. Instead I just felt it was a shame.
This team was really good, could've been great. And it's hard to say "there's always next year" yet since too much will depend on if a certain quarterback comes back.
Try to enjoy your break from the Vikings. I'll have more thoughts on next year later in the week. In the meantime remember this: Never bring the Vikings home to your mother. They'll only break your heart. Learn to be happy with the good times you have and accept them for what they are - a good, sometimes great, franchise that brings us all together for 6 months every year.
And try to forget that a Super Bowl trip was just a 51-yard field goal away.