Heading into their bye week, the Minnesota Vikings had started their season off strong with a record of 5-0. After two close games that didn’t go in their favor, they now hold a record of 5-2, making them one of the top teams in the NFC conference. In Vikings territory at Park, many are excited by the team’s success so far.
Senior Josh Fink said he has been surprised by how the Vikings have played so far this year. He said going into the season, his hopes were not very high.
“I honestly thought it was going to be a rebuilding year,” Fink said. “I was fine with us not having a good season and getting a high draft pick, but they’ve surprised me.”
Freshman James Newton said he had low expectations for the team, but the quarterback play from Sam Darnold so far this season was a highlight.
“I was expecting them to not do so well because they never really do that well,” Newton said. “The quarterback started making really good deep passes, and the whole team was playing way better than I expected.”
Science teacher Peter Dangerfield said Vikings fans are used to having lower expectations for the team’s success during the season because previous seasons have been disappointing.
“As a Minnesota Vikings fan, you are always hesitant to say they’re going to succeed,” Dangerfield said. “Sam Darnold has looked amazing so far, but as a Vikings fan, you’re still waiting for that other shoe to drop. You’re kind of waiting for the team to go on a losing streak.
Newton said this season has been much more interesting to watch. He said the improvement makes it more exhilarating to watch the games this year.
“(The Vikings winning) makes me way more excited to watch,” Newton said. “I’m more entertained than I used to (be) because they are playing much better, so it’s more fun to watch.”
According to Fink, most of the team’s success is due to the defensive mind of Brian Flores and the ability of the defense personnel to have a significant impact on the games.
“Our defensive coordinator Brian Flores and his schemes allow for the defense to step up and confuse offenses a lot,” Fink said. “Even if all of the players aren’t all-pros or the best at their position, they can make a difference on any given play, which is a huge deal.”
Dangerfield said the excitement people at Park have around football has always amazed him. He said people’s love for the game is massive.
“One thing that’s always surprised me is how much people love football. Here at Park, the amount of students we get at football games and their excitement for football has surprised me,” Dangerfield said. “I look around at the fan turnout in high school and college football and the Vikings—it’s pretty crazy.”
Fink said if the Vikings continue to play well and succeed in the NFL playoffs, the excitement around the team will be high at Park.
“It would be such great energy here at Park. It would probably be like last year when the Timberwolves were doing well in the playoffs, it would really bring the spirits and the energy up here at Park,” Fink said. “Most people here are Vikings fans and would want to support them.”
The Minnesota Vikings’ next game is on 7:20 p.m. Nov. 3 against the Indianapolis Colts at US-Bank Stadium.
