With a victory on Sunday against the Broncos in Denver possibly sending the Vikings into the playoffs for the first time since 2004, the Purple will take a final exam in not only execution on the field but in leadership. A loss by Washington to Dallas and a win by the Vikings on the final Sunday of the 16 game season means an NFC wild card entry in the playoffs.
Last week, before Washington stopped a Vikings’ five game winning streak and Minnesota lost control of its playoff fate, there was conversation about the team’s leadership. Place kicker Ryan Longwell, a 10 year NFL veteran, said every locker room is different year to year.
“We have a good mix of veteran leadership and young guys,” Longwell said. “A group that likes to work and that’s what you need.”
It’s been documented that the Vikings, coaches and players, made improvements after the 34-0 loss to the Packers in Green Bay, then went on to win five straight before being dominated in the 32-21 loss to the Redskins on Sunday night. Longwell was asked last week if the locker room atmosphere was different before and after the Green Bay milestone.
“I would say yes and no,” he said. “Yes, we’ve put together a streak so our record looks better but I think even at 2-5…this was a different locker room than last year’s group. Just more resilient, a closer knit group of guys. …I don’t think we get too high after the win streak. I don’t think we were giving up on the season after the Green Bay game by any stretch.”
Reserve defensive tackle Otis Grigsby said last week a team that’s winning and has something to play for late in the season has an advantage in mental approach over a team with no playoff prospects. “If a team believes in what they’re doing, why would you go out there and be tight?” he asked. “If you’re winning, you’re going to go out there and play ball. …”