For 10 games, Vikings players have been telling us how much talent they have. Over the final six games, these same players, as well as the coaches, face the possibility of stamping themselves as the worst team in franchise history.
In 51 years, only three Vikings teams have started 2-8: the first two teams in 1961 and 1962, and this year's team, which fell to that mark after Sunday's 27-21 loss to the Raiders.
A loss on Sunday and this year's team would match the franchise's worst start of 2-9, set by the expansion team in 1961. The team in 1962 tied its 11th game of the season.
As far as the overall record is concerned, there are two teams that are the benchmark for bad football in Vikings history. Les Steckel's 1984 team had the most losses at 3-13. And Norm Van Brocklin's 1962 team had the fewest wins (2) and worst winning percentage (2-11-1, .178).
Keeping this kind of company will do wonders for nabbing a left tackle high in next year's draft. But it's not a comfortable spot to be in from a historic standpoint. Just ask Mr. Steckel.
Can the Vikings finish out the string of losses against the Falcons, Broncos, Lions, Saints, Redskins and Bears?
Well, put it this way. The Vikings just found a way to lose at home when the other team had 12 penalties.
