So, what about 2010?
It might seem ludicrous to be thinking ahead already, roughly 36 hours after the end a season that ended so painfully for so many. But consider this: the greatest pain of that game Sunday should also be the greatest motivation. The Vikings were, indeed, thisclose to reaching the Super Bowl. There is reason to believe they can can again get that chance next season, but only if one of two things happen:
1) Brett Favre comes back and plays at a level at least close to what he played this season, at least when it counts. Yes, many Packers fans (and Favre-haters) are reveling in his interception. But one throw does not undo everything he accomplished this season (including destroying Green Bay twice, by the way), nor does it change how well he fits into this offense. His return, and 16 games of reasonable production, would immediately make this team a contender again.
2) Favre decides early in the offseason that he really has had enough. And this would hardly be shocking. Despite the bitter finish, he certainly had a year of redemption. He silenced the doubters who said he was washed up in New York. He won two Ted Thompson bowls. He played through pain and brought his team to the brink of the Super Bowl. If he decides quickly that this really is it, the Vikings need to move fast on a replacement who gives them the extra lift they need at that position. We don't believe that player is currently on the roster, nor do we believe he is available in free agency. He is only potentially available via trade, and he is only one person: Donovan McNabb.
That's it. Those are the two possible scenarios that could make the Vikings not only contenders but possibly favorites to go to the Super Bowl next year. They can't do it if Favre comes back and finally runs out of gas. They can't do it if he waffles and then retires, or if he calls it quits early but they can't get McNabb.
There is a solid enough core here on both sides of the ball for Minnesota to be a playoff contender for several years, but there is a much narrower window for a Super Bowl run. The 2009 Vikings were built for now. That's part of what made Sunday's loss sting so much, but it's also fuel for optimism. Get Pat Williams on board for one more go-round. Get the Silver Fox to keep slinging it, or move decisively if he finally hangs it up for good. Because if the QB situation remains strong, the 2010 team -- an older but hungrier version of this year's team, knowing this is possibly their last great chance to win -- will be built for the present as well.
