The Vikings won the last game to be played at the Metrodome on Sunday, won what might have been the last game in purple for Leslie Frazier, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams, and they did so with a glimpse of the future.
Rookie Cordarrelle Patterson scored both of the Vikings' touchdowns and set the franchise record for kickoff return yardage during the Vikings' 14-13 victory over the Detroit Lions. His day gave the Vikings a consolation prize in a lost season, but also made you wonder what might have been had the Vikings settled on the right quarterback and made Patterson a bigger part of the offense earlier in the season.
The Vikings honored their Metrodome past by bringing back great players ,and allowing Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant to blow the horn before the game.
The victory locked the Vikings into the eighth pick in the upcoming NFL draft, when they are sure to be seeking a franchise quarterback.
The Vikings are expected to announce the fate of coach Leslie Frazier early in the week.
Please check back on startribune.com tonight and in the newspaper tomorrow for full coverage, including videos, blogs, grades, analysis and sidebars. My Monday column will be on the promise and stunning athletic ability of Cordarrelle Patterson.
