Minnesota's defining sports rivalry pits the Vikings against the Packers, leaving Minnesotans armed with taunts that sting about as much as low-velocity marshmallows.
We can needle Wisconsinites for their drinking habits. They don't care. They're at the bar enjoying their morning Spotted Cow.
We can ridicule the Packers for winning only two Super Bowls with Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. That would sound better coming from a state that had won more than zero Super Bowls.
Vikings fans have gleefully watched Green Bay conduct drafts that have angered Rodgers. Sadly, Rick Spielman has built Minnesotans a glass house.
Spielman spent two high picks in the 2020 draft trying to fix the Vikings' cornerback position. He failed.
Spielman spent two high picks in the 2021 draft trying to fix his offensive line. It's too early to say he failed, but Rashod Hill and Oli Udoh will start on Sunday against the Bengals, and neither was part of Spielman's best-laid plans.
With the 22nd pick in the 2020 draft, Spielman selected LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. Give Spielman and his staff full credit for landing a star late in the first round.
With the 31st pick in that draft, Spielman selected TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney. Gladney showed promise as a rookie, then was released last month after being indicted on domestic assault charges. It was a wasted pick, and for the worst reason.