2. Any game can be a close game | by Craig Peters
One can usually count on the Vikings to keep things interesting. Minnesota went 9-1 in one-score games this season, improving to 26-9 in such contests under O’Connell, who has the second highest win percentage (.743) when teams are within 8 points on the final scoreboard.
Even in games the Vikings have led 28-0 or by 17, things have been known to tighten up with late-game dramatics.
3. Camaraderie is second to none | by Lindsey Young
I’ve now covered 10 different Vikings teams, and every single one has its own identity and tendencies.
It’s always been a point of pride for the organization to bring in high-character players, and I believe that’s been the case in my near-decade working here. But every once in a while, there’s an extra-special locker room — and the 2024 squad is exactly that.
The Vikings this season have demonstrated a camaraderie that’s been hard to describe, and in my opinion, only the 2017 team has felt similar. Regardless of side of the ball, age, race or any other qualifier, the guys on this team just enjoy one another. They play unselfish football and consistently support and build up one another, being genuinely happy when teammates succeed.
Of course, winning 14 games probably makes that a little easier … or does this type of camaraderie help a team win 14 games? It’s probably a little bit of both.
4. Dancing defense | by Rob Kleifield
At this rate, fourth-year Vikings safety Camryn Bynum figures to be the betting favorite when he’s inevitably invited to flaunt his fantastic prowess on ABC’s hit television show Dancing with the Stars.
Bynum has spearheaded the NFL’s most in-depth celebration routines following takeaways this year – and done so largely paying homage to classic late 1990s and early 2000s era films such as The Parent Trap and White Chicks.
A Mirrorball Trophy may be in his crystal ball, like it was for Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward, Donald Driver and Rashad Jennings (former NFLers to win the dance-off). Hopefully, of course, a Lombardi arrives first.