The Vikings Fairytale Just Fell Apart
It was all set up like something out of the movies. The undrafted rookie quarterback who played college football for the state university steps in for the injured player on a struggling team. However, no Hollywood ending for Max Brosmer as Minnesota’s season hit a new low in Week 13.
The Vikings’ early-season hope has collapsed, exposing deeper roster and leadership issues as the team searches for answers after its fairytale unraveled.
It was anย ideal scenario for Brosmerย to step into. If he could be semi-competent, it would give weight to giving him an extended run as the Vikings QB, given how badly it had gone for J.J. McCarthy in recent games.
How the Vikings’ Fairytale Crashed Back to Earth
The opinion that things couldn’t possibly get any worse proved to be wrong as the Vikings were shut out and lost 26-0 in Seattle. Brosmer turned out to be precisely what you would expect from an undrafted rookie – not ready.
Minnesota’s defense fought hard to keep its team in the game, but one mistake by Brosmer proved game-defining. After Dallas Turner -who had another good game-sacked and forced a fumble from Sam Darnold, which Jalen Redmond recovered at the Seahawks’ 13-yard line, put the Vikings in striking distance of the lead deep into the second quarter.
It all went horribly wrong. Opting to go for it on 4th and 1 instead of kicking a game-tying field goal. Brosmer threw a horrible interception, which Ernest Jones took 85 yards to the house. Just like that, it was 10-0, and Minnesota recovered.
Brosmer finished the game with a stat line of 19 of 30 for 126 yards and four interceptions. The rookie appeared rushed and struggled with accuracy, although once again, the team’s highly rated receivers didn’t help their QB out with some drops.
However, until the pick-six, Brosmer managed not to wreck the game for his team. After a punt and a kneel to end the first half, the Vikings turned the ball over on five consecutive possessions. It was brutal.
Back to McCarthy
Assuming he clears the concussion protocol ahead of the Vikings’ Week 14 game against the Washington Commanders at US Bank Stadium, the Vikings will turn back to McCarthy for the final five games of the season.
The only glimmer of hope to salvage this season is that it suddenly starts to click for the young QB, and he shows signs of some progress. Even then, the team will need to look for a better alternative on the roster than the one they went into this season with.
The good news is Minnesota is heading into the softer part of its schedule, facing three NFC East teams, including the struggling New York Giants and what looks like a rejuvenated Dallas Cowboys. While fans might be looking towards next year’s draft and hoping for the best possible draft pick, the team will want to put together some performances that show it isn’t a dead duck.
Jobs may depend on it. They just do.
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