But our culture seems built for overcoming another team’s momentum. The Vikings encountered this multiple times last night, especially with the failed fourth down version at midfield that was batted down.
This should’ve kicked off momentum for them. But it didn’t. Not because they sucked, but because … they couldn’t ride the wave. It just never materialized because we didn’t allow it to.
It wasn’t just last night. I’ve noticed this several times this season. It’s as though our culture is capable of thwarting literally one of the most predictably naturally occurring and vital aspects in team sports.
The only teams I’ve seen do this before is Tom Brady’s Patriot teams.
I said this last week. There was no way this team as tough and gritty as they are was going to let MN come in here and steal their crown. Just was not going to happen.
In fairness, Minnesota’s momentum traditionally is more like a runaway cart that everyone mistakes for momentum, then it smashes into a wall.
Remember the Minneapolis miracle? All that team of destiny talk? They went to Philly and got their asses kicked the next week. That 15-1 year with Cunningham? Lost at home to the lowly Falcons. Two years ago? Lost at home to the Giants. Even the Favre year he throws across his body and they get sent home.
And now KOC has underperformed pretty drastically in their only primetime, playoff-type games.
I would be interested to get a snap shot of Minny’s season and how much they played from the front and how much they had to struggle to win. Because they were almost instantly frustrated yesterday from the word go.
The Lions since that SF loss have turned a corner mentally for 100% certainty.
They just keep grinding and focusing on the next play. This may be Goff’s super power. I read an article about Tiger Woods and they discussed his almost unearthly ability to live in the moment of each shot. It was like the shot before never even happened. He could stay so focused on the present and the next shot that he never carried a bad shot forward. I feel like Goff has developed this skill. He may not be Tiger mastery level but man does he just move onto the next play.
Darnold was visibly rattled. On two of their red zone opps, he had guys running wide open he could’ve found. And that high throw in the back of the end zone to Jefferson is a drop, IMO.
It’s more than a culture…it’s an energetic way of being. It’s determined, unstoppable, relentless, crystal-clear, focused energy borne of faith & love. It’s literally how they define themselves and what they believe to be their destiny.
I am Daniel Campbell of the Lions…And I WILL have my superbowl, in this life or the next!!!
Gladiator shit in real life.
