According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, the Minnesota Vikings have the NFL’s smallest margin of defeat in the 2023 season at a paltry 3.8 points.
While this brings little to no solace for the two defeats that preceded the bye week, by a combined three points, I may add, this is a positive statistic.
Looking at it on the surface, it may seem like Minnesota finds ways to lose close ballgames. But think about the amount of adversity these Vikings overcame to be in these games.
This Sunday will be the first time Justin Jefferson has played in over two months. Kirk Cousins was on pace for maybe his best season as a pro, and he is out for the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles. Don’t even get me started with the turnover luck.
Despite all these obstacles, this team has persevered and has continued to be competitive game in and game out. Competitive to the point that they still control their destiny in the playoff race.
Those heartbreaking losses sting, but this team has proven they will fight tooth and nail until the end, regardless of the result.
Fostering a culture like that in an organization is a monumental win in my book.