The first year of head coach Mike Zimmer’s Minnesota Vikings career was one I’m sure he’ll never forget.
It was the first of likely two seasons in which the Vikings will play their home games at the University of Minnesota’s on-campus TCF Bank Stadium, while construction of the New Minnesota Stadium, slated to open in 2016, takes place on the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.
On top of that, the Vikings’ franchise player, running back Adrian Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges, and subsequently deactivated for Minnesota’s second game. Amid child abuse allegations, Peterson was placed on the NFL’s Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission list, which requires that Peterson “remain away from all team activities”. After accepting a plea deal in early November, Peterson planned on returning as early as week 11, but the NFL announced that Peterson would be suspended for at least the remainder of the 2014 season with no pay.
The decision allowing Peterson to return to the team is still up in the air, as the franchise looks towards second-year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to take over the franchise player role.
The 2015 forecast isn’t bright, as the Vikings have one of the tougher schedules. The Vikings have their six division games against the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Beyond that, they host the St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and New York Giants. On the road, they travel to Arizona, San Francisco, Denver, Oakland and Atlanta.
Vikings fans can use Hipmunk.com to help their efforts to see the team at home or on the road. They have hotels near TCF Bank Stadium from $69 you can reserve online, and have easily searchable flights to Minneapolis that is a short trip away from the stadium.
A lot will be asked of the Vikings’ defense, who have to go up against quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Colin Kaepernick and Matt Ryan this season.
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