Vikings 14, Lions 13

The Vikings close out their Metrodome/Mall of America Field era with a 14-13 win over the Lions today.  The Vikings finish the season with a 5-10-1 record.  This win locks the Vikings into the number 8 spot in the upcoming NFL Draft.  Hopefully, they can grab a decent QB at that position as there will be plenty to choose from this year (Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, Derek Carr & Brett Hundley all look to be high to mid first round picks).  It was a long year for the Vikings, it didn't in any way go like I expected it would, I'm assuming that big changes will be forthcoming (and soon).  At least there are some solid pieces to build around (Cordarrelle Patterson, Kyle Rudolph, Matt Kalil, Xavier Rhodes, Brian Robison, Harrison Smith, Sharrif Floyd and of course Adrian Peterson to name a few). 

Observations:

• It's only fitting that the Vikings close out their Metrodome era with a W. 
• Is Cordarrelle Patterson already the most dynamic player in the NFL? 
• Was that really Jared Allen lining up at TE and running routes?  
• I will miss Jared Allen if this was his last game as a Viking.  2 sacks.
• Matt Asiata had a nice game, he looks to be AP's back up next year. 
• Total Yards:  Vikings 345, Lions 245
• Marcus Sherels has carved out a nice niche with the Vikings, I hope he's back next year. 
• I wouldn't be opposed to another year of Matt Cassel, assuming they draft a QB that is.
• Chase Ford looks like he can become a serviceable TE going forward. 
• Robert Blanton quietly had a solid game at CB for the Vikings (13 tackles). 
• What was the point of that Josh Freeman signing again? 
• I suspect that the axe will fall shortly on both Leslie Frazier and Jim Schwartz.  
• Leslie Frazier is a good man, I'm not sure he's cut out to be a head coach though. 
• The Lions offense without Calvin Johnson was non-existent today.  
• My hopes for next season?  Mike Zimmer and Johnny Manziel.  
• So long Metrodome/Mall of America Field, it was nice knowing you.
• Up next?  2014 NFL Draft!  TCF Bank Stadium!