Todd Swank: Purple Reign: Watching the Vikings Beat the 49ers & Texans

Purple Reign: Watching the Vikings Beat the 49ers & Texans

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for September 22, 2024

We renewed our Vikings season tickets—because clearly, we love to suffer in purple. Last week was our first home game, and Avery won the family ticket draft for this one. The Vikings had just taken down the Giants, so we were feeling good. But with last year’s NFC Super Bowl runner-up, the 49ers, coming to town, tensions were sky-high. Would we see the Vikings rise to glory, or was this game just another step on the path to heartbreak? Either way, we were ready to ride the emotional rollercoaster.

U.S. Bank Stadium is known as one of the loudest and most intense stadiums in the league—and it delivers. Between the SKOL chant shaking the seats and the deafening roar of the crowd, you’re in for a full sensory experience. By the time you leave, you’ll be hoarse and wondering if your ears will ever stop ringing—but that's just how we do football in Minnesota.

Mike Conley blew the Gjallarhorn before the Vikings game, and I have to admit, it got me pretty pumped for the Timberwolves season. He’s been a steady hand for the Wolves, and with his new contract, he’s here to keep things rolling. Sad fact, though: while he was rallying the Vikings, some lowlifes broke into his house in Medina. I mean, who does that to such a great guy? People suck. Let’s hope his luck is better on the court this season than it was at home that day.

Brock Purdy had a rough day against the Vikings, telling our defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, after the game, “Your scheme, man, it’s crazy.” The result? Purdy’s career-high six sacks and the 49ers going just 2 for 10 on third downs. Flores had him second-guessing everything, and Purdy clearly couldn’t crack the code. Crazy scheme? More like genius.

I was zooming in on Sam Darnold’s face and almost missed the 97-yard stunner he launched to Justin Jefferson for a touchdown. With our highly touted rookie, JJ McCarthy, out for the season, there were definite nerves about how things would shake out. But watching Darnold step up, especially against his old team, the 49ers, has given us a glimmer of hope. He’s slinging the ball like he’s got something to prove, and so far, it’s been a pleasant surprise.

When Justin Jefferson went down, it felt like the entire stadium held its breath—because if he’s out, we’re doomed, right? We were already mentally preparing ourselves for another chapter in the Vikings' long history of bad luck. Thankfully, he’s back this week, so crisis averted. But for a few minutes there, it was like watching your house catch fire, only to find out it was just the neighbors burning leaves. You’re relieved, but that panic? Still very real.

The Vikings shocked everyone by taking down the 49ers with a 24-21 win, bringing their record to an unexpected 2-0. Who saw that coming? Not the analysts, that’s for sure. But man, does it feel good when they win. Every time they pull one of these off, it's like that moment you find extra fries at the bottom of the bag—rare, beautiful, and deeply satisfying. The best part? It's early in the season, so there’s still time for our hopes to soar before the crushing disappointment inevitably kicks in.

We picked up Luke on Saturday and headed up north for an afternoon of debauchery.

We headed up to Clearwater, Minnesota to spend the day with our friends, the Korkowskis, who just got themselves a brand-new pole barn. Yes, you heard that right—a pole barn. And let me tell you, the tour was a thrill ride of insulation, storage space, and future potential. It’s amazing how excited you can get over seeing a really organized garage!

We had the chance to attend Jessie’s Wish, a BBQ cook-off that raises money for victims of domestic abuse. It's a powerful cause supporting Anna Marie’s Women’s Shelter, and while the ribs were fantastic, let’s just say I may have overindulged. My stomach and I are still negotiating the terms of our recovery. A great event, though, and worth every bite.

We were back at U.S. Bank Stadium today for the Vikings-Texans showdown, and all the analysts were sure Minnesota's undefeated streak was done for. The Texans came in 2-0 and supposedly "unstoppable." But I guess no one told the Vikings, because this team does whatever it takes to defy expectations—especially when it involves proving people wrong. There's nothing sweeter than leaving the doubters stunned.

It was Avery's turn to join me again for back-to-back games. I know he loves me, but after two Sundays in a row of hearing my "expert" commentary, he’s probably ready for a break. Two games, two wins, and I might’ve hit my quota on father-son bonding... for now!

CJ Stroud is definitely a rising star, but today was not his day. The Vikings defense had him scrambling for his life, racking up six sacks and forcing Stroud into tough situations all game long. Minnesota's pass rush was relentless, holding Stroud to just 22 yards in the first quarter and a frustrating 7 points for the Texans overall. Stroud did show flashes of his talent, but our defense had him second-guessing every move, making sure he never got too comfortable.

The Vikings absolutely dominated the Texans today, winning 34-7. Sam Darnold looked like a seasoned vet, tossing four touchdown passes, including a slick trick play involving Justin Jefferson. C.J. Stroud was under constant pressure, scrambling for his life as the Vikings defense dialed up confusion and chaos all game long. Despite some brief hope for the Texans after a touchdown in the third quarter, the Vikings never lost control. Could this finally be our year? At 3-0, it’s feeling pretty good.