MINNEAPOLIS — Brandon Fusco and the Minnesota Vikings found themselves on the wrong side of the NFL’s fine line this season.

Minnesota lost four games and tied another after losing leads in the final 52 seconds of those respective contests, leaving the team’s final record at 5-10-1.

Head coach Leslie Frazier was fired as a result.

“The difference between winning and losing in this league is so miniscule,” said Fusco, the Vikings’ right guard and Seneca Valley High School and Slippery Rock University graduate. “As players, we feel like we let him down.

“If we win just three of those games, we probably win our division and go back to the playoffs. In the NFL, it always comes down to a play here or a play there.”

Fusco, 24, just completed his third year with the Vikings, his second as a starter. He has started the last 31 games he’s played at right guard.

A center at SRU, the 6-foot-4, 306-pounder, doesn’t see himself going back to that position.

“Our center now (six-year pro John Sullivan) is one of the best in the league,” Fusco said. “He didn’t make the Pro Bowl this year, but he should have.

“He’s under contract for two more years, so that position is well taken care of. I’m comfortable now at right guard. I feel like I’ve solidified myself there.”

He also feels like he’ll be starting over.

With a head coaching change often comes new assistants. Fusco has enjoyed working with current offensive line coach Jeff Davidson in Minnesota.

“Coach Davidson is well-respected and he would get another job in the league, no doubt,” Fusco said. “But I want him to stick around. Our offensive line is meshing with him and he’s helped me adjust to the caliber of play in the NFL more than anybody.

“I’ve learned so much from that guy and I want to keep learning from him.

“I showed Coach Frazier what I can do on the field and he was happy with my development. With a new head coaching coming in, that process starts all over again. But I’m confident I can do that,” Fusco added.

The Vikings’ offensive line has been intact for two seasons. Fusco and left tackle Matt Kalil have played three years in the league, tight end Rhett Ellison only two.

There are 28 players on the Minnesota roster with three years service time or less in the NFL.

“We’re in the middle of a youth movement here and I’m part of it. So are a few other guys in my draft class,” Fusco said. “We have a number of very talented young players. I feel like we’re set up to be successful over a long haul.”

Frazier was 21-33-1 in three-plus years as Vikings’ head coach, including a 10-6 record and playoff berth in 2012. Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards that year, barely missing Eric Dickerson’s single-season NFL rushing record of 2,105.

Peterson, battling nagging injuries, saw his yardage total dip to 1,266 yards this season. Minnesota averaged 130 yards per game rushing and 344 yards of total offense per game.

Fusco acknowledged those numbers have to go up.

“It was frustrating not being able to develop continuity or a comfort level with a quarterback this year,” he admitted. “When you’ve got three guys taking snaps back there, it’s tough.

“I can see Matt Cassel maybe being the guy next season. He won us a few games and played well. He’s been around and his knowledge of the game is incredible. I’ve learned a lot just talking to the guy.”

Fusco said he’s made the most gains this year in the mental side of the game.

“Picking up different defensive fronts and alignments, knowing when a blitz is coming and where it’s coming from ... that’s all part of it at this level,” he said. “My footwork and technique are all there.

“Knowing what the defense is likely going to do before the ball is snapped is a big plus.”

Fusco’s long-range personal goal in the NFL hasn’t changed.

“I want to make All-Pro and get to a couple of Pro Bowls,” he said. “It’s 11 degrees out here right now. Being able to get to Hawaii would be nice.”