Spring Break
Who's Hot, Who's Not
John Fleming
Issue date: 9/20/05 Section: Sports
The Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
No Randy Moss. No touchdown passes. No wins. The Vikings have started the 2005 football season 0-2. Coming into the season, there were high expectations for the Vikes. Many analysts felt the Vikings could overcome the loss of superstar receiver Moss and potentially be a better team than the playoff team of last year. Predicted by most to at least win the NFC North and be a contender for the Super Bowl, the Vikings have done absolutely nothing to support their preseason backers. Whoever said the Vikings might be better off without Moss because of his distractions may want to change their opinion soon. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper looks lost without Moss. In 2004, Culpepper had one of the best statistical years in NFL history. He already has eight interceptions - three less than all of last season - and has yet to throw a touchdown. The Vikings offense has only 21 points in their two games. Even with the departure of the charismatic Moss, there is enough talent at wide receiver to put up good numbers. Nate Burelson, Marcus Robinson and the No. 7 pick in this year's draft, Troy Williamson, were supposed to benefit from Moss leaving. Thus far they have 13 catches for 199 yards combined. Meanwhile in Oakland, Moss has 10 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Moss is the most explosive player in the league and the Vikings will miss him greatly all season, especially until the young receivers and Culpepper get used to each other. Teams had to change their whole defensive scheme to adjust to Moss' big play ability. Although Culpepper has been miserable, he has not received much help. Minnesota is playing running back by committee and neither of the three look prepared to be an every down back. Not to mention running back Onterrio Smith was suspended for a year after he was caught with "The Whizzinator" at an airport.
In the trade for Moss, the Vikings thought they got defensive help in return. Just as the offense has not met expectations, neither has the defense. Linebacker Napoleon Harris was acquired in the trade and has only eight tackles in the first two games. What looked to be a much-improved defensive unit on paper has looked terrible. Cornerback Fred Smoot and safety Darren Sharper were brought in to help the secondary, which Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer made look foolish in a 37-8 thrashing on Sunday. In Week 1, the Vikes lost, 24-13, to the Buccaneers, who were 5-11 last season. It won't get any easier the next two weeks, as the Vikings face New Orleans at home and Atlanta on the road. There is enough talent to win the weak NFC North, but if coach Mike Tice doesn't turn it around soon in Minnesota he may be sent packing.
No Randy Moss. No touchdown passes. No wins. The Vikings have started the 2005 football season 0-2. Coming into the season, there were high expectations for the Vikes. Many analysts felt the Vikings could overcome the loss of superstar receiver Moss and potentially be a better team than the playoff team of last year. Predicted by most to at least win the NFC North and be a contender for the Super Bowl, the Vikings have done absolutely nothing to support their preseason backers. Whoever said the Vikings might be better off without Moss because of his distractions may want to change their opinion soon. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper looks lost without Moss. In 2004, Culpepper had one of the best statistical years in NFL history. He already has eight interceptions - three less than all of last season - and has yet to throw a touchdown. The Vikings offense has only 21 points in their two games. Even with the departure of the charismatic Moss, there is enough talent at wide receiver to put up good numbers. Nate Burelson, Marcus Robinson and the No. 7 pick in this year's draft, Troy Williamson, were supposed to benefit from Moss leaving. Thus far they have 13 catches for 199 yards combined. Meanwhile in Oakland, Moss has 10 catches for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Moss is the most explosive player in the league and the Vikings will miss him greatly all season, especially until the young receivers and Culpepper get used to each other. Teams had to change their whole defensive scheme to adjust to Moss' big play ability. Although Culpepper has been miserable, he has not received much help. Minnesota is playing running back by committee and neither of the three look prepared to be an every down back. Not to mention running back Onterrio Smith was suspended for a year after he was caught with "The Whizzinator" at an airport.
In the trade for Moss, the Vikings thought they got defensive help in return. Just as the offense has not met expectations, neither has the defense. Linebacker Napoleon Harris was acquired in the trade and has only eight tackles in the first two games. What looked to be a much-improved defensive unit on paper has looked terrible. Cornerback Fred Smoot and safety Darren Sharper were brought in to help the secondary, which Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer made look foolish in a 37-8 thrashing on Sunday. In Week 1, the Vikes lost, 24-13, to the Buccaneers, who were 5-11 last season. It won't get any easier the next two weeks, as the Vikings face New Orleans at home and Atlanta on the road. There is enough talent to win the weak NFC North, but if coach Mike Tice doesn't turn it around soon in Minnesota he may be sent packing.