Daunte Culpepper

[The J]

I know we aren't even halfway through this year's free-agency period, but I noticed on a website today that Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper will be a free-agent after the 2003 season. As a Culpepper fan, this is a concern to me. I want him to stay in Minnesota, but he has taken most of the blame for their lackluster play the past two seasons, and I fear the Vikings won't try hard to keep him. Now obviously his play in 2003 will be a huge factor, but I'm still concerned. All I know is, wherever he goes, he's going to get a boatload of money.

[#47]

Well if he has another year like he did last year, he wont need a very big boat to carry his load of money, because he wont get that much.........lol.

I think alot will be told this year with Daunte. I wonder about his heart and composure. The Giants made it well known after they thrashed them in the playoffs a couple of years ago, that Daunte was frantic and had no composure from the get go.

But that all doesnt matter. If he plays well this year, then Minny will probably win and he will probably remain in Minny. If he doesnt play well, it will be 2002 all over again. Many Moss fanatics have been misguided over the years and believe he is the key to the team and whether they win. What they dont understand is, the QB is the most important player and the QB is the biggest factor in whether offenses win games, not a WR.

So I personally think Minny should wait and see how he performs, there is no way after last season they can rightfully throw a bunch of money his way. I know you take the risk of alienating a player, but if they win, that will cure some of that.

[Marc]

If the Vikes could only get another WR weapon, a better O-line, and a defense, they'd be a playoff team again. :goof: I really like Michael Bennett and his game-breaking speed and of course Moss. I think Culpepper has earned it, barring another horrendous year.

[I OWN THIS]

I don't question Culpepper's heart, for I think he plays with desire and heart....at least the games I have seen him in. I do question his leadership ability and decision making....and definitely as #47 made reference to....his composure. Culpepper is very easily irriatated, and it doesn't take much to push his buttons. I have seen him go on tirades on the field and on the sideline, which sometimes is good, but can also be costly to his play. I am not saying he should lose his passion and feeling for the game, but that he might want to try to be more even kill in the ups and downs of a game or season.

Joey

[Cowboy22]

This is going to be a good move for Daunte Culpepper who desperately needs to get out of Minnesota and prove that it wasn't his fault they are losing. Most of Culpepper's interceptions weren't even his fault, and most of his touchdown passes were on target. Not to mention his ability to run if necessary.

If the Vikings were smart, they would acquire some good, hard working WRs with very few attitude problems, keep Culpepper, DEFINITELY keep Michael Bennett.

I see so much potential and stardom in Bennett. He's such a good RB. He can be effective as a receiver out of the backfield, but his explosive strides through the holes have earned him a great reputation. He's a true gamebreaker, and a viable x-factor for the Vikes.

How can you possibly like Moss? His big play ability is becoming more and more rare. His attitude is getting worse with each day. I mean, come on, 'I play when I want to play'? He seemingly has no love for the game, and all he wants is the money. A lot of Culpepper's INTs came on Moss's miscues. Randy Moss had so much potential, and I've said many times that I was sorry that the Dallas Cowboys passed him up. Now, I'm glad we did. Moss has been nothing but trouble, and he costs too much. And let me boldly say...HE IS OVERRATED!

[Anthony]

The Vikings should do everything within reason to hold onto Culpepper. They have one of the lowest payrolls in the league (or did the last time I checked) and I'm far from convinced it's his fault Minnesota has been 11-21 the past two years.

And granted, Randy Moss is no angel, but athletes who are angels have been few and far between for a couple of decades now. He's just frustrated that the team is not winning, and in my view at least, the media has been taking everything he has done and blowing it way out of proportion.

If they can improve on defense, the Vikings have a serious shot at a .500 season in 2003, and should be involved in a close battle with Chicago for second place in the NFC North. The worst days are probably over in Minnesota, so there's no use in tearing everything down and starting completely over again, as they have done in Detroit.

[MountaineerDave]

I'm with 47; why pay him now when he may prove that his rookie season was a fluke? Last season was awful for Culpepper. Everyone has overlooked the fact that his fumbles have very much been his fault. And he fumbled a ton last year. Not Dave Kreig-like, but still a lot.

I'm of the mind that Minnesota's worst days are behind them, actually see them a stronger opponent in the NFC North than Anthony does, since I believe that Kordell will be the end of Jauron in Chicago. Moss was well in check while the Vikes were winning; I don't think I'd get overly concerned about him. Moss will get there in time, I think.

Culpepper has shown many a maturity problem on the field, which is usually more important than behavior off the field. I think if I'm Minnesota, I have a tight hold on the wallet where he's concerned. If he has a crappy year and someone offers him a ton of cash, the Vikes might be better off trying to grab another, more experienced free agent after next season.

Dave

[The J]

This might be an even bigger deal: Manning

[Alex]

i think the Vikes should resign Culpepper. he isn't the best out there but if he rekindles what he had in 2000 i'd resign him to maybe a 3 year deal if possible if he blows another season this year than i think they should let him go and draft someone new. Daunte will get another chance be it Minnesota or somewhere else if he screws up in 2003 but he needs to get things going again

[deansawas]

Culpepper and Moss - both are given to immature displays that hurt their team and teamates, they have displayed a limited knowledge of the game and can't suck it up when the going gets tough.

Doesn't look like someone who can lead a team or someone who would get me return on my (fantasy) money.

Sure they both have a ton of talent and they occasionaly put up some great numbers; but they cannot put it all together.

Actually, I believe that it will take a couple of years to get rid of the harm that Dennis Green has done before the Vikings can get better. Dennis tolerated and promoted the babying of his star players, so they never needed to grow up.

They do now. The only question is if it is too late for them.

[Marc]

Originally posted by deansawas
Culpepper and Moss - both are given to immature displays that hurt their team and teamates, they have displayed a limited knowledge of the game and can't suck it up when the going gets tough.

Doesn't look like someone who can lead a team or someone who would get me return on my (fantasy) money.

Sure they both have a ton of talent and they occasionaly put up some great numbers; but they cannot put it all together.

Actually, I believe that it will take a couple of years to get rid of the harm that Dennis Green has done before the Vikings can get better. Dennis tolerated and promoted the babying of his star players, so they never needed to grow up.

They do now. The only question is if it is too late for them.

Good analysis. I question the relationship between Culpepper and Moss -- they've publicly had disputes on the field when times were tough and I don't know if teams can win when its stars and leaders are on different pages. But the more important question is: is Mike Tice the right guy to lead this team? I think your comment on Denny Green letting them be babies and babysitting them was right-on.