VikingsTailgate.com- Columns, Bar of the Year

Saturday, 05/17/2008

Daunte the New "Injun Joe" Viking Engine
10-11-04
By Mookie

Before Duante, "Injun" Joe Kapp wore #11 and here was lead into the end zone by another fiery old school Vike named ""Boom Boom"

Thank You Dennis Green for drafting Daunte Culpepper! He is the entire reason the Vikings are 3-1, and managed to pull out victory in O.T. Yesterday. Daunte is playing football like Joe Kapp did in the late 60's, the only differences are that Daunte is a bigger model of QB and can actually throw a spiral. But as far as impact on team success...same jersey #, same results.

As I watched the Texans game on Sunday with my Brother Brent and little boy Nolan, I couldn't help of thinking, "Here we go again!" Taking a 21-0 lead in the 3rd quarter, I summoned my brother, "Well, how do you think we'll blow this one?"

You can't blame me for thinking the worst. I had just watched 2 classic Minnesota Meltdowns the day before with the Gophers collapsing at Michigan in the 4th Quarter, and our beloved Twins losing in Extra Innings to the EVIL A-HOLE Yankees in the ALDS. Somehow I just knew the Vikings would find a way to lose it and if I had access to a bookie I would have put my entire life savings on the Texans to win in Houston.

I just love it when the purple proves me wrong. I have spent my whole life sticking up for the Vikings after BIG losses. This was the first time that I ever starte thinking that a loss wass inevitable, that the karma in Minnechokea was so strong that it would be easy money to bet on them to lose.

And there it was, Daunte hits Marcus Robinson who was wide open, and... he DROPPED IT! I start laughing like that clown in Happy Gillmore before he gets punched. A few minutes later, it's Culpepper to the rescue as he throws a lights out, on the money pass and hits Marcus in stride (AGAIN) and this time he catches it. Game over!

Watching Daunte work this year has been like watching Mozart conduct "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (or some other artist working on a masterpiece). This is not a Breakout year for Pepper, but this might be the year that he sets the standard for all future NFL QB's.

I remember a humble young Quarterback from Central Florida making his first appearance on the Minnesota secene back in '99. People in these parts have been extremely critcial of his play over the years, (and there are still some rubes who actually believe that Gus Freotte is better. Oh my God NO!) but they should actually watch other NFL QB's (Mark Brunell for example) try to stand up to a blitz and throw 5 TD passes and no picks! Good luck finding ANYONE better then Daunte. He his our team, and he is making it happen!'Nuff said.