By Larry Fitzgerald

Originally posted 1/5/2005

By Larry Fitzgerald

Just remember this Daunte Culpepper does not play defense the Vikings loss three games in which they averaged 30 points. Losses to Indianapolis 31-Vikings 28, Green Bay 34 Vikings 31 twice.

Making the case for Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper being the NFL's Most Valuable Player is not popular but in my view has merit.

First the Vikings are in the playoffs for the first time in four years and despite losing five offensive starters for all or parts of the season Jimmy Kleinsasser, Mike Rosenthal, Matt Birk, Michael Bennett and Randy Moss, all Culpepper did was raise his game to carry the load.

I'm disappointed that the Vikings organization has not done more to promote what Culpepper has accomplished. For an organization that has had Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Fran Tarkenton, Warren Moon, and Randall Cunningham wear purple I'm surprised they have not done more. Like have a parade or something.

Culpepper first of all did what Peyton Manning of Indianapolis did he broke the great Dan Marino's long-standing NFL passing record. Manning broke the touchdown passing mark of 48 when he set the new record of 49.

Culpepper this year set a new NFL mark breaking Dan Marino's previous record of 5,077 for combined yards passing and rushing established in 1984. Culpepper's new record total was 5,123 total yards passing 4,717 and rushing 406. I'm not surprised that Culpepper's record setting season has gone virtually unnoticed.

Last year the NFL had Co/MVP's with Peyton Manning of Indianapolis and Steve McNair of Tennessee. Manning threw for 4,500 yards and McNair passed for 3,215. Culpepper this season beat both of their passing marks throwing for 4,717 yards to lead the NFL and completed nearly 70 percent of his passes.

He also was the first quarterback to throw 5 touchdown passes in three games. All Culpepper did was break 25 team or NFL passing records in one season.

Among them 39 touchdown passes, QB rating of 110.9, yards passing best in the NFL 4,717 and total yards combined 5,123. Culpepper has also thrown a touchdown pass in 21 straight games his team record is 24. He completed 69.2 percent of his passes smashing another Vikings record. He also went 9 games without throwing and interception.