'Paper champions' clip Cardinals 23-6
By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 9/24/2003


If it's possible to get a bit of revenge for one of the biggest losses in franchise history, one that knocked them (Vikings) out of the playoffs last year, give that to the Vikings. They've started the preseason with a convincing 23-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals before 63,658 loyal fans.

I will continue to declare them (Vikings) "Paper Champions" until it's apparent that they are true champions. The game marked the historic return to Minnesota of former Head Coach and Vice President Dennis Green, and the first professional game of Minnesota-born native son Larry Fitzgerald, Jr.
As expected, Green and the Cardinals were greeted with boo's -- while Fitzgerald received a thunderous ovation from the partisan faithful when he was introduced as a starter. He attended grade school at Pilgrim Lutheran in Minneapolis, and Holy Angels High School in Richfield.

Fitzgerald, wearing the No. 11 on his Ivory Cardinals jersey, played most of the first quarter before sustaining a left ankle sprain. Green thought the injury might keep Fitzgerald out at least two weeks. Injuries are starting to pile up for the Cardinals, who have lost four offensive starters now to injury.

"We had a lot of injuries," said Green, "but I'm sure both sides did. Part of it is timing. We lost some key guys, Fitzgerald and some others guys. I just think we are not there yet with the firepower that we need to make this offense go."

Fitzgerald had one reception for five yards. "It's just an ankle sprain," Fitzgerald said. "It's not something that's major. I'll just have to start rehabbing and get it strong again so I can get back out there."

The Vikings were clearly better on both sides of the ball; in fact, this team has the potential to have a special season. After Arizona grabbed an early 3-0 lead after one quarter, Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper hooked up with Randy Moss on a 48-yard touchdown strike in the second quarter, and the Vikings never looked back.

Green was not happy with his team's performance at all, but gave the Vikings credit. "Special teams played hard as far as hustling -- getting up and down the field. Our defense was very average, and our offense was not very good at all."

"They are a good team; they have always been a good team," Green said. "They have some outstanding personnel and a big physical offensive line. They did a great job of combining the running and passing attack."

NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue made a rare visit recently to the Vikings training campsite in Mankato, Minnesota, to give continued league support to the Vikings' new stadium efforts. The Vikings will break training camp in Mankato on Thursday, August 19. This Friday, the Vikings travel to Atlanta to play the Falcons.
Expectations for the Vikings this season are extremely high. After missing the playoffs three years in a row, fans are hungry for a winner. In fact, the Vikings are listed among the preseason favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.
Are those expectations realistic? "There should be high expectations," said pro bowl safety Corey Chavous. "We will settle for nothing less than two championships -- the NFC North and the World Championship. Those are the goals that should be around here every year with the tradition that's been laid down before us."