Vikings will be the hunted

By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 09/09/2005

Here are the 2005 Fitz Beat season pics

This season could be a year that most Vikings fans have long been waiting for. On the heels of an 8-8 season and a playoff win at Green Bay, the Vikings believe they are ready for prime time.

 

The Philadelphia Eagles have dominated the NFC the last four years. They have played for the NFC title each of the last four years with only one trip to the Super Bowl to show for it. Remember, the Eagles beat the Vikings in the playoffs last year.

 

When opportunity knocks, you’ve got to be ready to take advantage of your time in the sun. The Vikings have totally revamped their defense, and it’s been said before that defense wins championships. The Vikings have a good blend of talent, youth and experience now on defense. If this group stays healthy and plays to their potential, the Vikings should challenge the Eagles for the NFC crown.

 

Daunte Culpepper is now the clear leader of this football team — he has the will, desire and talent to be one of the best of all time. “Whenever I see it I’m going to take it,” said Culpepper, who plans to run more if he has to. “I’m going to be smart about it, I’m not going to take any unnecessary hits. When I have to I’ll drop my shoulder and make contact with a guy. I’ve never been afraid of that, but I’m going to run the ball whenever it’s there.”

 

Here’s how I see the 2005 season:

 

NFC North

 

1. Vikings; 2. Packers; 3. Detroit; 4. Chicago

 

NFC East

 

1. Philadelphia; 2. Dallas Cowboys; 3. Washington; 4. New York Giants

 

NFC West

 

1. Arizona; 2. St. Louis; 3. Seattle; 4. San Francisco

 

NFC South

 

1. Atlanta; 2. Carolina; 3. Tampa Bay; 4. New Orleans

 

AFC East

 

1. New York Jets; 2. Buffalo Bills; 3. New England Patriots; 4. Miami

 

 AFC North

1. Pittsburgh; 2. Baltimore; 3. Cincinatti; 4. Cleveland

 

 AFC West

1. Denver; 2. San Diego; 3. Kansas City; 4. Oakland

 

AFC South

1. Indianapolis; 2. Houston; 3. Jacksonville; 4. Tennessee