Somebody Punch the Dope

Back in 1997, I was on the field with a photographers pass to see our beloved Vikings take on the New York J-E-T-S! J-E-T-S! J-E-T-S! I recall that during that game Todd Steussie had been called for about 16 or 17 offensive offsides infractions. Immediately after one of these penalties in the second half, center Jeff Christy walked up to Steussie and delivered a right hand punch squarely to Steussie's jaw. Steussie did not jump offside again.

This past Sunday our beloved Vikings were taking on the dreaded rivalry known as the Houston Texans. Daunte Culpepper had just thrown a 50-yard TD strike to Randy Moss to give the Vikings a 28-14 lead. Kelly Campbell was on the sidelines because of injury but thought he should join Culpepper on the field to celebrate. A flag was thrown for illegal group celebration and the Vikings found themselves kicking off from the 15-yard line. Houston scored to give them momentum and eventually tied the game.

The Vikings pulled this one out but Campbell’s inexcusable behavior almost cost them the game. What did Campbell have to say for himself afterwards? Get a load of this quote.

"It'll get expensive (ensuing fines), but it is what it is," Campbell said. "I'm not going to stop what I'm doing."

Kelly, you can't be serious. Let's say the Vikings are playing in Super Bowl XXXIX. They've been behind all game because the Vikings have never ever lead in any of their four Super Bowl appearances. Late in the 4th quarter, the Vikings score on a dramatic play to go ahead by two points. There is less than 60 seconds left. All of Purple Valhalla is ecstatic. Wait, a penalty flag. Kelly Campbell has been flagged for illegal group celebration and the Vikings find themselves kicking off from the 15-yard line. The New England Patriots easily traverse the necessary length to kick a game-winning field goal.

How you gonna explain that one to the masses, Kelly? Hmmm.

Listen up Mike Tice. I think the best course of action at this point would be this scenario. At some point this season when Mr. Gotta Dance takes it upon himself to celebrate because he thinks, and I quote, "the excitement it brings to the team is too valuable", have Mr. Matt Birk, he of the Harvard degree, walk over to Campbell and apply a "Christy" to the glass chin of number 16.

Look at the Upcoming Game

The Vikings have the NFL's #1 offense after five weeks. The Saints have the NFL's twenty-ninth ranked defense. Look for Daunte Culpepper to have another great passing day and Mewelde Moore should run wild this week against what has been arguably the worst run defense in football this season. The Saints are permitting 144 rushing yards and two running back touchdowns per week. As long as the Vikings defense doesn't have another melt down, look for the Vikings to go 4-1 Sunday night.

Posted by maasx003 at October 12, 2004 11:57 AM