What To Do About Culpepper

What they say is true. "The best job in the NFL is the back-up quarterback." Everyone loves the back-up because they rarely have the chance to get into a game and make mistakes. From their protected perch on the sidelines, they look like they could make all the plays in the world. And the recent Vikings back-ups, most recently Gus Frerotte, have done a great job when they've been given the chance. Before they have a chance to have a bad game, they're out of there with all the job security in the world, and the adoration of a million fans.

With the way Daunte Culpepper has started the season, it's no wonder people are starting to call for Brad Johnson. But what is the right move?

In this situation, it's a good question, and a fair one to ask. Culpepper proved last year that he can be one of the best quarterbacks in the league. If not for Peyton Manning's record-setting season, the Vikings quarterback would have been the MVP of the league. But Culpepper has also proven that he can be one of the biggest liabilities in the league.

Here's the proof of Daunte's up-and-down tendencies: In 2000, Culpepper's first year as the Vikings starter, he threw 33 touchdown passes to only 16 interceptions. He also had 7 rushing touchdowns and 6 fumbles. So in all, he scored 40 touchdowns and turned the ball over 22 times. That's a great ratio. His QB rating that year was 98.0.

But what happened two years later? He suddenly had 24 combined touchdowns (only 14 passing) and 32 turnovers. That year he was good for a rating of just 75.3.

Two years later--last year--he was back to his 2000 self with a career high 39 touchdown passes as the majority of his 41 TDs, with only 11 INTs and 5 fumbles. His QB rating of 110.9 was off the charts.

History shows that Culpepper doesn't have good or bad games, he has good or bad years. And so far this year, it's not hard to differentiate good from bad. Culpepper has stunk.

If he continues to play as poorly as he has the first two games (0 TD passes, 8 INTs) what should the Vikings do? It comes down to a question of preference. If you prefer consistency, you have to find another QB. Culpepper has proven that he won't give you that. A strong case could be made that this is the year the Vikings can make a run at the Super Bowl if their offense can carry its share of the load. A solid, consistent quarterback could take them there. A lousy Culpepper certainly won't.

But what about the other side of Culpepper? You know, the one that throws almost 40 TDs in a season and can bowl over any linebacker between him and the goal line. If and when he shows up again, there's going to be no one in the league that can compete.

So, Monday morning quarterbacks, what's your call? A solid, consistent Brad Johnson who you know is going to give you mediocrity and a chance to win? Or a hot-and-cold Culpepper, who can lead your team to a Super Bowl, or just as easily keep you out of the playoffs?