Go Vikes!

A true fan sticks with his or her team through thick or thin. Many people around the nation jumped on the Vikings bandwagon during their run at the title in 1998. Recent performances are sure to push some of those fans away, the latest being a 37-8 trouncing by the Bengals.

Growing up in Minnesota, I developed strong ties to the local teams: the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, and Wild. Even if their seasons are lackluster, root for them the same as if they perform spectacularly. Suppose I had lived near Cincinnati. Then I'd likely be a fan of the Bengals, Reds/Indians, Cavaliers, and whatever the hockey team in Columbus is named. Not much greatness there, but at least I could cheer about yesterday's football game.

Cheering for the Vikings in their defeat is one thing. It's another when you purposely drafted Culpepper in the first round of a fantasy football draft and depend on him to lead your team. Instead, he's given 10 turnovers and just one touchdown. (One way to look at his last game: he made four completions to the same player...of the wrong team.) At least we know from his past achievements that this slump cannot last all season. Once everyone around him straightens out their game, we will see the favorites to win the NFC North make their run at the Division title and beyond. Remember, the Packers started 1-4 before winning the division. They did have help when the Vikings fell off in the second half of the season. Perhaps this season, the Vikes will start slow but finish strong. Yeah! Let's go Vikes.