Where's Daunte?

Daunte Culpepper is coming off a 2004 season in which he produced MVP-type numbers. In fact, he put together one of the greatest seasons for any quarterback in NFL history last year, passing for 4,717 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. But this year is a completely different story.

Culpepper has seen his passer rating of 110.9 dwindle to a below average 62.8 rating, and he has produced just four touchdown passes through five games while throwing 12 interceptions and fumbling four times.

So where has Daunte disappeared to?

Much of his struggles can be attributed both directly and indirectly to the loss of wide receiver Randy Moss. In the past when things weren't going well, Culpepper could always throw the ball up for Moss to go get. And more times than not, Moss got to the ball before the defenders. That safety blanket is no longer there for the Vikings' offense.

With the absence of Moss, Culpepper is also seeing some defensive sets he isn't use to. Prior to this season, opposing defenses would consistently keep their safeties back to help contain the speedy Moss. With the threat of being burned by the bomb less of a concern, teams are playing more defenders close to the line of scrimmage.

However, for those who blame Culpepper's demise solely on the loss of Moss, think again. Struggles on the interior of the offensive line have compounded a bad situation. Not only does the Vikings' QB no longer have his safety net in Moss, but he hasn't been getting anywhere near the protection he has received in the past years. And with new schemes being thrown at him along with defenders in his face consistently, it shouldn't be a surprise Culpepper has struggled. It is surprising, however, the extent to which his production has dropped.