The Minnesota Vikings are going downhill – fast. Zero wins.

Zero character.

And zero respect.

Sunday the Vikings were beaten 21-14 by the Carolina Panthers, and in the process, broadcast their team turmoil all across the country when All-Pro wide receiver Randy Moss and quarterback Daunte Culpepper were caught arguing on the sidelines by television cameras.

Moss preached over and over in the preseason that he was a changed man – no more arguing on the sidelines now that his nemesis Cris Carter had retired.

And no more being a selfish player.

He was ready to step up, lead and take the team to the playoffs.

And absolutely no more arguing on the sidelines.

But despite his claim, it happened again.

Winning promotes happiness and team unity, and in the Vikings’ case, losing obviously promotes fighting.

Last season, Carter took much of the criticism – most of which was deserved – for the team’s sideline antics. He caused problems on and off the field, and was the subject of many negative articles throughout the media.

This season it may be time for Moss and Minnesota head coach Mike Tice to step up and admit there are problems in the locker room and on the field that would have been there with or without Carter.

The “Randy ratio,” which calls for Moss getting 40 percent of the team’s passes thrown his way, doesn’t seem to be working.

In Sunday’s loss, Moss caught 4 passes for 16 yards, and Culpepper was picked off four times.

The Vikings – who are supposed to be an offensive team – put up only 14 points.

Going into the season, Minnesota’s defense was supposed to be the weak point, but instead, it’s been just the opposite.

But then again, when you broadcast your game plan to the entire country before the season even starts – as Tice did when he said the team was going to go to Moss every chance it got – you’re going to have some problems. Give teams time to prepare for what you’re bringing and they will.

This is Tice’s inaugural season, but so far, he hasn’t proved his worth.

Three loses and a deflated game plan later, and owner Red McCombs and upper management may be regretting their decision to hire within instead of going out and finding an established coach.

Maybe hiring Randy Moss’ good friend as the head coach wasn’t such as good idea.

Then again, maybe there isn’t anyone who can control and handle the stubborn and selfish receiver.

Throughout the off-season, there was a lot of talk of the team possibly being sold and moved.

Based on the recent performance of the hapless Vikings, it might not be too long till it happens. The fans of Minnesota are angry, and they have a right to be.

McCombs might be smart to sell the team fast before things get worse.

But then again, who knows; there’s always the chance Carter will see his old team in trouble and step in again to try to save the day.

Then there would be one more player to aid in the fighting and chaos.

Emily

Arthur

is a junior in journalism

and mass communication from Clark, S.D. She is the sports editor of the Daily.