In 2004, when Culpepper had his greatest season, Moss was injured, hobbled and absent much of the time. So I do not attribute his success that year to Moss. There were several things working in his favor then he longer has: 1) he was playing in the NFC, and specifically the NFC North, the most rotten division ever. Poor tackling was the norm, poor defensive strategy common. The powerhouse was still GB, an organization rotting from within. 2) Scott Linehan was his O-coordinator. Linehan, despite the early returns with StLouis' offense this year, had a unique ability to explain complicated game plans and offensive and defensive concepts in simplified terms to Daunte: he coddled him, developing a special communicative bond. 3) Mobility. Daunte had an extra second or two to throw the ball than every other QB in the league. He is still operating with the same internal clock, but now finds himself, instead of free in the open field with clear passing lanes, engulfed by 300 lb linemen. (4) Confidence. Daunte is playing scared because of his peg-leg. A quarterback who plays with fear is already finished. He should be benched now until his knee improves, i.e. by December or next season. I believe next year he will be much improved and I expect Miami to be a legitimate playoff contender in '07. In '06, 9-7 would be a positive step forward for Saban. Too bad he didn't realize it.
