No QB controversy, but Johnson brings professionalism to Vikes

He doesn’t have Daunte Culpepper’s arm, his size, or his speed. At 37-years-old, he isn’t considered mobile. And he likely will not be putting up the numbers that Culpepper did in 2004, when he set a franchise record by throwing for 4,717 yards. But he’s 3-0 since replacing the injured Culpepper, and he still has one thing on his plate that #11 doesn’t – a Super Bowl ring. And in three games, he has delivered Minnesota two road wins (they had none in four tries under Culpepper) and also a professional attitude so sorely missed with Culpepper at the helm.
He is humble and smart. He makes sound decisions. And you will never see him involved in a sideline blowup with teammates. Not to say that Culpepper isn’t bright, but he seems to lack the other afore-mentioned qualities. While incredibly gifted physically, Culpepper has yet to fully mature to the point where he can keep his cool when things get rough. And his teammates seem to feed off this, which might help explain their 2-5 start, not to mention being outscored by at least 20 points in all of their first four road games.
Enter Brad Johnson. When Culpepper tore three knee ligaments against Carolina, Johnson came in for mop-up duty and it looked like the Vikings season was now officially over. Not so. Johnson, who battled critics throughout his tenures in Washington and Tampa Bay, led the Buccaneers to a world championship in 2002, yet was still given only enough respect to be benched by the season finale of 2003 and ultimately shown the door following the 2004 season. Now back to where he started his career, Johnson has found a home in Minnesota, as well as his old touch.
The difference between the two is that when Johnson throws an interception, he simply goes over to the sideline, looks at aerial photos, and makes the necessary adjustment for the next series while not changing his mind set or expression one bit. When Culpepper throws a pick, he visibly shows his frustration, either by yelling or stomping his feet in anger. He is easily rattled and he lets one mistake affect his play the rest of the game. When Culpepper does throw a touchdown, he starts rolling his arms (a la a referee calling a false start), then swings his fist in celebration. What does Johnson do? He pats his teammates on the helmet and heads over to the sideline and gears up for the next possession.
Sure, the offensive production has dropped off since Daunte went down. But the other players have stepped up, and Johnson has done his part just to keep his team in the ballgame. Result: the Vikings are back in the race at 5-5.