I have a theory that will be put to the test this season: You can't trust any player's statistics from the 1998-2004 Vikings.

The Vikings' powerhouse offense produced career seasons for quarterbacks such as Randall Cunningham, Jeff George and Daunte Culpepper and helped receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss put up staggering numbers.

None of those players had any success after leaving Minnesota. The litmus test will be to see how Moss performs in New England, although his numbers will almost certainly suffer from the Patriots' offensive balance. But if he makes a handful of circus touchdown catches I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

If Moss is just adequate in New England and Culpepper has trouble regaining a starting job, this group of ex-Vikes will be strong proof of the theory that it's the system more than the players in today's NFL. Something to consider when evaluating Carter's Hall of Fame chances, although the sure-handed and fiercely competitive receiver seems like a lock for Canton.

Of course, I always argue that it's the system more than the players, and most people usually disagree with me. I just think it's too big a coincidence that the greatest quarterback and greatest wide receiver in league history happen to have played in San Francisco at the same time. Same can be said for the current version of the Colts.

It will be interesting to see how my theory plays out in 2007 when Moss gets a new start and Culpepper lands as a backup somewhere. If they're reunited in Honolulu for the Pro Bowl, maybe I'll reconsider.