Lost amid a spectacular performance by Daunte Culpepper on Sunday was an inexplicable decision by the Vikings, who abandoned their running game despite having a big lead on the road.

It's a fundamental rule in football: If you're running the ball well, and you're ahead, you keep doing it. And keep doing it. And keep doing it.

Mewelde Moore was bursting through the line, breaking tackles and devouring huge chunks of yardage, yet for much of the second half he basically vanished.

I know the Vikings have a great passing game, but nothing demoralizes an opponent like running the ball down their throats, especially in front of their home fans. The Vikings had a chance to suck the life out of the Texans by eating the clock, but opted instead to throw on first down. A win's a win, and this was a big one, but Mike Tice continues to have growing pains as a head coach.

Until this team -- and its coaches -- learn how to put teams away, the Vikings won't be a legitimate threat when the playoffs come around.

Great teams don't blow 21-point leads.

Eric Atherton

eatherton@postbulletin.com