Will the Vikings and Chiefs continue playing the feud?

By Krupka  |   Thursday, August 03, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Minnesota Vikings
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Set up the steel cage, get out the steel chairs, the tables, the microphone and the title belt, because the WWE is coming to town. Well, actually, the Kansas City Chiefs are in town, and it's the preseason, meaning, this scrimmage could turn into a tussle rather than just another joint practice.

The teams have had some ill feelings in recent years.

Two years ago, the bad blood started ironically because of a WWE wrestler. Brock Lesnar was in Minnesota Vikings camp trying to make the team. The Vikings and Chiefs held a joint practice in which the teams scrimmaged, which was supposed to be light, avoiding major contact or violent tackles. Lesnar dropped a big hit on Chiefs' backup quarterback Damon Huard when he sacked him. Soon after, everyone was more aggressive.

Later on, Lesnar was again involved in controversy, tackling a Chiefs player deemed too hard by opposing players, ending with a big skirmish between the teams.

Another such occurrence involves current Chiefs backup running back and former Vikings back Michael Bennett. Ironically, it will be Bennett's first action as a member of the Chiefs in this scrimmage. The five-year veteran was involved in a play with Chiefs safety Greg Wesley that started a fight. Wesley grabbed and pulled on the running back's face mask, drawing the ire of the Vikings and starting another scuffle.

So, the question must be raised: Can the two teams get through a practice together without letting a play break out into a brawl?

Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards has already stated he isn't anticipating any problems.

And Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin has a similar outlook. When asked about the skirmishes in the past, he said, "We realize that tempers run hot from time to time. But that has nothing to do with developing winning football and that's why we're here. In no way do we condone those kinds of activities and if they occur they will be dealt with."

Thus far in training camp, the Minnesota Vikings' defense has been extremely physical with a number of big hits placed on their offensive teammates. The Chiefs could be one Tank Williams hit away from being ready to fight again.

Hopefully, the two teams can put the past aside and get through a practice without problems. After all, nobody wants to see any injuries.

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com

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