Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

Hi everyone ... I got back last night from an abbreviated trip to Minnesota's training camp, but I've now hit 75 percent of the NFC North camps. I'll be in Detroit on Wednesday and then we'll call it a tour. I'd be happy to entertain your NFC North-related questions, as well as some from outside the division. (Although those topics might further reduce your chance of getting an insightful answer.) Anyway, let's have at it ...

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How much does the Madieu Williams injury impact the Vikings for the first part of the season? Do they have the depth at S to get by?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:02 PM)

It hurts them pretty significantly, in my opinion. The Vikings have been planning to use Williams in a lot of single coverage in pass defense, and now they'll have to tweak that approach. They have depth at the position with rookie Tyrell Johnson and Michael Boulware, but Madieu Williams is a step above both. They can piece things together for the time being, but the Vikings are hoping Williams' absence doesn't extend beyond the six-week mark.

ray GORDON REID TUSCALOOSA ALA 35487

QUESTION TO KEVIN SIEFERT 4.05 PM HI KEVIN WHICH SOUTHERN BORN NY QB;S GONNA HAVE BETTER YEAR BRETT FARVE WITH JETS BORN GULFPORT MISS OR BORN IN NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANA ELI MANNING GIANTS

Kevin Seifert

  (4:03 PM)

I'll go with Eli. ... I just think adjusting to a new team, a new offense and a new city is a lot to for Favre to accomplish on a short training camp.

Damien (Winston-Salem,NC)

Will Kyle Orton See Significant action this season or is Lovie sticking to his QB...LOL

Kevin Seifert

  (4:04 PM)

Most scorekeepers have Kyle Orton winning the job in Chicago, albeit by a slight margin. Rex Grossman will get his chance in the Bears' next preseason game.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

How impressive was that play James Jones made? He went up for a ball that was thrown too high, caught it knowing the safety was going to lay the smack down on him, lost his helmet, and still scored a TD.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:05 PM)

Well said. Jones is fighting for the No. 4 receiver's job with rookie Jordy Nelson, and it showed. I thought Jones looked pretty hungry Monday night.

Willie (Portland, OR)

How do you think Rogers played last night? I say he was pretty good, what I really like though is he looked very poised, even when he missed WR's on a couple balls.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:06 PM)

For the most part, pretty decent. It's too bad he overthrew Jones on that one long pass, but he didn't let it bother him. I think that will be his trademark ... allowing disappointment to slide off his back.

Ted (Mpls)

Hey Kevin, The Vikes pass D looked weak again in the pre-season opener. How much of that is a result of calling vanilla defenses and how much is it a sign that they just haven't improved?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:08 PM)

They were very vanilla and were pretty much just rushing four guys. But they missed Madieu Williams, too. There isn't cause for concern yet, but it's fair to say the Vikings expect to play better than that, even in the preseason.

Brandon (Bellevue, WA)

Bigger statement: Vikings not rushing in the first quarter of Fridays game (and still scoring) or Vikings letting MoMo get a 10ypa on their 1st team D?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:09 PM)

I don't think Morris would have gotten those yards if Pat Williams was in the game, so I'll go with the former.

Christian (High Point, NC)

Brohm looked lost last night and the scuttlebutt is that he doesn't look much better in practice. Are the Packers going to start looking for a veteran backup for Rodgers?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:10 PM)

There really aren't many options at this point for a veteran backup. Just a few days ago, GM Ted Thompson reiterated he has no plans to get a veteran, anyway. Take that for what it's worth.

David Fairborn, OH

Leslie Frazier didn't do much in Cincinnati. There's no real reason why he'd do more in Minnesota.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:12 PM)

The one thing I'd say in Frazier's defense (no pun intended) is that he's being allowed to do things his way. In Cincinnati, Marvin Lewis was VERY involved and didn't allow Frazier to operate as a typical defensive coordinator. Brad Childress will give Frazier every chance to mold the Vikings defense the way he wants it.

Broad Street Brian (Philly)

Is it possible for kevin Smith to win the Rb job in Detroit? Would anyone notice if he did?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:12 PM)

I think at least a few people would notice. ... And I think Smith absolutely has a chance.

greg (den)

who's the number 3 wr in GB if jones and nelson battling for #4?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:14 PM)

Ah, you're right. ... They're battling for the No. 3 job. Some of us type faster than we think, unfortunately.

Willie (Portland, OR)

I know it's early and there is lots of room for improvement, but how would you rank the NFC North teams?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:15 PM)

I've had the Packers at the top from the start, but I think they've have a bit of a deficit to work from here after the Favre stuff. So I'll go with: Minnesota Green Bay Detroit Chicago This could change by the second, of course.

Scott (Mobile, AL)

Now that everyone has a contract, does the Bears defense look like it will be as dominating as it was a few years ago?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:16 PM)

If it can stay healthy, it can be pretty good. But I'm not sure it approaches the Super Bowl season.

Joel (Madison, WI)

How do you think the Vikings WR's will fare. Berrian is a decent deep threat, but will Rice continue to develop?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:18 PM)

I think so, especially in the red zone. Rice's body control is excellent. He really knows how to ward off defensive backs with his body.

David Fairborn, OH

Who would've thought the day would come that Jon Kitna would be the best QB in a division.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:18 PM)

Yikes. When you look at it that way ...

Eric (Sioux City)

Did you happen to watch Green Bay TE, Jermichael Finley last night? He only had a couple of catches, but is very athletic and looks like a future starter.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:19 PM)

Didn't see him the other night but he really looked athletic in practice. But he might need to bulk up a little bit to be a factor as a blocker.

Eric (Sioux City)

I would like to congratulate Matt Millen on once again blowing the draft. Cherilus over Otah was idiotic. Gosder can't even beat out Foster. Equally moronic was drafting Dizon over Connor. Will he finally be fired after the season?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:21 PM)

Wow. Pretty quick trigger on evaluating those draft picks, huh? I think Dizon will eventually be a player, for sure, and it's way too early to make up your mind about a rookie offensive lineman. As for Millen, I've always assumed he will decide when he's ready to leave, not the Lions.

Brian (austin)

With a load of new RB's in the NFC north, outside of the monsters in Minnesota, who should we expect to put up big numbers? Can Ryan Grant continue to succeed without Favre?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:23 PM)

Grant might have a bit harder time this season because he won't sneak up on anyone. But it's not like the Packers' offense is barren. They'll still have a passing game that at least can keep defenses honest.

Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)

Did you enjoy Kornheiser's anti-Rodgers/pro Favre comments on MNF?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:23 PM)

Didn't hear them but I'm sure they were funny.

Dan (Mpls, Mn)

Is A Winfield ever going to get old? Seems like his style of play will catch up to him in a hurry. Any thought he could move to Safety w/ the M Williams injury?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:24 PM)

Not a bad call on the safety switch, but the bottom line is that Winfield is the Vikings' best cover guy. I wouldn't move him until he is no longer able to run with receivers. It's a lot easier to find safeties than it is cornerbacks. That said, Winfield would be an excellent safety.

cody (Mapleton,IA)

Is an unproven quarterback the only reason you believe that minnesota is ranked above green bay... i think that they are better at every position except running back and grant's not too far off petersen anyways

Kevin Seifert

  (4:25 PM)

I think it was more of a temporary downgrade as the Packers try to recover from the Favre drama. Like it or not, they have been a distracted team. They can still get themselves straightened out, and if they do, I still see them as the team to beat.

Joseph (D-town)

While it is too early to give up on Cherilus and Dizon, there are few who wouldn't take Otah and Connor over them.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:26 PM)

Fair enough.

Kev (NYC)

With Pennington, Culpepper, potentially Simms all available at one point. Why didn't the Vikings get any deals done. I mean, does anyone really think Tarvaris will remain the starter all year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:26 PM)

I think he'll be the starter unless he gets hurt. Brad Childress wants Jackson to be his long-term starter. He's going to really have to stink it up to get benched.

Brian Calhoun

Any chance I get 10 touches a game a the Lions change of pace and 3rd down back.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:28 PM)

Hmmmm ... Shouldn't you be in meetings?

Randy (Green Bay)

What is the consensus among scouts on Scott Wells? Kruetz gets all the love, but I think Wells is better, a top five center in fact.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:30 PM)

Not sure about that one, Randy. It is true that center recognition is based in large part on reputation, but O.K. has always done a good job in Chicago. Wells is solid but not spectacular.

a

What's your take on Tarvaris Jackson? Seems that many fans and media people have already written him off as a bad quarterback. As I recall, he's only started 16 games, and is 8-4 in his last 12 starts. What did people expect out of Jackson this early? Tom Brady? Peyton Manning?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:32 PM)

The problem is that he was thrown to the wolves too early and did some things on the field you never want to see a pro quarterback do. (I'm thinking mostly about the infamous jump-throws.) Winning percentages aren't always the most accurate way to judge quarterbacks. (What if they have a great defense carrying them?) I think Jackson is pretty much where you would expect a guy who played at a Division I-AA school to be in his third year: Capable of making really good plays but also good for a few head-scratchers each Sunday as well.

Kev (NYC)

Over/Under 9 return TDs for Hester in 08?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:33 PM)

Yikes. I'll take the under, assuming you don't count receiving touchdowns in there.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

If Mike Brown stays healthy and Tommie Harris is "back" can't the Bears get by on 13 points a game?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:33 PM)

Yes, but right now I'm not sure their offense can supply that.

Willie (Portland, OR)

Nothing against Kitna, but why have the Lions tried to upgrade at QB? Or at least get a young one to mold into a starter. Kitna is 36 so he doesn't have many years left.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:35 PM)

I assume you mean, "why HAVEN'T" they gone after an upgrade. Bottom line, there aren't many options these days in the NFL. Some teams don't have one good prospect at quarterback, let alone two. In terms of the Lions, it will be interesting to see how far along Drew Stanton is. There are those who believe Stanton could get a chance to start at the end of the season if the Lions fall out of the playoff race.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

How is the Packers' guard situation shaking out. Will Colledge, Coston, or Sitton end up starting?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:36 PM)

I'm guessing Colledge. It's his job to lose.

Franco (Philly)

Over/under 9 wins for the Eagles this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:37 PM)

I see them at 9-7.

Mark (Los Angeles, CA)

Does any team have an excess of decent safeties or defensive ends that perhaps the Vikings could trade for or pick one up that may be cut?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:38 PM)

There aren't enough defensive ends to go around, so a big no to that one. As far as safety goes, I don't think that's quite as urgent. At this point, it appears Williams will be back by the end of September. You can patch things together at safety pretty well until then.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

Any truth to the rumor I just made up that Tim Tebow is going to start for the Bears and the Gators?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:39 PM)

Would Florida take back Grossman?

Adrian (Libertyville IL)

T/F Jason Campbell becomes a top 10 QB after working with Zorn?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:40 PM)

False. ... At least this year. ... Mastering the west coast offense in one year is tough.

Jason (Indiana)

What do you think of Matt Forte? Can he be the back the Bears are invisioning him as?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:41 PM)

He'll get the majority of their carries. He seems like a solid back but not a big-play guy.

Eric (Sioux City)

What is you take on Eli Manning? He was bad last season -- 29th completion percentage with a 25th QB rating -- but after winning the superbowl you've got guys like Colin Cowherd who think he is a top 50 player.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:42 PM)

I've seen Manning play some of his worst games. (See 2005 and 2007 against the Vikings.) So I don't know if I'm the most objective guy to ask.

Joe (Omaha)

Can we get a do-over on the Chris Williams pick? His rookie season is all but lost, and reports are that this could affect his career. Aside from Hester, have the Bears drafted a single quality player in the last five drafts? Not only is this team bad, but there is no young talent.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:45 PM)

I'd have to go back and check the Bears' draft lists but I want to say Tillman and Vasher were both decent picks. ... As far as Williams goes, this one could go down as an all-timer. Even if he really did suffer a new injury, it's incredibly bad luck for the Bears.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

I just called Urban Meyer and asked him if he was interested in Grossman. I hear loud laughter and then the dial tone. Must be some connection problems.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:45 PM)

Be nice....

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

I'd say Tommie Harris, Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman are all pretty solid players drafted in the last 5 years....

Kevin Seifert

  (4:46 PM)

Right, thanks for adding Harris to that list.

Barry (Minneapolis)

Did you answer a question that stating that "grant's not too far off petersen anyways" without commenting on the difference between Grant and Peterson? Without Farve's elite deep accuracy opening up massive running lanes, Grant will come back to earth this year.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:47 PM)

Yes I did answer that question but didn't get to the part you referred to. I would say there is a significant difference between Peterson and Grant, and hopefully not too many people would disagree.

Marcus (Orlando)

Will the NFC East standing look like this? Dallas Phili Wash NY?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:48 PM)

Tough fall for the Super Bowl champion, huh? I see them finishing above the Redskins.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama)

Will Brodie Croyle be the starter for the chiefs this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:48 PM)

That's definitely the way it looks now.

DJ (MN)

Who is the impact rookie this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:49 PM)

One sleeper is the Johnson kid in Tennessee.

Dave (OH)

Does Jason Taylor finsih this year and move to Hollywood or does he have a few left in him?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:49 PM)

He claims he's playing at least through 2009.

Mike (Belvidere, IL)

Is it going to take 11 wins to make it out of the AFC? Lot of good teams out there......

Kevin Seifert

  (4:50 PM)

I was just looking at that today ... I would say that's a very real possibility.

Steve (Davenport)

Why does every ESPN "blog writer" seem like they have never played a sport in their entire life?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:51 PM)

You know what they say: Those who can't do, write.

Pat (chicago)

Will Chris Simms be joining an NFC north club once he's released?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:52 PM)

There's been some talk of him going to the Bears but a lot will depend on how the rest of the preseason goes.

Adrian (Libertyville IL)

Miami wins more than 1 this year right? Or does it dpend on who is under cener?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:52 PM)

You'd think Pennington will help them double their win total.

Frank (NY)

Is Matt Leinart going to hold onto the starting QB position the whole year (barring injury)?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:53 PM)

I'd say yes. Sounds like he's serious about becoming a big-time NFL quarterback.

Jake (Burnsville, MN)

What about the person who said the packers are better than the Vikings at every position other than running back?? what up Steve Hutchinson, Matt Birk, the entire Defensive line???

Kevin Seifert

  (4:54 PM)

I don't recall that question but it doesn't mean I didn't post it. ... Obviously, there are some spots where the Vikings have a clear advantage.

dolphinatic (miami)

what kinda season do you think Kevin Jones have for the bears??

Kevin Seifert

  (4:55 PM)

I wouldn't bet your fantasy year on it. ... Historically, the first year back from an ACL injury tends to be a tough one.

James (ATL)

I just want to know why the Falcons are still ranked last. The Dolphins are obviously in much worse shape?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:57 PM)

Everyone's got their own opinion, but I'm sure the Parcells factor influences some voting. Also, having Chad Pennington at quarterback is probably an upgrade over Chris Redman.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:57 PM)

Ok, one or two more here ...

Kev (NYC)

Fact or Fiction:: After this season: We finally say the Texans were right about Mario Williams.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:57 PM)

The Texans can't help whatever Reggie Bush does, but Williams already has proved to be a pretty darn good pass rusher.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:58 PM)

Ok, thanks everyone. Have a great week.