Kevin Seifert

  (4:00 PM)

Hello everyone. Not sure about you, but I'm thrilled that we're finally in a game week. Ok, let's spend the next hour talking all things NFC North. I'm spending the week in Minnesota in preparation for the Vikings-Packers Monday nighter but let's make sure we hit all four teams in the division. Fire away.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

How do you think the Packers will go about stopping (or containing) AP?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:01 PM)

Same thing they did in the second game last year. Put eight people at the line of scrimmage and see if the Vikings have made any substantive improvement to their passing game. That's where I'd start.

Garett (MSU)

hey kevin whats up? I wanted to know your thoughts on the detroit lions this yr, and do you think they'll do better than last yr? Also, what is there biggest positional need in your opinion? thanks and have a good day.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:02 PM)

I am on the Lions' bandwagon, such that it is. I do think they have a better team than last year. They'll be tougher and better balanced on offense, that's for sure. I still think they're a little short at linebacker. Some teams are going to run right through them.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

What do the Bears have to do to even come close against the Colts?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:02 PM)

How about a couple of 15-minute drives?

Mike (Grand Rapids, MI

Everyone is saying Rudi Johnson is in great shape and that his hamstring has healed. Why was he cut and how soon can a tortured Lions fan of 25 years expect to see him making contributions on Sunday?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:04 PM)

I'm not sure he is 100 percent. A hamstring is a tough injury for a big guy. The main thing is the Bengals wanted Chris Perry to start. ... I think you'll see Johnson on the field in Week 1 as the main backup to Kevin Smith.

Mike (Chicago, IL)

On paper, the Bears defense should be formidable. They've looked awful this preseason however. I'd to hope that it's because Harris, Dvoracek, Mike Brown, and some others have missed a fair amount of time but I'm still really nervous about this year. Are they capable of flipping a switch and playing well once the regular season starts?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:05 PM)

That's the million dollar question. To me the most disturbing thing has been reports of a basic lack of effort from the defense, like some of the players weren't taking the preseason seriously. Preseason games don't count, but that's a bad mentality to get into. They have enough talent to play much better, but I don't think it's easy as flipping a switch.

marshall, mn

Why would the Vikes keep 6 TE/FB types and only five WR's? They barely use a FB in their offense and Kleinsasser and Dugan have played FB in the past (if Tapeh got hurt). Can you explain, having seen him last year as a Vikings journalist, why they kept Robert Ferguson? Was he injured last year, because he looked slow and dropped a lot of balls in 2007. He doesn't look any faster this year. I would like to have seen them keep Reynaud or Jackson on the active roster as they could bring more pop to the return game than anyone else they have.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:07 PM)

Special teams. Tahi and Dugan are good special teams players. Garrett Mills, the coaching staff is enamored with. He is potentially an excellent receiver but he was hurt most of the preseason. As for Ferguson, he also is willing to play special teams. Coaches have also said he initiates a tough-guy attitude among the rest of the receivers.

Marshall (Terre Haute, IN)

Is Kitna on the down slide in his career?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:08 PM)

Not if you base it on the preseason. He was outstanding.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Kevin, Miss hearing you on KFAN, what in Merlin's beard are the Vikings going to do at left tackle for the first 4 games? I don't like the idea of Artis Hicks one bit.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:09 PM)

Get used to it. Hicks is their only real option. According to the depth chart they released today, undrafted rookie Drew Radovich is the backup left tackle. Brad Childress has a lot of faith in Hicks based on their time together in Philly. I have my doubts, but ultimately the answer will show itself on the field.

Jason (Detroit)

How improved are the lions secondaries by adding Bodden, Dwight Smith, Kelly, and the return of Daniel Bullock?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:09 PM)

You can definitely count on them playing with more of an attitude and to have a better ballhawking presence.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

With Bryant McKinnie suspended for the first 4 games of the season. How much do you think that will effect Adrian Peterson?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:10 PM)

It'll be worse for Tarvaris Jackson.

Brian (Richmond, VA)

Hey Kevin! Just wanted to ask you about the signing of Buster Davis. I think he was the perfect fit out of college for the Colts. He is the typical Colts LB. Fast and short and athletic. Do you think he will see the field enough behind Gary Brackett to make a difference? Or do you see him being released in the near future? He was cut by the Lions and Cards, so what is his deal?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:11 PM)

Just a real small guy. I think he's 5-9 or so. The one time I saw him in practice this summer, he almost got in a fight with Jon Kitna. Maybe some misplaced feistiness.

Jack ( Motorcity )

I might be a homer but I seriously think the Lions have a great chance at the Division this year...the D is playing much faster and the Offense just got that much better with Rudi...your thoughts ??

Kevin Seifert

  (4:12 PM)

I said they'd be better. Not sure I'm willing to give them the division yet. If all goes well, Rudi Johnson will be a backup.

BJ (New York)

How concerned are the Packer's Brass now that two starting OL members are hurt? Do you think they are concerned about the Minny front 4 eating Aaron Rodgers for lunch? Shouldn't they be considering picking up a vet QB to finish the game monday once Jared Allen decapitates Rodgers?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:13 PM)

All good, timely questions. Scott Wells and Josh Sitton will miss this game. It's an unexpeted and unfortunate scenario for Rodgers and the Packers. That matchup -- the Vikings defensive line and the Packers offensive line -- could decide the game.

Nate (Madison)

So do you see Grant and Jackson splitting carries week one or does Grant come in as the clear cut, majority of the carries guy? Just curious because Jackson looked good throughout the preseason and Grant never did play.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:14 PM)

Good question. Grant had no preseason carries but he is expected to be the No. 1 guy. I'd imagine the Packers won't hesitate to put Jackson in to give Grant a blow.

Michael.C(Bethlaham Park)

My buddy thinks the Packers will go 13-3 this season! I really dont see that happening? I say at best 10-6! It is a weak division. What do you think?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:15 PM)

Not the strongest year for this division. I'd be surprised if any of the teams end up 13-3. You would think that 10-6 could win it.

Nate (Madison)

It's going to be funny if Rodgers comes in and just plays great and the Vikings hardly touch him.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:15 PM)

I doubt the Vikings will be laughing.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

How good do you see the Vikings defense being this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:16 PM)

They need to get Madieu Williams back. The rooke, Tyrell Johnson, will start in his place the first three games but I'd feel a lot better with Williams back there.

Jack ( Detroit )

How many more years is Kitna Starting for the Lions ? not sure when his contract is up but do they resign him ??

Kevin Seifert

  (4:17 PM)

At one point I thought the Lions might try to ease him out this season in favor of Drew Stanton. But Stanton is hurt again, this time a sprained thumb, and Kitna had a great preseason. Rod Marinelli would love to have a productive veteran quarterback every season.

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

How much of an impact will D.Hester have as a WR?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:18 PM)

I think the transition is underrated. He is a great open-field runner, but that's only half the battle when it comes to playing receiver. There are all kinds of subtleties he will have to learn about route-running, getting open and holding off the defender with the ball in the air.

adam"Detroit Rock City"

will the lions release Tatum Bell? If so where do you see him going?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:19 PM)

They did release him today. ... Can't say I have a prediction for where he might go, other than to say I wouldn't be surprised if it's nowhere this week.

Gary(Michigan)

Do you think Roy Williams will have a big year especially since this is the last year of his current contract?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:20 PM)

Absolutely. It's his contract year and he has a guy who is actually more dangerous playing opposite of him. Calvin Johnson will demand more double teams than Williams will over the course of the season.

Gary (Michigan)

What's your thoughts on the lions offensive line? Does adding Gosdar Cherilus makes a difference?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:20 PM)

Here's what you need to do about Cherilus: For now, he's playing behind George Foster at right tackle. Overall, I think it's going to be a transition year for the offensive line as it learns how to zone-block.

Jose (New Mexico)

Someone in my football league has AD and Chester Taylor as 2 of his 3 running backs. Is this a smart move?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:22 PM)

I'm not a big fantasy guy and don't know how the different leagues work. But I will say that as long as Peterson is healthy, he is going to get the vast majority of the carries. To have both players is to count on a Peterson injury.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Any chance McKinnie can appeal that suspension and get it dropped to two games?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:23 PM)

Nope. The appeal already has taken place.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:23 PM)

KS (NY)

Do you expect the Packers to try running the ball directly at Jared Allen? The Seahawks seemed to have some success doing that in the preseason, and it's certainly a better option than going at the Williams sisters in the middle.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:24 PM)

I'd do whatever I had to do to get away from Kevin and Pat Williams, so running at Jared Allen is a start. But the Vikings have good linebackers that can give Allen help on the outside.

Sean (Philly)

Is Berrian expected to play?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:25 PM)

Yes. He was at practice today.

Hansel (So hot right now)

Which rookie runner will have the better year Smith or Forte?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:25 PM)

I'll go with Smith. The Lions seem awfully committed to running the ball.

Jack Del Rio

Whoa... NFL LIve just picked the Jags at 12-4 and the Colts at 10-6. Even I know thats not possible... What is your take on the AFC South this yeaR?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:26 PM)

Hey Jack ... I picked the Jaguars to win the Super Bowl, so take that for what it's worth.

Eric(Wisconsin)

Do you think the Packers WR James Jones will make a big impact on offense for them this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:26 PM)

Apparently his knee injury isn't minor. I wouldn't be surprised if he missed the opener.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Where do you rank Bryant Mckinnie among the top LT's in football? How about Hutch at guard? And Matt Birk at Center?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:27 PM)

I think Hutchinson is top five, Birk is top 10 and McKinnie is top 20.

Chris (Winnipeg, Manitoba)

How is TJack coming back from his injury? Anything that will linger into the season? Also is 25 TD's within his reach?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:28 PM)

He won't be 100 percent for the Packers game but it shouldn't be too big of a deal. 25 TDs? Let's not get too crazy.

Paul(Minnesota)

Do you think Rod Mirenelli would be interested in giving DE Simeon Rice a tryout? Maybe he can give them some pass rush?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:28 PM)

I would think it's unlikely.

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

Are you big on the rookie Sidney Rice?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:29 PM)

He's actually a second-year player, but yes, I think he would have been my choice as the NFC North's emerging star if Calvin Johnson wasn't in the same division.

joe (york)

true or false, sidney rice will be a more effective receiver than berrian..

Kevin Seifert

  (4:29 PM)

Not this year.

Ken (St. Paul)

Do you think Chilly is on the hot seat this year? With all the money Wilf has put into the Vikes, you'd think anything less than 9 wins this year would be the end of Chilly's run here.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:30 PM)

I know they're expecting more than nine winds. Will it cost Childress his job? Not sure about that. But the pressure is certainly on.

Johnny(Queens)

In order who has the best QB in the NFC North? Jon Kitna/Tavaris Jackson/Aaron Rodgers/Kyle Orton?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:31 PM)

Kitna Rodgers Jackson Orton

Ed (Chi-town)

Is Urlacher still the top LB in the league?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:32 PM)

I wouldn't say so, no. Merriman, Patrick Willis comes to mind.

Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota)

So you're saying I'm a below average left tackle?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:33 PM)

Yeah, come to think of it top-20 was harsh. I'd say top-15. That makes him at least slightly above average.

Tom (Hackensack)

does greg jennings take over as the number 1 in green bay this year? i feel like driver has lost a stepp

Kevin Seifert

  (4:34 PM)

Well, Driver is going to have to figure out the drops thing that he was doing all preseason.

Ken (St. Paul)

After looking at that list of QB's, how does Culpepper not have a job in the NFL yet? What's your take on Culpepper's situation?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:35 PM)

A guy who has had major knee surgery and bounced around the past few years can be choosy about where he signs. He's turned down at least one offer in hopes of getting a better one. He's not really in position to do that.

Brian (Richmond, VA)

Am I crazy for making this statement? Patrick Willis will be DPOY and is the best LB in the league.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:35 PM)

He is all over the field, that's for sure.

Todd (9th Ave)

Which NFC north newcomer will have the biggest impact this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:36 PM)

You'd have to say either Smith in Detroit or Forte in Chicago. I'll go with Smith because of the Lions' commitment to the running game, but not by a lot.

Randy (St. Paul)

Am I the only person who isn't that worried about McKinnie missing the first 4 games? He was horrible the first 4 games last year, I thought he was going to be benched for good until he finally woke up.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:37 PM)

He's still better than the alternative. Left tackle is such a hard position to play.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Who has the best duo of CB's in this division? GB(Woodson/Harris),Chi(Vasher/Tillman),Min(Winfield/C.Griffin)?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:37 PM)

I'll take the Green Bay guys. ... Winfield is my favorite of the whole group but Griffin doesn't compare to Woodson or Harris.

Payton (San Diego)

Call it stupidity, idiotic or warrior for Merriman to play this year? Do you think he is worried about his contract or what? Do you think there is any way he can make it passed the first few weeks this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:38 PM)

Not a doctor. But I will say I've found the uproar over his decision amusing. People criticize NFL players all the time for not being tough enough to play with injuries. Merriman is doing what everyone demands of other players, and he's being criticized for it.

Greg Jennings

1200 yds, 11 TDs, mark it down...

Kevin Seifert

  (4:39 PM)

Got it.

Greg(Canada)

Do you think any team will eventually sign Cedric Benson?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:39 PM)

There is some question in the league as to whether he wants to play. ... He'll have to address that first with any team that might need a back.

BJ (New York)

No love for EJ in your elite LB rankings? He has been steadly improving the last 2 years. Is this the year people start to pay him elite LB respect?!

Kevin Seifert

  (4:41 PM)

If E.J. Henderson has the same kind of season he had last year, he'll make the Pro Bowl.

Ryan (WI)

I take Barnett or Hawk over Urlacher because of age and they don't have bad backs

Kevin Seifert

  (4:42 PM)

Sounds like a Packer fan to me.

AJ Hawk (Green Bay)

Will I make it back on the field this week?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:42 PM)

You got to get on the practice field first. ... My understanding is that you didn't practice Monday.

Brad (minneapolis)

I agree with Randy. Even with Big Mac, the Vikes would have to help out on the 4 rather talented DE's they will face in the first 4 weeks. That is why Kleinsasser, Schiancoe, and Tapeh exist. The Coaches aren't that stupid (although some people around here would debate that).

Kevin Seifert

  (4:43 PM)

Hah. ... Yes, I would strongly suspect tight end help and chipping help from the running backs -- for the tackles on both sides.

James (Indianola, IA)

Dont diss McKinnie, or he will bash you with a stripper pole

Kevin Seifert

  (4:44 PM)

Naw. We get along great.

Brayden (Washington)

Kevin, if you had 1 player to start a franchise with, who would it be?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:44 PM)

Hmmm. Not really original, but I would say Tom Brady. Plays the most important position as well as anyone in the league. He also could set the right tone in the locker room for playing winning football.

Rick-Lowell, MA

What does D. O'Neil have left? Will he help the Pats this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:45 PM)

The Patriots will figure out a way to maximize his strengths.

John(Buffalo)

1 AFC East question please? Any news when Jason Peters will come back to Buffalo? Do you really think he will hold out the whole season?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:46 PM)

Not aware of any new developments. I know it seems hopeless now, but these things almost always work themselves out. I'd be shocked if he would sit out all year.

Jonathan ( Austin, Tx)

you have Green Bay finishing 1st in the division. Would the Vikings and Lions beating GB in the first 2 games change your mind?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:47 PM)

We'll come to that bridge when we fall in the water. Er, yeah.

Brody (LA Cali)

What exactly does Brady do better than Peyton Manning? When Osi was on Mike and Mike, he said Manning was far superior and Peyton can do everything BRady can, but Brady cannot do everything Peyton can! So, what makes Brady better than Manning? Is it the rings? Cause the one year Manning had a really good defense in the playoffs, he won a SB.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:48 PM)

All fair points. I think Manning does have more responsibility on his shoulders. I won't try to break down both of their games. I'm just saying that I'd pick Brady over him, and yes, the championships have a lot to do with it.

MJ (Boston, MA)

Did you see the Pats cutting Jason Webster and Fernando Bryant? Thought those guys were filling in for Asante and Randall Gay?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:49 PM)

That Patriots aren't afraid to cut their losses and move on.

BJ (Minneapolis)

Kevin, I have read your material for years now (and enjoyed a great deal of it!), but i must say i was shocked to see you not only a.) Pick the pack over the Vikes to win the division, but also b.) not even pick the Vikes to make it as a wild card! WTF! If the bears could make it to a superbowl with rex and a good D, the Vikes can do some damage with T Jack, AD, and a GREAT D!

Kevin Seifert

  (4:50 PM)

The Vikings haven't won a division since 2000, so for me, personally, it's hard to pick them until they overcome that institutional baggage.

Sam (Lake Bluff)

Is Nathan Vasher the most over-looked defensive player in the division? No one ever talks about him and all he does is make plays...

Kevin Seifert

  (4:50 PM)

Good call. Tillman gets a lot more publicity, but Vasher is one heck of a football player.

Rick-Lowell, MA

Ok, but even maximizing his strengths, how much will he help the team? Is he good enough to start and help them win when it counts?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:51 PM)

O'Neal? I think so. ... It's all relative. There aren't a ton of guys out there that can play cornerback.

Dan, Maine

Tell Brody that Manning hasn't had Antoine Smith as his leading rusher, and that he made guys like David Givens, Troy Brown, Deion Branch and Jabar Gaffney look like stars.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:52 PM)

You just did.

Anthony (NYC)

Kevin is Mike Brown still one of he leaders on the Bears? It's gotta be hard to hold such high regard in the lockeroom, after each season injury.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:53 PM)

Actually, I think he is held in high regard because he keeps coming back from the injuries instead of giving up. They've all been legitimate injuries. Mike Brown is as respected as a player can be.

Ryon (Virginia Beach)

Hey Kevin, I havent seen much about this... what about the rule change for the force out? Will DBs completely change the way they play... I mean wont this kill WRs like Moss and guys that do not cross over the middle?

Kevin Seifert

  (4:54 PM)

It remains to be seen. I don't think defensive backs held back too often from hitting guys on the sidelines out of concern for the push-out rule. For the most part, they are coached to play all out, and they'll continue to do so.

tom(wis)

Don't you think T. Jackson and Rodgers are more equal in this point of their careers? T.Jack has playing experience, which cannot be learned in practice (or preseason for that matter). The Vikes are gonna have his heas spinning on Monday night. Whereas Jackson will have a slightly better understanding of what the defense is showing.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:55 PM)

I think you'll be impressed with how mature Rodgers is.

Brody (LA Cali)

Tell Dan, that Manning has never had a great defense until he won the SB. Tell Dan that Manning never had a decent special teams. Remember that saying, defense wins championships... last year the Colts defense couldnt stop the back ups in San Diego and they were bounced. The one year the Colts defense steps up, Peyton Manning hoists the trophy.

Kevin Seifert

  (4:55 PM)

Ok, but this is the last time. :)

bill(memphis)

Kevin, been a big fan of yours for years at the STrib. however, your trying to hard to not be a homer! Its ok! you can pick the Vikings to win. Its obvious that you are trying to win over the NFC North fans, but be real, the Vikes have an outstanding amount of talent, and you know...deep down...that they are the team to beat here!

Kevin Seifert

  (4:57 PM)

I guess honesty gets you nowhere ... :) Ok, one or two more and then it's back to blogging.

tom(mpls)

Maybe Judd Zulgad should be writing here instead....your a buzz-kill seifert!

Kevin Seifert

  (4:58 PM)

Ouch.

MJ (Boston, MA)

who will have the better career, Calvin Johnson or Roy Williams (Det) - Roy from Dallas stinks

Kevin Seifert

  (4:59 PM)

I think Calvin Johnson. If he stays healthy, he could be a Hall of Famer. No exaggeration. Ok, thanks everyone. Got fun there at the end, huh? Talk to you soon.