Kevin Seifert

  (3:00 PM)

Hi everyone. Let's get right to all the NFC North excitement. As always, we'll mostly entertain questions on the division but every now and then we might surprise you.

Jim Lyon (Sterling Heights, MI)

Do you think that now that Bill Ford Jr. has spoke his mind publicly that he'll start to pressure his dad into firing Millen? Please say yes?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:01 PM)

I don't have any inside knowledge, but I can only conclude that Ford Jr. was so frustrated by his father's unwillingness to act that he felt compelled to go public. If Ford Jr. thought his dad was getting ready to fire Millen, he would have kept his mouth shut. So if I had to guess, no firing is on the way. Maybe Millen will throw his hands up and walk away.

Jim Lyon (Sterling Heights, MI)

Do you think Rudi Johnson will take over as the Lions' starter since he did fairly well against San Fran?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:02 PM)

I've been wondering about that. They've been using him more and more since he signed. But it makes no sense, in my opinion. Play the young kid, Kevin Smith. See if he's going to be a player.

Ben St Paul Mn

Hey Kevin, do you see the Vikings continuing to improve under Frerotte or do you think it is a disaster waiting to happen. I think that Frerotte is capable of giving them exactly what they need. A calm leader and accurate passes.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:04 PM)

He can definitely bring them a calming, respected influence. There's a reason Frerotte has been a backup most of his career. But he has a chance to succeed for 14 games because the main job of the Vikings quarterback is to provide at least a threat of a downfield pass to go along with Adrian Peterson. Frerotte can provide that.

Jeff (Appleton,WI)

Kevin, good talking to you, I miss not seeing you in local paper in Mpls. I have a question about the Green Bay Packers. Everyone in cheeseville believes they are contenders for the Super Bowl. With the loss of Al Harris, no running game, and unable to stop the run I find that difficult to swallow. What do you think?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:06 PM)

Thanks Jeff. The loss of Harris is big, no question. With Tramon Williams taking his place, the Packers are going to have to re-think their bump-and-run coverage. I think they would have a decent running game if they ran it more. Mike McCarthy gets caught up in the passing game sometime. As far as the run defense, Ryan Pickett is personally vowing it will improve. I'll take him at his word for now. All that said, the Packers aren't one of the top three teams in the NFC at this point and so I wouldn't consider them a Super Bowl contender yet.

Bill Seymour (Westchester, NY)

Do you know injury status of Madieu Williams (vikes)?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:07 PM)

My understanding is that he's beginning to do a few things in practice. Childress said last week they are still projecting him to begin playing in early October.

alex, lake minnetonka

jeez kevin a chat during bio again?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:08 PM)

I wish they had allowed laptops and wireless when I was in school. Maybe it was because neither had been invented yet.

jumanji africa

who do you for see as the vikings future qb, TJack, JD Booty, or someone aquired in the offseason?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:09 PM)

Someone to be acquired later. But I fully expect they'll give Jackson another chance.

Will J (Portland, OR)

If this were 5 or 10 years ago, do you think Minnesota would've sat T. Jackson as fast as they did? This being a win now league has really hurt a lot of young QB's in their ability to progress by playing.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:10 PM)

If this were five or 10 years ago, I don't think Jackson would have been starting so soon in the first place. The Vikings would have been more likely to have given him more time to develop.

Cory (Buford, GA)

At what point in the season do you see the Lions making a QB change for Drew Stanton?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:11 PM)

If Stanton were further along in his development, this week would be good timing. The Lions have a bye and already seem out of the playoff race. But Stanton has been hurt so much that he's really, really green. I don't know if it would do anyone any good for him to start playing yet.

wayne (virginia beach)

Fantasy question....would you trade Brian Westbrook for Marshawn Lynch and Steve Smith?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:11 PM)

I'll qualify it by saying I don't play FF, but with Westbrook's ankle injury, you should get anything you can for him.

Jimmy (Minneapolis, MN)

This is a question on Aaron Rodgers. The announcers Sunday night mentioned that he only looks over half the field instead of the whole field, and that Favre was able to look over the whole field in search of open guys. This is the first time I've heard mention of QBs only scanning half the field. What's your take on the accuracy of this statement?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:13 PM)

I don't know if I agree that Rodgers does that. It's a common thing for young quarterbacks to limit themselves to half the field in order to give themselves an easier decision. But anecdotally, it looks to me like Rodgers scans the field pretty thoroughly.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

What do you see happening when Ferotte takes the Vikings to Tennessee---I think that D will have a field day against Minnesota...

Kevin Seifert

  (3:15 PM)

This is the last game the Vikings will play without Bryant McKinnie at LT. That's good news for Kyle Vanden Bosch. The best thing the Vikings can do is pound Adrian Peterson right at him.

Tony (Green Bay, WI)

Are the packers making a mistake keeping Grant in the starting line up while he's injured, especially when Brandon Jackson is showing so much potential this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:16 PM)

I've wondered if it wouldn't do Grant some good just to spend a week or two away from the field to let that hamstring heal up. But the Packers feel he is making progress recovering while playing in a more limited role. Jackson has been decent, but I understand why the Packers would want Grant out there if possible. He's a step above and much more prone to a big play.

Ross (Rosemount, MN)

So Gus is not a long term answer and I think the Vikes can't committ to TJack ... so do they try to get by with Gus or somebody else for 2 years and let JD Booty give it a shot in year 3?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:18 PM)

I think everyone would be well served to tamp down the JD Booty excitement. I'm not sure there are many people who project him as a future NFL starter. But you bring up a good issue. The Vikings had planned on Jackson being their starter for the near future. Frerotte will be 38 when next season begins. Do they really think he can cover them for the next two years? I don't think they've even gone there in their thought process. They're just trying to pull a rabbit out of the hat this season before worrying about 2009.

Ryan (WI)

Against the Cowboys, Rodgers almost seemed too hesitant for fear of not making a mistake. Was it just me that noticed that?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:19 PM)

I just think he's a very deliberate decision-maker regardless. In this offense, it's OK. It's designed to have someone open against any defense. It's just a matter of finding that open guy.

Brent (Maple Grove, MN)

In league circles, how do people rate Ziggy Wilf as an owner?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:20 PM)

I think initially they were worried his enthusiasm would wreak havoc on the free agent marketplace. A lot of owners were upset with the Steve Hutchinson contract and the poison pill a few years ago. But at this point I think they see Wilf as a passionate guy who will do whatever he can to win.

Paul (St Louis Park, MN)

Kevin- Do you think Harris's injury is actually career ending or is that just talk because he also happens to be over 30? What kind of set back is this going to be for the Packers? Thanks!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:22 PM)

I think it's more tied to his age. If his spleen is removed, the thought is it will take a year to recover. Would Harris want to sit out all of this season, next summer's training camp and the first few games of 2009 before returning? Uncertain.

Kimberly(Sheboygan,Wi)

Who do you see winning the divsion in the NFC North?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:23 PM)

The Packers seem to be the class of the division so far.

jiggle billy (Cranston RI)

how big of an impact will sidney rice be in the vikings new passing attack

Kevin Seifert

  (3:23 PM)

He needs to get healthy first. He missed last week with a sprained PCL. But if he gets open when he returns, Frerotte will get him the ball.

RAY GORDON REID DENVER CO 80205

QUESTION to kevin seifert AT 3.25 PM HI KEVIN WHO ARE THE TOP 5 IN NFC

Kevin Seifert

  (3:24 PM)

Dallas NY Giants Philadelphia Green Bay Carolina

kit mpls

Will Gus be back next year? If you say they will bring someone in then whose the odd man out? Who will the Vikes target next year? JP Losman, D Anderson, or high draft pick?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:26 PM)

I don't know yet. And I don't think the Vikings know yet. They'll regroup after the season. First thing they have to decide is whether they're done with Tarvaris Jackson or they want to give him another chance.

AJ (michigan)

if the lions dont win thier next two games (CHI and HOU) thier schedual gets brutal can they go 0-16

Kevin Seifert

  (3:27 PM)

You'd think a team with Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams could win one game.

chauncey (teaneck)

Will the Brett Farve comparisons with Aaron rogers stop?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:27 PM)

I hope so. As Dennis Green always used to say, "That's yesterday's news."

adam (oklahoma)

will the 49ers win the nfc west?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:28 PM)

They've got a chance. Don't rule out Arizona, either. Strange as it sounds.

Kimberly(Sheboygan,Wi)

I was wondering around the league how is Ted Thompson thought of?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:31 PM)

I was talking to an executive with another team who has a ton of respect for Thompson. Basically, what this guy said was he admired the way Thompson has supreme confidence in his approach and trusts his instincts. He isn't always the most outgoing guy out there but he has built the Packers exactly the way he wanted to, and the results last season indicate it was a prudent path.

Ben St Paul Mn

You said you think they intend to give Jackson another chance earlier. Do you think that is the wisest thing to do or just Childress trying to prove he was right all along?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:32 PM)

It might be best for all parties if Jackson got a fresh start elsewhere, and I think Childress is beyond proving he was right. It just depends on what other options they have.

Jeff (Harbor Beach, MI)

I agree with the Packers need to run more often and effectively. What do you attribute the lack of attempts to.... the O-line depth & quality, the RB's, or just McCarthy getting lazy & stubborn? My vote goes to McCarthy....

Kevin Seifert

  (3:33 PM)

McCarthy calls the plays, so ultimately it falls on him. And I think he's taken responsibility for that a few times.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

The Bears woulda, coulda, shoulda been 3-0 at this point. That said, do you think they will bounce back and contend for either the division or a wild card this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:34 PM)

They're at a critical juncture. Philadelphia is a good team and the Bears have a tough task to prevent themselves from going 1-3. But, if they can get past the Eagles, things will look a lot better. Especially considering they're headed to Detroit the following week.

adam (oklahoma)

will 3 teams from the nfc east make the playoffs this year

Kevin Seifert

  (3:34 PM)

I think so -- Dallas, Giants and Philadelphia. So the message for the rest of the conference is that you better win your division if you want to get to the playoffs.

Steve (Syracuse, NY)

Calvin and Roy can only win a game if they get the ball. And even though I like him alot, Jon Kitna just cant seem to get the ball off this year.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:35 PM)

On the Lions' list of problems, Kitna isn't in the top 5, in my opinion.

Kiran (philly)

Ive been in this chat just to see if you had anything to say about Bears Eagles so how ab out a few keys and a prediction.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:37 PM)

The Westbrook thing is interesting, huh? The Bears would catch a huge break if he doesn't play. I'm also interested to see if the Bears blitz McNabb the way they did Tampa Bay. Eventually Brian Griese burned them, and I would expect McNabb would, too, if they try it. I think the Bears have a tough task ahead of them in this one.

Jeff (Harbor Beach, MI)

Alot of Lion fans over here are demanding a change in the front office and the names of Jimmy Johnson(GM)and Bill Cowher(coach) keep coming up? What do you think? Seems unlikely these two would "go that far", so to speak.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:39 PM)

I'd be stunned if Jimmy Johnson ever worked in the NFL again. I think he enjoys his life too much to get back into it. I'm not sure if Cowher would want the job, either. To me, the Lions had the right idea when they hired a confident guy to run all aspects of the football operations. I'm not a big fan of committee systems. But clearly, Millen was the wrong guy to put into that position.

Loren (mpls, mn)

what happened to our new FB Tapeh? I havent seen him almost at all this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:39 PM)

They've benched him already, and he was inactive against the Panthers. Big disappointment. They're staring Tahi right now.

Josh (Canton, MI)

What is the top 5 in your list of Lion problems? I think mine would go Ford Sr., Millen, Marinelli, Defense and Special Teams.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:40 PM)

Ah, good one, I'll go: Ford Sr. Millen Tackling Strength on the defensive front Speed at linebacker

Loren (Minneapolis)

I saw the vikings begin to use both taylor and peterson sunday against the panthers. is this a sign of things to come? given that they are both incredibly talented, and out receiver corps is somewhat lacking, it seems like a good option.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:41 PM)

I've always wondered why the Vikings haven't done more of this. It was reported they were in the backfield twice against Carolina, so I wouldn't get carried away yet.

Jon (Mad-town)

Kyle Orton seems to be progressing well as a QB but will he ever be able to hit the deep throw?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:42 PM)

I thought he showed some nice touch on a couple mid-range passes to Brandon Lloyd. But as far as the deep throw, that's probably one area where Rex Grossman had an advantage.

Jon (Mad-town)

Is the Bears D undisciplined, out of shape, or has poor coaching? The D has really struggled under Bob Babich and actually seems to be the weak point of this team.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:43 PM)

I don't know if its the weak point of the entire team, but a few people are starting to notice what's happened to the defense since Babich replaced Ron Rivera. Is it just a coincidence? Last year, the Bears had a lot of injuries. But this year, it's mostly the same group that went to the Super Bowl.

Johnstone (Bucktown)

Its funny to read Grossman and advantage in the same sentence.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:43 PM)

Just keeping it real.

Justin (Chicago)

Is complacency in the 2nd half killing the Bears? or what?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:44 PM)

To me, they looked tired in the second half against Tampa Bay.

Jon (Mad-Town)

Tommie Harris, Brain Urlacher and Nathan Vasher all seem to be playing poorly. Have injuries taken their toll on those 3?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:44 PM)

Not sure about Urlacher and Vasher. But Harris hasn't looked like the same player. He says his knee his healthy, but jeez.

Renzo (Dinkytown)

How is Chad Greenway developing as a linebacker? EJ Henderson has made some huge strides, but i don't hear much mention about our previous first round pick.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:45 PM)

He's doing a nice job and is continuing to work on his tackling. You might not hear his name on ever play, but Greenway will be a fixture on the defense for a long time.

JO (Chicago, IL)

Adjustments by their opponent and a lack of adjustments from the Bears is what is killing the Bears. The lack of 2nd half adjustments from the coaching staff has been staggering and it has been a problem for a while now.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:47 PM)

That's another explanation. It definitely looked like the Bucs realized they could dink and dunk their way down the field late in the game.

Devin Hester

Will I ever be a good receiver, or have a ball thrown my way?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:49 PM)

You've got to get healthy, first. Ultimately, I think Hester will be a guy who spot-plays on offense. It's hard to learn a new, full-time position at the NFL level.

John (VA)

I just got offered a very interesting trade. I have been offered Moss for Housh? A couple of weks ago this would have never even been offered but now I'm not sure what to do. What do you think?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:49 PM)

You've got to do that one, right? Who knows how mnay chances Moss is going to get without Brady and if he will even care.

Paul (Denver)

Tell JO that's not true. Did he the Bears pass the ball all over the field in the 2nd half? It was the players who didn't make plays when it counted. I.e. Davis, Tillman, Briggs, and Vasher.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:50 PM)

You just did.

Renzo (Dinkytown)

whats with the vikes special teams? not only do they occasionally give up pretty big returns, but didnt we have ZERO punt return yards last week? can it all be attributed to Farwell going out or is there a deeper problem?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:51 PM)

Farwell was a big loss. There are also a couple of other young players on special teams for a few times. But I can't say I was impressed with the return setup they came out of training camp with. Aundrae Allison as the punt returner was the best they could do?

bear apologist....

hate to ever put one on the refs, but they blew it with that tillman PF. i will also never understand how TB throws 67 times, yet the bears get ZERO sacks despite enough pressure to force 4 TOs. Doesnt add up

Kevin Seifert

  (3:52 PM)

Tillman might have been the third guy in, but if he doesn't do it the Bears don't get penalized. It's on him.

JO (Chicago, IL)

Here's a prime example of the poor coaching down the stretch for the Bears. During the play in which the Bucs scored the tying TD, Stevens motioned out bringing Hillenmeyer with him for a 1-on-1 match up. Probably a good time to call a TO considering that match up will probably produce a TD 9 times out of 10.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:53 PM)

Maybe. But the Bears' defense expects Hillenmeyer to defend tight ends. The other option would have been to put a nickel guy on Stevens, and that's still a mismatch.

Jon (Mad-town)

Typically if a unit is dominating one half, and seems to be playing half-speed the next it means they are out of shape. Can players get into NFL Game shape during the course of the season?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:54 PM)

Not usually. But as the weather cools off, that always helps.

Ronnie Brown - Miami

I just sent a tape to Chilly to show him how to play 2 RBS on the same play. Do you think he will use my plays?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:55 PM)

Wow. That's awfully out-of-the-box for this offense.

Renzo (Dinkytown)

what do you see as the future of the vikes after 2011? will they sign an extension on the metrodome, or are they gone if they dont get a new stadium?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:56 PM)

They'll only sign an extension if it's accompanied by a promise to build a new stadium or renovate in a fixed time period. I can't imagine the NFL will allow them to exist indefinitely in Minnesota without a new stadium as long as LA continues to be available.

Dan (Boston)

Should i start a banged up Big Ben against Baltimore on Monday night, or a Red hot Trent Edwards against a terrible St. Louis team?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:57 PM)

Seems like you have to go with Edwards, right?

Jon (Mad-town)

Should Vikings management be ashamed for the money wasted on Benard Berrian (the drops and lack of moves). Brandon Lloyd seems to be an equal caliber receiver that the Bears got at a much cheaper cost.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:58 PM)

That's probably a fair question to ask at the end of the season. Extenuating circumstances so far.

alex, lake minnetonka

What are your keys to the vikes-titans game? our D is just as good as theirs, if not better. And we both have veteran qbs with good running games. Do you agree that the old Qb's are the keys to the game?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

You can never go wrong focusing on quarterbacks. Ok folks, I've enjoyed it. See you back here next week. Same time. same place.