Kevin Seifert

  (3:00 PM)

Hi everyone ... Thanks for stopping in. Let's get right to it.

BJ (Des Moines)

Packers, Bears and Vikings continue to look hot and cold from week to week. How do you see the remaining six games playing out?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:01 PM)

I played out some scenarios on the blog today. The Vikings have the most difficult schedule and the Bears have the most obstacles in terms of their internal problems. That leaves the Packers as the pseudo-favorites.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Kevin, Why in the bloody heck is Maurice Hicks the Vikings kick returner? He has no burst whatsoever and all he does is lumber to the twenty every time. So he might as well just take a knee in the endzone.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:01 PM)

Yes. And if he's going to fumble there's no upside to having him out there. I've never figured out why they're hesitant on Aundrae Allison, who generally does a good job.

Cole (Milwaukee, WI)

It seems that all the coaches in the NFC north are catching a lot of flack this season for bad decision making, whether it be play calling, challenges, or starting positions. Out of all of them who do you think is doing their job best and who is doing their job worst right now?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:02 PM)

I guess I look at all three of them at 5-5 and conclude they're all doing average jobs.

Jacob, WI

I agree with you that Gus F. is the most battle tested quarterback in the division and the hardest to rattle. What I dont agree with is the fact that you said he is the most careful. Even with the horrible special teams performance against the Bears the Vikings still had a shot. Yet Gus threw a bunch of picks and crippled their chances. Then there is the Packer game where he himself kept the game from being a blowout and almost handed the Vikings the loss. Now I ask you, do you think he can just settle for managing the games left or is he gonna just sling it and throw the season away?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:03 PM)

Yeah, I didn't word that very well and have since edited it. What I meant to say is that Frerotte is the most experienced BUT he is NOT the most careful.

Frank in Charlotte, NC

Kevin, Green Bay uses zone blocking. It takes lighter more athletic linemen to make it work. It seems that zone blocking does not work well against bigger more physical defenses like the Vikings. What's your take on zone blocking.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:04 PM)

Not a big fan. To me it takes away some aggressiveness from the offensive linemen and spontaneity from the running back. The linemen and backs all have to read the entire defense on every play to know where the hole is going to be.

Sidney Rice (Minneapolis)

Why don't they let Gus launch the ball 40 yards to me at least twice a game? My knee's ok now, I'm 6'4 and I can catch. I used to make TJack look like he could actually throw a football last year.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:05 PM)

One of the bigger mysteries of the season. They've sort of boxed him in as a red zone guy. Not sure why.

Brendan (Newport, RI)

Kevin, as a Lions fan, I have a favor to ask you. Trash them every chance you get. Don't write anything good about them the rest of the season. (This shouldn't be hard.) None of us Lions fans want to hear how hard Marinelli is trying or that they have five picks in the first 100. They absolutely stink, so just rip them, please. Our only hope is that Ford will somehow, miraculously, be embarrassed into action...or selling!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:07 PM)

I think you just did. ... There's something to be said about not kicking a guy when he's down. But I think the fans are doing a pretty good job voicing their frustration by letting the home games get blacked out.

CrytimeVik (Chicago, IL)

Do you think the Lions are going to go after Scott Pioli? I have read several articles over the past few days saying this would be the best and most logical move. I hope it happens because us Lions have nothing to look forward to.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:08 PM)

I agree with what I read in my friend Don Banks' column over at SI.com. There is a sense right now that the current members of the Lions front office are pushing ownership to give them a full-time chance. Among them is Tom Lewand, the COO. It's doubtful the Lions could lure Pioli if he isn't given full authority over the entire front office.

Sank (Detroit, MI)

Who would be the best GM for the Lions? Pioli, Heckert, or Mayhew?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:09 PM)

Pioli. Pioli. Pioli.

alex, lake minnetonka

does childress really have a valid excuse for not using peterson in the 4th? shouldnt a good coach find a way to use his best offensive player?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:09 PM)

I'm OK with them finding ways to use Chester Taylor, but after the way the Green Bay game ended, I find it hard to believe there wasn't a place for Peterson in Sunday's game.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

So you are totally eliminating the Lions from any discussion?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:10 PM)

No. We discuss the NFC North. Not just the NFC Nor

Rob (Arlington Heights, IL)

Is Orton going to be a statue again in St. Louis? He made Rex Grossman look like M. Vick (before the dogfighting charges!)

Kevin Seifert

  (3:11 PM)

Yeah, I definitely thought Orton was being held back by the ankle. Those things take more than a week to heal, high sprain or low sprain. You would think he'll get a little better each week.

John (St. Cloud)

So you have the Packers as the pseudo-favorites, does that mean they are your favorite still to win the division?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:13 PM)

Yes, I'll stick with that original prediction.

Jeremy (Ames, Iowa)

Hey Kevin, what do you think the chances are that we could we possibly see two or maybe all three of the teams going 8-8 with one of them going to the playoffs at .500?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:15 PM)

Not out of the question. And I can guarantee you that if all three go 3-3, only one will make the playoffs.

Ed (Saginaw, MI)

Hi Kevin. What's your assessment of Nathan Vasher's play this season? Is he an upper tier CB?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:15 PM)

He has been a good cover guy in the past and a big playmaker, but this year he's totally fallen off the map. Some of it has been injuries. I don't know what the rest has been.

Keith (South Dakota)

I know Gus is the grizzly vet, but i think Tarvaris could go out there and throw three picks like Gus does and not be painfully immobile like Gus. Your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:18 PM)

A lot of people are expressing this sentiment. I don't agree. If you're comparing the two, interceptions are a wash. They're both going to throw them. Tarvaris might get some extra yards on the ground, but I think it's been pretty well proven that Frerotte will get more out of the passing game than Jackson would. That's the primary focus of any quarerback.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Quote from K. Seifert: "I guess I look at all three of them at 5-5 and conclude they're all doing average jobs." Now unless something changed, that would eliminate the Lions from your discussion, wouldn't it?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:19 PM)

Maybe I didn't read the question carefully enough. I thought it was referring to the three teams that are tied for first. My apologies.

Valtharius (Iron Range, Minnesota)

Do you think any decent QB's will show up in FA in the upcoming off-season for the Vikings to pick over? Also, any chance that Tim Tebow will come out for the draft this April? It woud be nice if the Vikings actually picked up a decent QB.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:20 PM)

Not sure about Tebow, or if he would be available for the Vikings' draft pick. But keep an eye on the situation in Cleveland. Derek Anderson could be available.

Ryan Cook (The Twin Cities)

Is there any chance I hold on to my starting gig once Childress gets fired?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:21 PM)

I'm wondering if you'll hold on to it this week.

Keith Seifert (not your brother), Edina, MN

Kevin, how do you see the future for James Jones and Jordy Nelson? At this point, Nelson looks better every week, and Jones can't seem to stay on the field...

Kevin Seifert

  (3:24 PM)

Small world. Jones has been a big disappointment this season. Not sure if Nelson will be a game-breaker, but I think he's becoming a really solid all-around player.

Vik (Des Plaines, IL)

I was at the Packers/Bears game this Sunday and let me tell you, I was totally embarrased by the lack of effort shown by the Bears. They looked old and slow. I think the Bears might have made a mistake re-signing Urlacher and Briggs to long-term deals because it is going to severely limit them in Free Agency for years to come.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:25 PM)

It won't limit them too much. They've got a decent cap situation. The big thing is that the Bears rarely step out and pay guys. Then, the one year that they do, it seems to backfire -- at least in Urlacher's case. Briggs is having a good season.

Cole (Milwaukee, WI)

Last weeks game at Lambeau was pretty rough looking for the Bears, but Lovie Smith looked like a statue on the sidelines. I understand you have to keep your head in the game, but at some point don't you have to get some emotion going with your players even if it means getting angry with them?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:25 PM)

It's just not his style. There's something to be said for a guy maintaining his composure in public. Hopefully he's communicating more forcefully behind the scenes.

JL (Hoboken, NJ)

Given the situation he was placed in, how do you think Daunte Culpepper is doing? Do you think any teams will be interested in signing him in the offseason provided he doesn't royally screw things up (not sure how he could go about doing that anyway)

Kevin Seifert

  (3:27 PM)

I think he's in a really tough spot. It's going to be difficult for him to do really well on that team given the circumstances under which he arrived. And the fact that he showed up on the heavy side isn't going to impress too many people. His best chance is that the Lions, being the Lions, somehow decide to make him their starter for 2009.

Paul (St Louis Park, MN)

Kevin- From what it sounds like, Hawk belongs at MLB for the Packers. They really have a wide array of talent at LB. Any shot that when Barnett comes back next year they move him outside?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:28 PM)

Interesting question. The one obstacle will be the fact that Barnett will be coming back from major knee surgery. What's his mobility going to be like? We don't know yet.

Eric (Grand Rapids)

As bad as the Lions are, I am loving Kevin Smith. The numbers don't blow you away, but watch every run of his and you know there's a future star in the making.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:29 PM)

Agreed. There should be no more time wasted on veterans like Rudi Johnson.

Joe (Joliet, IL)

What record is it going to take to win the NFC North?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:29 PM)

Very likely that 9-7 wins it.

Adrian Peterson (Minny)

Is Chester "cheetah" Taylor really that much better at blocking/ receiving than me?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:30 PM)

Better, but not so much that Peterson shouldn't be on the field for a final drive.

Andrew(Dan's Friend)

Will the giants go undefeated from this point on?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:30 PM)

I'm guessing not.

Andrew(Dan, HA)

Now that the lions have Daunte Culpepper, what will happen to UCONN alum Dan Orvlosky?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:31 PM)

I'm guessing he's played his last game for the Lions.

Kimberly(Sheboygan,Wi)

Kevin, Who do you think on the Packers will get a contract extension?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:32 PM)

You would think it's only a matter of time for Greg Jennings. His contract expires after 2009.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Any word on the possible suspensions of the Williamses for Minnesota and if both get the time off, is the season pretty much over for the Vikings?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:33 PM)

Nothing yet. They're supposed to be in NYC on Thursday. Wouldn't expect anything to take effect before next week.

Matt (lynchburg, VA)

Kevin, The Bears defense was considered unstoppable a few years ago. They have basically the same guys. What is wrong with that defense?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:34 PM)

They've gotten older, first of all. But the biggest thing is that their front four can't dominate the way it used to. Their defense is predicated on those guys wreaking havoc.

Dale (Chicago)

Kevin, When are the Bears finally going to wake up and get rid of Bob Babich. He is the worst defensive coach we have ever seen. The Bear defense has gotten worse every year since Lovie let Ron Rivera go so he could promote Babich. Does this mean Lovie needs to go too??

Kevin Seifert

  (3:35 PM)

Lovie and Babich are pretty close. I would imagine it would be awfully tough for Lovie to fire him. But the way this season has gone, it has to be considered a possibility.

Kyara ( Milwaukee )

It would be really nice if you could answer at least 1 of my questions. Maybe this one will do it. Do you think the Packers can go 6-0 to close out the season?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:36 PM)

All good things come to those who wait. I think it's pretty unlikely that the Packers or any other NFC North team win out.

Bubbles (The Fun Hut)

What hit exactly on Rodgers was Allen getting sent to the principal's office with?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:36 PM)

There was a helmet-to-helmet hit that Allen got penalized for. Occurred a few steps after Rodgers released the ball.

John (St. Cloud, MN)

Do you really think Derek Anderson is a good answer for the Vikes? He had a good 3/4 of a season but other than that has always been brutal. The Vikings just need to use their first pick on a QB and start the process of developing him. The longer they wait to draft one, the longer it takes to get the Super Bowl.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:38 PM)

I don't think he's a perfect fit, especially in a west coast offense. But if you make a list of the ready-made starters who would be available, Anderson is up there.

Bubbles (The Fun Hut)

Is Chad Greenway becoming one of the top 3 linebackers in the division? Dude's been unreal lately.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:39 PM)

He's definitely all over the field. I'd say Briggs is having the best season of any NFC North linebacker. Greenway would have to be in the conversation for No. 2.

Jason

Sorry I am still laughing about a Viks fan wanting Tebow. He must want them to keep loseing. Am I wrong or do you see Tebow as a very good college player with no NFL future?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:40 PM)

I'm no college expert, but I don't see any NFL quarterback making it through the season running the way he does. He would have to significantly alter his approach to keep his health.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:40 PM)

I'm sure Florida fans will be all over that one.

Wink Martindale

Kevin for a shiny new moped.........If you started a team from scratch and had to pick one of the coaches in the NFC North to lead your team who would it be?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:41 PM)

I want a full-on bike. No moped. I'd probably take McCarthy. He's shown that he can take a bunch of young players and win with them.

Paul (The Heights)

You mentioned D. Anderson but isn't Cassel a FA after the season. Wouldn't he be a strong option for the Vikes?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:41 PM)

If the Patriots don't franchise him, which is a possibility given the state of Brady's knee.

Jake: (Minneapolis, MN)

The suspension talk on the Williams boys has been going on so long I'm wondering what the odds are of it pushing off into next season.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:42 PM)

If the appeal is heard as scheduled Thursday, the punishment -- if any -- will occur this year.

Marty S (Formerly of San Diego, CA)

Kevin - is there an opportunity for me to coach in Minnesota next season?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:44 PM)

Interesting question. The Fords have to be squeezed a bit these days. But the good thing for them is the Lions should be a self-sufficient business. They've owned the team so long there shouldn't be any debt service, and Ford Field should get them a decent revenue stream.

Nicholas, Atlanta, Ga

Hey Kev, didn't get a chance to see the pack/bears game. from the score it seems like they had no problem replacing Barnett. Do we have a controversy as far as Barnetts future with the Pack?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:44 PM)

You know, it will be interesting. Let's not make any conclusions about Hawk just yet, but if he really is a natural for the middle, it might be hard to get him out of there next year.

Ben (Baton Rouge, LA)

Is it likely at all that the Bears will go 2-0 in their next games against St. Louis and Minny? That is doable right? Would you say 1-1 is more likely?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:45 PM)

Definitely doable, especially if the Williams Wall isn't playing in that game.

Jake: (Minneapolis, MN)

In your opinion, is the banned diuretic mostly used for weight loss? Or to mask steroids and recreational drugs?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:46 PM)

I really don't know the medical details. But what I do know is the NFL rules are clear: No matter what your intent might be, you're responsible for what's in your body.

Purple Fans Everywhere

We'd love some Marty Ball in Minny.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:48 PM)

Ew. I will say that if Childress is fired, you can expect a defensive guy as his replacement. That's typically how NFL teams operate: They go for the opposite personality and/or philosophy.

Wenner, Ct

With Green Bay playing an important game this week against the Saints, who seem to be easily matched, what type of game do the Packers have to use in order to take down the offensive Saints?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:48 PM)

It's a good matchup for the Packers in the sense that their pass defense has been strong all season.

Nathan, (Green Bay, WI)

Will Nick Collins make the Pro Bowl this year, is he playing like the best safety in the North?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:49 PM)

He's definitely playing at that caliber. It wouldn't hurt to run up the INT total a bit just to make sure voters notice.

Dave (Appleton, WI)

My prediction for the Super Bowl: Packers 27, Jets 14. Packers get a shiny new first-round draft pick and some sweet revenge =)

Kevin Seifert

  (3:50 PM)

Wouldn't that be a good story for an NFC North blog!

Sam (De Pere, WI)

How much of Ryan Grant's recent success running the ball can be attributed to defenses respecting Rodgers more as the season progresses?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:51 PM)

I think it has more to do with him getting his legs underneath him after missing most of training camp.

Jeremy (Ames, Iowa)

Does Adrian Peterson have a legitimate shot at league MVP this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:52 PM)

Absolutely. You look at some of the top teams in the league -- Tennessee, the Giants, Pittsburgh -- and there isn't one guy you'd pick who's having an MVP-caliber season. That opens the door for Peterson.

John (unfortunately MN)

Possibly a little Wilf - Giants - Spags connection?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:53 PM)

Spagnuolo and Titans DC Jim Schwartz figure to be pretty hot names.

Sevin Keifert (minnesota)

kevin, you say that jackson would do no better in the passing game than gus, but he was given a very limited playbook to work with. who is to say if they are using the playbook they have recently with tjack, he couldnt throw 3 picks, make some throws, and at least be mobile.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:54 PM)

I think he was given what he could handle.

Billy (Naugatuck, CT)

I disagree, Brandon Jacobs is quietly putting up MVP numbers.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:55 PM)

I don't know that he gets the nod over Peterson, though.

Luke (Minneapolis, MN)

Why would Wilf hire an defensive guy if it's our offense that's so bad?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:56 PM)

Just a historic pattern. No idea if that's really what he's thinking. But a defensive guy can hire a good offensive coordinator. Look at Tony Dungy. He lets Tom Moore do his thing.

Patrick (Indianapolis, IN)

I saw the Packers use alot of nickel defenses against the Bears even when the Bears only had two wrs. Do the Packers have a better defense with nickel back Tramon Williams on the field?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:57 PM)

Not sure if it's better, but he is an awful good playmaker.

Adam (Jersey)

I know it's blasphemy, but what about giving MVP to a defensive player? Tuck, Haynesworth, James Harrison for the teams that you meantioned...

Kevin Seifert

  (3:57 PM)

It could be justified, especially in Haynesworth's case. Typically, however, voters look at offensive statistics for that award.

Joe (Chico, CA)

How would Schottenheimer fit in Minny since he's a 3-4 guy and Minnesota's line is a 4-3?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:58 PM)

A good coach finds a way to make the most of his personnel. Tomlin switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 last year when he got to Pittsburgh.

Joe (Chico, CA)

Wouldn't Mike Holmgren make more sense? Especially since Schottenheimer is a 3-4 guy but Minnesota has 4-3 personnel?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

I think it's pretty unlikely Holmgren coaches next year.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

Ok, one more here.

Al (Wausau, WI)

How about Jim Schwartz of the Titans for Vikings head coach if Childress gets fired? He's a defensive guy with a successful franchise. Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

He's bound to get a lot of interest, and he might not be available until the Super Bowl. But he'll almost definitely be somebody's head coach in the next few years.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

OK, thanks everyone. Chat with you next week!