Kevin Seifert

  (2:59 PM)

Hi everyone. We have a very special edition of the NFC North blog today. We're in the final hour leading up to the NFL's announcement of the Pro Bowl voting, and it's possible we'll get some information during this chat. If so, I'll pass it along and we can have it, real-time. Otherwise, I'll be happy to address any and all questions. Let's get to it.

Mitchell (fargo)

Who is most responsible for the vikings turn around? I have been pretty impressed by it and feel childress deserves some of the credit here. Thanks

Kevin Seifert

  (3:00 PM)

That's fair. Coaches get blamed when things go wrong so they should get credit when they go right. I would also add that you can't diminish how Jared Allen has changed this defense and how Bernard Berrian has changed the offense. Rick Spielman and Rob Brzezinski gets some credit for bringing both of those players in.

Doug Pretty (Waterloo, IA)

What is your take on Tarvaris Jackson's recent play? Did he actually learn enough on the sidelines to elevate his game? Did the coaching staff take the restraints on play calling off, forcing the defense to try and guess plays? As much as I want to believe he turned the corner, I'm afraid the recent stats are more of a statistical anomaly. We'll find out in the next two weeks, I suppose.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:02 PM)

Hi Doug. We will find out against two really good opponents, Atlanta and the Giants. I think Jackson threw three of the best deep balls of his life in the Arizona game. But it was also pretty evident that, other than those three passes, the Vikings still had some shackles on him. We need to find out if Jackson can make a good downfield thrown on third-and-six in the fourth quarter with the game tied. That will tell me he's turned a corner.

Ryan (WI)

Kevin: Last week I sent a comment in your chat stating that it has become predictable that the Packers will take the lead late then the defense will flop and lose it at the end of the game. Sanders HAS to go, they need an aggressive d-coordinator who can figure out how to apply pressure to QB's. Garrard and Northcutt should NOT be torching any team late.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:03 PM)

Ryan, I think a lot of Packers fans are with you on that one. I guess we'll always wonder how the pass rush would be playing if Cullen Jenkins and Nick Barnett were still out there.

Kimberly(Sheboygan,Wi)

Kevin, When fans say bad stuff about the players does it effect the players in the way they play?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:04 PM)

I don't think it changes the way they play, Kimberly, but you would probably be surprised at how much it hurts them. Not everyone is as tough as they pretend to be.

Jeremy (Spokane,WA)

Kevin, I know its a little early but I've heard fans and analysts alike say the Lions need to draft one of the quarterbacks coming out but I believe they need to start in the trenches and draft one of these LT's Michael Oher or Andre Smith! What do you think they should do?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:05 PM)

At some point, the Lions have to start rebuilding both of their lines. To me, that's the biggest weakness of their team. They can't control the line of scrimmage. Quarterbacks are important, but they can't do much behind a line that's getting pushed around.

Jerry Lohse Clinton, Iowa

Kevin, I think Leslie Frazier deserves alot of credit for the gameplans he has come up with during the Vikes's playoff run. Will he get a shot at a head coaching job next year?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:06 PM)

He had a very creative gameplan Sunday in Arizona, that's for sure. He changed the way the safeties lined up and totally confused Kurt Warner, which isn't easy to do. I don't see why Frazier won't get a few more interviews, at least, this offseason. What happens after that is up to him.

Jr (Gilbert, AZ)

Stafford, Bradford or best OT... who should Detroit draft?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:07 PM)

How about trade down and get multiple OTs?

Bloomington,MN

what are the chances Antoine Winfield gets a nod for pro-bowl?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:08 PM)

Pretty high, from what I understand. Stay tuned.

Joe (Colorado Springs, CO)

Kev, while I haven't been surprised that the National Media isn't giving Chad Greenway a chance to make the Pro-Bowl, I was a little shocked you didn't mention him as a dark horse in your predictions. he is having an outstanding year, and if you won't bring it up, who will?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:09 PM)

That was probably an omission on my part. I don't think he'll make it because it takes a year or two of strong play to get your name in the running, but he's had a good season.

Rob RI

As a Patriots fan this weeks upcoming game against the Cardinals scares me a little bit. I think Warner can torch the Pats secondary. Do you see the Pats winning this game?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:10 PM)

I haven't seen New England this year first-hand, but I can tell you I was totally underwhelmed by the Cardinals last week. I can't see them winning that game.

Karl (Wisconsin)

Is AJ Hawk a first round bust?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:12 PM)

If your expectations are to get a superstar with the fifth overall pick, then I'd say Hawk is a disappointment. But "bust" means he can't play at all. I don't think that's the case. At this point, he is a solid NFL player. Not great, but worthy of being in the league as a starter.

Chris - Wausau, Wis

Kevin - Two questions (please answer one, or both) I was in Glendale for Sunday's game (as I know you were). What an atmosphere. Can you speak briefly about this place, as compared to MetroDump? The say that the Steelers and Packers have great traveling fans. They can't be the crowd of Purple at Sunday's game.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:13 PM)

For whatever reason, Vikings fans always travel well to Arizona. That, and a lot of former Minnesotans live down there. ...

Matt in Minneapolis

Kevin, when EJ henderson was hurt earlier this year, you suggested that it would be a huge loss for the Vikings defense...looking back on that now, are you still willing to make that statement. It seems as if the vikings have actually gotten better as a defense in his absence...

Kevin Seifert

  (3:14 PM)

Fair question, Matt. I will say this: The Vikings haven't gotten the production from the middle linebacker position that they would have if E.J. were there. But I think Leslie Frazier has done an excellent job of compensating for Henderson's loss by giving Ben Leber more responsibilities and turning Chad Greenway lose on the pass rush.

Ryan Grant (Green Bay)

Why did I fall off? Is it b/c my O-line isn't performing? Did Favre really make teams fear the passing game so much that it made them susceptible to the run? It can't be my fault!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:16 PM)

I wonder if you're truly healthy. Groin injuries don't heal over the course of a season. I wouldn't be surprised, when the season is over, if someone says something that suggests you were injured all season.

Ernie (Des Moines)

How much salt in the wound is it for chicago to watch Berrian making all sorts of plays? Why in the world didnt they franchise him?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:17 PM)

I think it's pretty clear the Bears don't believe in paying receivers top dollar at this point.

Darren (Charlotte, NC)

What would be the status of the NFC North be instead if Mason Crosby makes that 52 yard FG against the Vikes in week 10?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:19 PM)

Interesting question, Darren. I would guess it wouldn't have led to a seismic change. The Vikings and Bears would be tied, which is important, but I don't think that kick ended the Packers season. It was already heading in that direction.

Chris - Wausau, Wis

Vikes = #2 seed. Do you believe this is, in any way, realistic? Man, a week off to rest (esp. Pat W, Jared A and AP) would be a huge benefit to the Purple machine. Thoughts !! ??

Kevin Seifert

  (3:20 PM)

It would take the Vikings winning out and either the Giants or Carolina losing out. That's a lot to ask. But it's not totally out of the question.

alex, lake minnetonka

http://blogs.startribune.com/vikingsblog/?p=2299&elr=KArksDyycyUtyycyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU good job antione!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:22 PM)

Thanks for the link, Alex. ... Antoine Winfield has made the Pro Bowl for the first time.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Can Lions' fans at least take solace in the fact that it looks like they've got themselves a legitimate running back? That's something for them, right?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:23 PM)

I agree. I think Kevin Smith is a player that can be part of a dynamic offense. I don't know if you build around him the same way the Bears have built around Matt Forte, but he's a very solid runner.

Tim (detroit)

do we bring back culpepper next year? he has shown some flashes of brilliance hooking up with calvin johnson.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:24 PM)

All depends on who the coach is and who is in the front office. He's shown some signs that he can still play. Having him for a full training camp would probably help them decide for sure.

Paul (St Louis Park, MN)

Kevin, it sounds like the last two games for the Packers are tryouts for next season. Are there any current defensive starters that you don't see with the team next year? Will the Packers ship anyone out during FA?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:25 PM)

Al Harris isn't a pending free agent, but he believes he'll be elsewhere next year. I also wonder if the Packers are going to have to get a middle linebacker. Nick Barnett is recovering from knee surgery and I'm not sure if they Packers want A.J. Hawk starting there full-time or not.

Brian Bloomington

Jared Allen gets in to the Pro Bowl right? According to radio report their "source" did not include him on the list. I know there is a few great DE in the NFC but you cannot deny him right?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:26 PM)

I'm almost positive he got in.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you think TJax's recent success might take the Vikings out of the market for a new QB? As a fan, I would hope not.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:27 PM)

He'll need another couple of strong starts before they would be justified in naming him their 2009 starter, in my opinion.

Jay (DC)

Will the winner of the NFC North get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:28 PM)

I think it's certainly possible. Whoever makes it, Minnesota or Chicago, will be entering the playoffs on a hot streak.

Jim Lyon (Sterling Heights, MI)

Hey Kevin. Do you think the Bears are going to draft Urlacher's replacement this year? Not nesicarily to start next year, but for the future.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:29 PM)

They absolutely need to start thinking about that. It's not quite like quarterback, where you draft a guy with hopes of him starting a few years down the road. A really good college middle linebacker -- like, say, Patrick Willis -- can jump right in there and start.

Chris, VA

Should Lion's be enocuraged by Dan O?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:31 PM)

Only in the sense that he gives them a chance to win a game this year. I don't see him as their full-time starter in the future. But stranger things have happened.

Travis Weslaco,TX

how are the vikings sitting cap wise can they resign birk, Sharper and Kleinsasser to keep the continuity going next year

Kevin Seifert

  (3:32 PM)

They have enough cap space to do all of that. But I'm not sure they're interested in re-signing Birk or Sharper. Kleinsasser, perhaps.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

Do you think the Bears are more likely to lose this weekend, next weekend or not at all for the rest of the season?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:33 PM)

I see them beating the Packers. Green Bay has been a mess since the last Bears-Packers game. But I also think the season-ender in Houston is going to be more dangerous than you might have originally thought.

alex, lake minnetonka

agree or disagree: if the vikings lost kevin williams it would be a MUCH bigger lose than pat

Kevin Seifert

  (3:33 PM)

Agree, but that doesn't diminish the loss of Pat or the value of having both of them in the game at the same time.

Devin Hester (Chi-Town)

They paying this receiver top dolla, Holla!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:34 PM)

Not really. You got top money for a return man.

Brian (NY)

Are the Packers really this bad? Or are the injuries making the 4th quarter collapses that much easier? As a Packers fan I feel completely deflated after that nice start.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:35 PM)

They've lost a lot of close games. But that's what the NFL is all about ... finding a way to win the handful of plays that change the outcome of games.

Jim (Detroit)

If Calvin Johnson played for an elite QB (or even above average) what type of stats would he put up?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:36 PM)

Can't even imagine. He's got really solid stats while playing with five quarterbacks. I think he's up to 65 catches and 1100 yards.

Darryl- Waldorf, MD

Hey Kevin, what do you think of fan input on pro bowl voting? It's a nice idea but i dont think fans can be trusted. the Redskins are 7-7 and their players lead fan voting. Now I dont know about you but i can only think of two redskins who shuld go Cooley and Portis and Portis shuld not be over AD or Turner. Whats your take?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:37 PM)

It's only one-third of the voting. I don't know that it affects things too much.

Jon (Mad-town)

Kyle Orton stepped up his game when it counted most. Should I be pleased to see him shining in the biggest moments or concerned with lackluster play in the majority of the 2nd half?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:39 PM)

A little of both. I think it's pretty clear his ankle is still bothering him. In fact, the Bears gave him the day off today, presumably to rest the ankle. That tells me he's still struggling with it.

Jason (Chicago)

Do you think the Chicago Bears will win this division? I know the Vikings have a tough schedule ahead and the Bears not so much. What are your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:40 PM)

Problem is, the Bears need the Vikings to lose both of their remaining games while they win their final two. It could certainly happen, but the percentages are not in the Bears' favor.

Trey in K.C.

Kevin, for all his positives, it appears Mike McCarthy has a severe stubborn streak in him. They installed a play a few games ago, a quick pitch to the RB for a run right up the middle. Every time, it has resulted in no gain or a loss. Putting the game in the hands of John Kuhn. The Favre ordeal. Refusing to put Woodson back at CB. The evidence is there. Is this a dangerous trait for an NFL head coach to have? Don't they need to be more adaptable?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:41 PM)

Yes, there is definitely a fine line between believing in your system and being stubborn. The biggest offense to me is the Woodson thing. When you have someone who can play cornerback the way Woodson does, you find someone else to play safety. At least in my opinion.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA)

And what do the Vikes do with J.D. Booty?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:42 PM)

Leave him on the bench for a long, long time.

Parts Unknown

MARCO!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:42 PM)

Polo

Kevin Seifert

  (3:44 PM)

I don't think I rank him above Kevin Smith, but it's close. I still think Grant can be a 1000-yard guy consistently, but this has been a tumultuous year in terms of his health and the state of the Packers' offensive line and

Matt (St. Paul)

Thoughts on Carl Petersen's resignation? Vikes fans owe him a BIG thank you!

Kevin Seifert

  (3:45 PM)

I don't know about that. King Carl extracted quite ranson for Jared Allen. But I think the results speak for themselves. The Chiefs haven't been a consistently good team in 10 years.

Ghost (Cocoa Beach, FL)

Any chance Matt Forte makes the Pro-Bowl? His numbers are comparable to guys that will get in.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:46 PM)

It'll be hard for a rookie to make it when you take into account the other runners in the NFC. But he's been as valuable to his team as any runner in the NFL.

Bubbles (The Fun Hut)

Kevin, I can see why you'd say the Lions should build with the trenches, but don't you think the Dolphins would rather have Matt Ryan then Jake Long right now? The offensive line class is going to be pretty deep next year, I think the Lions can still get a solid tackle with the pick they got from the Boys. Merry Christmas, Dear Friend.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:47 PM)

To me, the Falcons' roster was in better condition when they drafted Ryan than the Lions will be when they head into this draft. So it's not entirely apples and apples.

Jason Bigfork, MN

chances of all day getting the mvp?

Rick in Massachusetts

Kevin-Is this JB in PA you brother or something???? What gives?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:49 PM)

Yeah, I guess I need to pay more attention to the authors. I'm just looking at topics.

Joey(NY)

For all the Giants fans out there, 1050ESPN reported Eli, O'Hara,Snee,Tuck and Carney all made the Pro Bowl.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:49 PM)

Thanks Joey.

Mike (Mpls)

Vikes Pro Bowl: AD, Winfield, Allen, Kevin and Pat Williams, Hutchinson

Kevin Seifert

  (3:50 PM)

Thanks Mike.

Ryan (Minnesota)

Hey Kevin, enjoying the weather?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:50 PM)

Still waiting for it to get over 0 before I go outside.

Jacob: (Austin, TX)

Bears get into the playoffs. What chances do you give them? 100% 75% 50% 25% 10% No chance

Kevin Seifert

  (3:51 PM)

Based on the help they need, I'm taking 40 percent.

Hank, LA

Now looking at it, how much better would the Packer's record be if they had Brett Favre??

Kevin Seifert

  (3:53 PM)

It's really hard to tell. I don't think I blame Rodgers for many of the losses. Although it should be noted he really hasn't led any comebacks, either. So I'd say Favre might have gotten them another win or two in that way. The bigger question is how much the tumult of his departure set back the team in training camp. There's no way to quantify that.

justin(dallas)

is greenway not making the pro bowl gonna be the biggest snub this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:54 PM)

If he plays this way next year and doesn't make it, then you have a snub. Lots of young players don't make it in their first really good season.

Derik(Tennessee)

Kevin, is there a better fit for the Lions next year than Josh McDaniel? Bring in McDaniels and Cassel and take Andre Smith 1st overall. Seems like a good fit with Big Cal on the outside no?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:55 PM)

Definitely a possibility, especially if the Lions can somehow lure Scott Pioli. But I do think the Cassell-McDaniel thing has been a little overblown. Cassell is going to go where he gets paid the most money, if he leaves New England. He won't follow a coach, in my opinion.

Farley (Ossian, IN)

Why wouldn't the Vikes want to re-sign Birk? They have problems on the right side of the line, seems to me that losing Birk would create a far bigger issue. Is it salary related, or is there something else going on?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:56 PM)

I'm not sure what the rub is. But they didn't offer him anything last summer, when veterans usually get approached for extensions. So that's why most people assume they're going to move on.

Brett (Minny)

When is ESPN going to get with the turn of the century and have live streaming chats. My fingers are cramping from refreshing...

Kevin Seifert

  (3:57 PM)

I think you can see it streaming on the sportsnation page.

Kevin (Arizona)

Who has a brighter future: Tavaris Jackson or Kyle Orton?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:58 PM)

I'd go with Orton. I think he's shown the level of play he can reach. You can only imagine it with Jackson.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:58 PM)

OK, one more here folks.

Hayden Fox (Minnesota St.)

How many teams right now would you say are better than the Vikings?

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

I'll say this: No team in the NFC is hotter. The Vikings have a four-game winning streak going right now.

Kevin Seifert

  (3:59 PM)

OK, thanks everyone for chatting. Check out the blog in an hour or two for some analysis of the NFC North Pro Bowl players.