Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

Hi everyone. Hope you're enjoying an outstanding Tuesday, one that will be made so much better by your attendance and participation in this here chat. Let's get to it...

AlbanyJim (Albany, NY)

Is it true that you've been carrying around a 14 lb., sand-filled bag of Cool Ranch Doritos to address your fumbling problems?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

Actually, it was Cheetos. And imagine how big a 14-pound bag of air-filled cheese would be.

Ryan (Chicago)

As a Lions fan in Chicago I was wondering if it is only a race for 3rd between the Lions and Bears? Is there any chance either team will be able to contend for second?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:02 PM)

I wouldn't pick it that way, but of course there is always a chance. The NFL wouldn't be as popular as it is if there weren't routine examples of teams that come out of the proverbial nowhere to win divisions or make the playoffs. I think it will be an uphill battle for either Chicago or Detroit, but there's a chance, sure.

Jeff (Nashville)

Lot of hype surrounding the Packers it seems. How much are you buying into it? The defense is probably the limiting step in a super bowl run, but i think they can take the division with the team they have right now, favre or not...

Kevin Seifert

  (2:04 PM)

Well, I'm participating in the hype buildup around the Packers, so I'm buying into it. I think they started closing the gap with the Vikings during the second half of last season and pose a pretty credible obstacle for the Vikings three-repeating as division champs.

Jeff (Nashville)

Are you drinking the Pat Lee/Brandon Underwood kool-aid McCarthy's been dishing out? He seems pretty high on those two, which would explain the lack of moves they made this offseason. Not sure I am, still having pittsburgh/arizona nightmares.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:05 PM)

I think it's a big leap to expect, especially if Al Harris isn't ready to start the season. But it's one of the few weak spots on an otherwise well-rounded team.

Chris (Charlottesville, VA)

Kevin,I know the ongoing issue of whether Favre will or won't play is something for which he has taken a lot of grief, but it doesn't seem like it's taken seriously enough (see ads on TV or radio joking about his indecision). I look at the recent situation of a real profressional in the NHL, Nicklas Lidstrom, who's about 40 and taking things year-by-year. He takes a short break after the playoffs, evaluates his situation, talks with his family, and then makes a commitment (in his case, to play another year) before the Stanley Cup Finals have even concluded. Are we holding Favre to a high enough standard? Should he be taken more to task for a lack of professionalism in this area?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:06 PM)

I think that part of the story has come and gone. He's been criticized pretty heavily in the past few years for delaying his decision, and eventually the Packers got tired of it. Now, it's just par for the course when you're dealing with Favre.

Chris (Detroit )

Did you think that OJ Atogwe would have been picked up by now?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:07 PM)

I didn't know for sure, but he's a pretty good player to be on the open market. I'm guessing he's seeking pretty big money. But teams now know the Rams aren't going to give it to him, so they're not tempting to do it either.

Brett (not Favre) (Charlotte NC)

I would like to know what your opinion is on with Frazier being so high on Everson Griffenm does it look like Ray Edwards wil leave next year.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:09 PM)

That could have a little to do with it, but I think most people agreed Griffen was an outstanding talent in college. The issue was whether he had the maturity to handle playing in the NFL, not whether he can rush the passer. But there are so few legitimate defensive ends in this league that I doubt the Vikings are looking to part ways with Edwards.

Bill (Washington, DC)

Just how important is Matthew Stafford to the Lions this season? Said differently, how many games would the Lions win if Shaun Hill started all 16-games?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:10 PM)

Well, that's an interesting way to phrase that question. I happen to think Shaun Hill is a pretty good backup quarterback. He's always won more than he's lost, dating back to college. Long-term, I think there's no doubt Stafford could be a difference-maker. But for this season, I'm not sure there would be a dramatic change in wins and losses if Hill had to play.

justin (cherry hill, new jersey)

i have noticed in alot of vikings blogs that they really like Asher Allen and he has a solid chance as the starting nickleback . what do u think about that,does he beats out benny sapp.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

They were big on him last year in the spring and early in camp. He has a chance, but I'm guessing he's not their first choice.

Bruce (Turlock, CA)

Going into last season, everyone assumed the Vikings would be a run-first offense with a QB that could take advantage of the mismatches presented by opponents' focus on AD. With spotty run blocking and a better-than-expected performance by Favre, that approach was mostly abandoned by week 3. Do you see them returning to that this year, or does another season with Favre mean another aerial attack for the Vikings?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

At heart, they would like to run. But if Favre comes back and the rest of the personnel is intact, they'd be foolish to try to force the run if the pass is still there.

Brett (Detroit)

Any word on when the Packers will release their training camp dates?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

This week. They have announced the first practice (July 31) and Family Night (Aug. 7). The rest to come in the next few days.

Josh (Atlanta)

Now that LOST is over what show(s) do you find yourself watching?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

Started getting into Friday Night Lights ... anyone else?

Tommy B (Richfield, MN)

Lakers or Celtics tonight? We know you cheat on us by watching other sports Kevin....

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

I watched a little of Game 2, but I honestly don't give a flying you know what.

Bill (Chicago)

Hey Kevin, Hutchinson, by most accounts, had a bad year. Some have suggested it was due to injury but he's got some mileage on his tires as well. Add to that the fact that McKinnie had a tough go at times and is going to face the guy that destroyed him twice next year. Doesn't that make the Vikes o-line a pretty sigificant question mark? When AP had 3 or 4 100 yard games (most at the begining of the year) and Favre got pummled against the Saints, I thought there would be more angst directed at the guys up front.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:15 PM)

It's a fair question. Hutchinson did have shoulder surgery. All guys have some kind of ailment they deal with during the season, but I think Hutchinson's shoulder was worse than many of them. Sullivan, McKinnie, Herrera and Loadholt all had their struggles at one point or another. I don't know if they are a "significant" question mark, but definitely something to keep an eye on considering they made no changes in the offseason and even allowed the top backup -- Artis Hicks -- to leave via free agency.

James (Indy)

Kevin, did you see the video of the little kid drinking from a beer bottle at a recent Phillies game? This has you written all over it!!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

Not sure how to take that one, but yes, I saw it.

josh (denver)

with the jolly situation do you see the packers looking for a veteran free agent

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

I never look for the Packers to look for a veteran free agent. But they have made a number of moves, including drafting two defensive ends and moving Ryan Pickett to left end, that suggests they wanted to fortify their depth.

Jamara (Detroit)

What are the chances Keith Bulluck is a Lion?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

It's possible once he can get back on the field. I'm not sure if it makes sense for the Lions to sign a 33-year-old linebacker coming off a torn ACL, but it's possible.

Tyler (Arizona)

Do you ever see AP fixing his fumbling problems?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

I think we'll get a better idea this weekend at their minicamp. He needs to recognize that it's a big deal instead of trying to minimize it.

Major Wright (Buried in the depth chart)

Do I have the ability to compete for and eventually win a starting role in Chicago for the long term?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

Yes. It's not unusual for a third-round pick to be buried on the depth chart. I would be surprised if Wright doesn't get a chance to start during the first half of the season.

Mike (Raleigh)

I'm always one of the cool people, I'm a Lions fan... That said, I think that with how often both Stafford and CJ were injured last year, and Stafford splitting reps before the season with Culpep that chemistry was significantly impacted negatively. How much improvement do you forsee in the duo this year numbers wise? I'm hoping/thinking 1,200 yards and 12+ TD's for CJ. Will CJ return to being the best receiver in the division?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

If they're both healthy, and the Lions use Nate Burleson and Tony Scheffler the way they are said to be planning to, then yes, I think those numbers are well within range.

Pat (Fargo)

EJ Henderson, I hope to see him play this year, do you know if the rod in his leg is permanent? If so, I think he is taking a great risk to play in the NFL, I have a metal plate with screws in my elbow, doctors told me, if I ever break it again, I will lose the motion in my elbow. Your Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:21 PM)

The rod in his leg is permanent. But I have no idea if the same issue applies as with your elbow. I can only guess the team wouldn't take medical liability for him if he had that much of a chance of further injury.

Scott (Viking in California)

Hi Kevin, Already missing Lost! In light of some recent comments about possible veteran additions to the O-line (I think its needed), do you think it was wise for the Vikes to invest draft picks - even late rounders - on a tight end and a quarterback they want to convert into a receiver, instead of more big guys? Just sayin...

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

Well, they did take the guard from Wake Forest that they plan to move to tackle, Chris DeGeare.

Josh (Nashville)

Hey Kevin, any update on Detroit gettings it's 1st rounders signed? What date should we start getting worried that they haven't signed?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:23 PM)

Nothing at this point. Frankly, I wouldn't start getting worried until a day or two before training camp starts. Truly. It doesn't matter much before then.

Brett (Lake Orion)

Why isn't Aaron Rodgers the #1 player on everyone's fantasy big boards? He had more points than any other fantasy player last year due to his combination of passing and rushing. I took him number one last year and it gave me my 4th straight fantasy title.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:24 PM)

I don't get into fantasy too much, but aren't running backs in general more valuable than quarterbacks in fantasy?

Warren (Bettendorf, Iowa)

I enjoyed the article on Everson Griffen. Have you spoken with him or can you elaborate on the concerns that the GM had after they interviewed him? Sounds scary.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Right after the draft, both Griffen and the Vikings acknowledged there were some plays in college that he just didn't play hard on. He said he had a leg injury, which probably contributed, but it was clear to football people on tape that his motor didn't always run full speed.

Sam (NY)

Kevin...Jay Cutler has been in contact with Kurt Warner and said once he digest Martz offense some more he would speak to Warner again. I don't know if Warner would be interested, but given his knowledge of Martz offense, I wish Chicago would bring in Warner to be Cutler's quarteback coach. Do you think this might possibly happen at some point?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

I've heard nothing to suggest that's a possibility. But it doesn't mean Cutler and Warner can't speak regularly.

Steve (Minneapolis)

How effective do you think EJ Henderson and Cedric Girffen will be this year after both were seriously injured last season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

Got a post coming up in the next hour or so on a very similar subject. I think people are fooling themselves if they think either guy will be ready in September.

Pat [via mobile]

I read a couple weeks back that expectations in Chicago are very high for Jay Cutler and the passing game. Any explanation why, given that they have no real receivers and a turnover machine behind center?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

Two words: Mike Martz. His offenses score a lot of points and accumulate a lot of yards, even if they don't win all the time.

AlbanyJim (Albany, NY)

Friday Night Lights is excellent (are you starting at season 1, or diving into season 3?). And Coach Taylor would never, ever, have a 12th man on the field with 2 minutes to play in the Championship Game.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

Ha. I'm caught up. Coach Taylor is a fiery one, isn't he?

Andrew (San Diego)

Week that Bulaga gets his first start at tackle: Over/under 8

Kevin Seifert

  (2:30 PM)

I'll take the over. But it will happen this season, I'm saying.

Allen (San francisco)

Zack Follett. what are his chance of becoming a starting linebacker on defense? What's the word on Jahvid in the OTAs. Go BEARS!!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:31 PM)

You know that those guys play for the LIONS, right? I assume you're just doing some Week 1 scouting. Anyway, I'm thinking Follett is the guy unless the Lions decide he can't handle it and sign Keith Bulluck. As for Best, it's not even training camp yet. It's hard to know anything other than the fact that he's fast ... and working as a kickoff returner, by the way.

Andy (Arlington,Va)

Kev, what's with the griping from Longwell? His kickoffs ARE short, and field position is so critical in this game. And, wouldn't it prolong his kicking leg and career to have some kid handling the kickoff duties?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

It was pretty measured. I don't think he's beside himself. His professional pride is a little hurt, but he'll get over it.

Jeff D (Iowa)

4th and 1 from the 50. Whom gets the ball Peterson or Gerhart?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

I'm thinking Peterson. But how about first-and-goal from the 5? Some people think it's going to be Gerhart. (Hint to fantasy players.)

Weaz (Bay City)

Kevin, do you envision Jahvid Best getting 20+ touches a game for Detroit? If he can stay healthy, I really think he can be special.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:34 PM)

I'd take the under on 20, but I do think he'll touch it more than any other Lions running back.

Keith (Chicago)

I recently red an article saying that Mike Martz's turnover-happy offense would be a great complement to Lovie's bend-but-don't-break defense. The thought was that scoring quickly on on offense would be play into the defense's strength by playing with a lead. That sounds crazy to me. The Bears seemed to have a hard time stopping anything at all last yeara??just think of Cedric Benson. What am I missing here?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

It makes sense from a philosophical standpoint. But then again, all defenses are better when playing with a lead. I think the big point is the Bears are going to need their offense to score a lot more than it scored last year.

Mike (Raleigh)

Are the Lions going to try and bulk Suh up a little for their D? I know Schwartz said that he wants really big guys, and Suh seemed a little on the light side for what would be ideal as a DT. My concern is that it will slow him down some and impact his explosiveness.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

I've heard nothing along those lines, and the Lions would be crazy to try that before at least seeing how he plays at his current weight.

Gil (San Antonio, TX)

I'll take over on the 20 for Jahvid. He is going to get a lot of passes too.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Good point.

Randy S. (Laurel MD)

I think it was interesting that Mike Martz thought Hester would have a limited role as a receiver when he was first hired as the Bears offensive coordinator. As a Bears fan I thought Martz was absolutely right. We already seem to have 3 other solid receiving options in the other Devin (I'm not even gonna attempt to spell his last name) Bennett and Knox. Why not let Hester return to being the best return specialist of all time and limit his playing time at receiver to 15-20 snaps a game in the slot? Lovie Smith was quick to assert Hester would be the "number 1 receiver" again this year when its obvious the other Devin has developed the chemistry with Cutler to fill that void. Is the reluctance to give up on the Hester receiver experiment simply a financially driven decision?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

I don't think it's based on finances. There's no doubt that in the right situations, Hester can be a huge playmaker on offense. He's too fast to be left off the field. The question is how much. That's a balance Martz will have to strike this year.

Andy (GB)

which non-first round NFCN draft picks do you think have the best chance of either starting or making some immediate impact?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:38 PM)

Morgan Burnett in Green Bay. Toby Gerhart in Minnesota. Amari Spievey in Detroit. Major Wright in Chicago.

Brett (Detroit)

I've been looking at the Packers schedule and I think they can finish the year 12-4/11-5 again and still win the division. Any thoughts on the magic number to win the north this year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

I haven't looked that far down the road, but I do think the Packers' schedule gives them a legitimate chance to start 5-1 or even 6-0.

Dan (Minnetonka)

Kevin, If you had to list the order of Vikings CB's from best to worst (taking current injuries into consideration) what would that look like? Winfield, Sheppard, Sapp, Allen, Cook, Griffen? P.S. That Lost finale was slightly underwhelming don't you think?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

I liked the finale for what it was... I wasn't expecting to get all the answers. As for the CB list, I would say that's about right for now. I'm guessing Cook will/should pass Alen on the depth chart.

Adam (Texas)

Kevin, as you address questions that are similar to ones I have already submitted, I will submit a new one. From an informational standpoint, are you going to be annoyed with multiple questions from the same person and not answer any of them, or is this approach OK?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

Naw, keep them coming.

Kye (West Des Moines)

RB > QB based on position scarcity. The difference between #1 QB and #10-14 QB isn't as great as the difference between 1 RB and 24-28 RB assuming you start 2 running backs and 1 quarterback. And that isn't even getting into the additional differences if you add a 3rd running back in a flex situation.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:41 PM)

Could you repeat the part when you explained the part about all the things?

dj (chicago)

why do teams baby their young players? it seems they'll struggle no matter how much they've sat and learned before their first start. why not just put them out there so they can gain first hand experience?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

Because most teams want to win.

Ben (Lansing)

Has anyone ever told you that you looked like a thinner George Costanza with hair?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

No.

Raj (Golden Valley, MN)

Kevin, last year, before the season started, Childress was clearly on the hot seat. While MN looks strong this year, history has shown that teams that make the conference championship miss the playoffs the next. And if that happens, it likely means that Favre got beat and/or had a down year. With all that in mind, if MN misses the playoffs this year, is Childress back on the hot seat?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

I haven't verified that history, so we'll take your word for now. I don't think Childress will be on the hot seat if the Vikings miss the playoffs. He just signed a four-year extension. That tends to make your seat very comfortable.

John (Detroit)

What are the odds this Lovie/Martz/Marinelli combo ends up working? I give it less than a 10% chance and these guys will get flushed at the end of the year (along with Angelo hopefully). I've had it w/ their convoluted logic and excuses.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

I think it's better than 10 percent but they definitely have a lot of surfaces to smooth out to make sure it works. They're fundamentally different in their offensive approaches. Personality wise, it's not an issue. Lovie knows Martz well. It's more a matter if he can stand to let Martz throw 40-50 times per game.

Christina (Minneapolis)

If Gerhart flourishes and Peterson continues to have problems with fumbling, do you see the potential for Gerhat to take over as the #1 back? Or would it take a lot more than fumbling issues for Peterson to lose his spot?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

No, I don't see that happening barring a complete regression and collapse by Peterson.

Daniele (Rochester, New York)

Watching the crazy/athletic catches Greg Jennings made during the Cards playoff game (granted he has always been pretty solid), I expect a breakout season from him. Your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

I consider him to have already broken out, but yes, I think the national audience finally saw how good Greg Jennings is.

Ben (Lansing)

I don't understand why coaches contracts are guaranteed in football but players aren't. If coaches/gm's contracts weren't guaranteed, Lions fans might not have had to endure Millen for so long. Either that, or we would have had a different coach every game while he was GM

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

Of all the reasons that the Lions kept Millen for so long, I don't think finances was one of them. As for why coaches contracts are guaranteed and players aren't, most of it has to do with the violent nature of the game. Frankly, owners don't want to pay players when injuries force them out of the game. Coaches are in a different boat there, unfortunately.

Jared's Mullet (the cutting room floor)

Do you think I will make a reapperance this year. I give Allen great abilities.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Yes, Jared has promised that the "Mullay" will make its return.

Bill Cowher (Relaxing and biding time)

You know that Chicago job is mine, I just didn't want to start as the football czar in a year where I didn't have a 1st round pick.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Interesting, and understood. Let's keep in touch.

Brandon (NY)

The Goonies reunion just wasn't the same without "Sloth" right?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

THERE WAS A GOONIES REUNION?

Josh (Nashville)

In the next decade, which of the four NFCN teams will have the most wins? My list goes GB>DET>MIN>CHI. What you got?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

WHOAWHOAWHOA... Detroit second? That's bold. But I can't say I have any brainy ideas on this one. How about: GB, MIN, CHI, DET. ... I just think the Lions need to demonstrate some progress -- and going from 0-16 to 2-14 doesn't count -- before we jump on board their bandwagon.

Fat Mike (Formerly of American Idol)

Any chance that the dead corpse, otherwise known as Jabba the Jamarcus Russell, could end up holding a clipboard and scarfing Doritos on the sidelines of an NFC North team this season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

I wouldn't totally rule it out. There are some good quarterback teachers in this division, from Kevin Rogers (Minnesota) to Mike McCarthy (Green Bay) to Scott Linehan (Detroit).

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

OK, a few more here.

Mo the Stripper (Chico, CA)

Who do you think has a more productive season, Best or Gerhardt? Oy vey and good luck!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

I'm saying Best.

Bruce (Wisconsin)

IF Detroit goes 9-7 and Schwartz wins coach of the year, what do I get from you for calling it 1st?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:54 PM)

The satisfaction of a job well done.

Brandon (NY)

Yeah it Happened in Astoria, Oregan for the 25th Anniversary

Kevin Seifert

  (2:55 PM)

Wow. I totally missed that one...

Scott Stephens (Boise, ID)

When Allen said Go Bears he meant Cal, not Chicago... Come on Seifert

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

Er, whoops. I guess that's another case of midwest bias!

Steve (Ithaca, NY)

How much longer can we expect Dom Capers to stay on as Defensive Coordinator at GB? If he does well enough to turn the defense around will he be a head coaching candidate once again, or will another poor defense hire him to rejuvenate their program?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

I'm thinking his time as a head coach is done. He's proved to be an excellent defensive coordinator and can make really good money at that for the rest of his career. He's been a below-average head coach.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:56 PM)

OK, everyone. Thanks so much. Chat with you next week!