Kevin Seifert

  (1:00 PM)

Ok everyone, thanks for joining me an hour earlier than normal so I can take care of some bid'nis later this afternoon. We've got plenty on our plate after an eventful Week 1, so let's get to it.

Seth A (Chicago)

You could not have been more incorrect about saying the ruling in the Detroit/Chicago game was right. "If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete." That's the rule you used to say the call was correct, but he NEVER lost control of the ball. He rolled, and in the process of standing up, the ball went to the ground. How long does he have to hold on to the ball for it to count as a TD, does he have to carry it to the sideline? Players constantly throw the ball when they get in the endzone, how is this any different? The Lions were screwed, and there should be sanctions against the officiating. In no replay did it show that the ball hit the ground due to Johnson losing control of it.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:03 PM)

Might as well start with THE hot-button issue in the NFL this week. I just peaked at the mailbag for the first time in a few days. Everyone is very, very mad at me for that post. My point at the time was that the officials followed the letter of the NFL rule, even though I made it clear I don't agree with it. In this instance, the officials get a subjective interpretation of what constitutes the end of the process of catching the ball. There is no definition that makes this a cut-and-dried decision. I'm going to address this again Wednesday on the blog, but to respond to your point, Seth, I think it's clear that the officials felt the process of the catch was still continuing when CJ left the ball on the ground. It's not fair. I don't like it. But that's what happened.

Joe (Detroit)

I'm aware that nothing is gonna change. But, don't ever tell us Lions fans to "get over it". No. I will not "get over it".

Kevin Seifert

  (1:04 PM)

I agree. That wouldn't have been in the headline if it were up to me.

Chris (NY)

Hey Kevin. 2 questions. 1.) How concerned should we be with Ryan Grant's ankle?2.) Is it possible for Justin Harell to last 4 games without getting injured?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:05 PM)

On the latter question, apparently not. As for Grant: There were some code words in what McCarthy said yesterday that suggest this is a much bigger deal than one week. We don't know all the details yet, but when a coach says he doesn't have enough information yet to know whether surgery will be required, that should tell you something.

Lisa (Kansas)

What does Grants loss mean for the Packers?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:07 PM)

I think it's huge. Many teams run a two-back offense, but the Packers aren't one of them. Grant has been their guy for almost all running plays the past three years or so. We haven't seen Brandon Jackson in the No. 1 role since he was a rookie. At the very least, he has a lot to prove. Otherwise, teams are going to gang up even more on the Packers' passing game.

Mike (Hartford, WI)

Despite the Bears struggling during the preseason and barely beating the Lions at home, suddenly it looks like week 3 against Green Bay could be a battle of 2-0 teams. Peppers vs. the Cowboys line? What do you think?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:08 PM)

Don't know about that one. I agree that Peppers could run wild in that game, but I think the Cowboys' defense is much better than the Lions'. I imagine the Cowboys will be up for this game. They don't want to lose their home opener to go 0-2 to start the year.

Mike (Hartford, WI)

Should Mike Martz just admit that his top 2 receivers are Aromashodu and Knox? It seems pretty clear, I'm not sure why they are obsessed with pushing Hester as a "no. 1" guy.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:09 PM)

I'm guessing it's a confidence factor for Hester. But it makes sense. They're going to use Knox and DA on the outside with Hester in the slot. Works out best for everyone.

Mike (Hartford, WI)

Kevin, do you think part of Lovie's decision to go for it rather than kick the field goal had to do with style points? In other words, he's worried that against a team like Detroit, he can't just win, he needs to win big to keep the heat off of him for another week?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:10 PM)

No. If he was worried about taking heat, he would have done the conventional thing and kicked the field goal. To me, it was the opposite. He showed he really isn't going to care what public reaction is to his decision-making this year.

A.J. (Green Bay)

Not a single defensive snap last week. What did I do to deserve to be ostracized like this? Did the coaches not see opposing QB going all Denard Robinson on us? Maybe I could have helped with that...I certainly couldn't have done worse, right?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:10 PM)

Well, at this point you're not part of the nickel. And the Packers were in nickel for the entire game. Unfortunate math, if nothing else.

thatkuhlkid (Madison)

Rodgers admitted to have struggled and played poorly, however could Rodgers' numbers take a hit if Jordy continues to shine in the return game? The Packers have always had awful special teams and having a long field always meant more yards for Rodgers to accumulate...

Kevin Seifert

  (1:11 PM)

Hmmmmm. Maybe the numbers dip, but overall it's a win for the Packers.

Josh Sitton (Green Bay)

Will I ever get the chance to prove I'm a true 60-minute iron man?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:12 PM)

Yes. I thought it was interesting that you would have been an emergency goal-line defensive lineman last week. I'm guessing the Packers will have more than four linemen on the active roster this week.

Craig (Braintree MA)

How good a route runner is Harvin? What will they have to do to get him the ball against Miami?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:13 PM)

I would say it's not his strongest attribute. The ideal thing with Harvin is to put him in the slot and let him run downfield, or to get him the ball the flat on a swing pass or screen and let him run. Using him as outside receiver is tough.

Craig (Braintree MA)

What will AD have to do before people stop asking questions about him fumbling?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:13 PM)

Not fumble. Good start Thursday night.

John (Washington, DC)

Kevin, please get someone from the NFL to explain when the catch process ends and what counts as a stop. The gobbledy-gook that's coming out of the mouths of everyone associated with the NFL is demeaning to the average fan. Thanks.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:15 PM)

Agreed. That's the central issue. Again, I'll address this more on the blog Wednesday. But I'd like to see the whole "process of the catch" issue dropped entirely on plays in the end zone. That's already the case on running plays that end in the end zone. All a runner has to do is break the plane with the ball and it's a touchdown with the play dead. Doesn't matter if he fumbles thereafter (or the ball is swiped away). That's what should happen on catches: Two feet down with possession and the play is dead.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:15 PM)

Touchdown.

David (Minneapolis)

what, in your opinion, is the likely hood of MN dealing for Vincent Jackson? how much does that increase if his suspension is only for 3 games? how good could this WR corps be with VJ, Rice, Berrian, Harvin and Shianco?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:15 PM)

He has a hearing Thursday to determine if his suspension will be three or six games. If it's three games, I imagine they'll investigate it heavily.

Biggest Cheese (South Dakota)

Does the rule that robbed the Lions of that touchdown mean receivers can be sledge-hammered in the end zone well after the reception is made? Seems dangerous.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:16 PM)

Totally agreed. If I'm a defensive back, I'm taking every shot I can at a receiver until I hear a whistle, even if both feet are down.

Mark (Chi)

How about that perfromance by 54? He looked like it was 2005 out there. I know people like to tag Urlacher as overrated, but to me it really is night and day when he's not out there compared to when he is. Concur?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:17 PM)

Thought he was pretty solid. He looked like the Urlacher of old on several running plays, including the one in the first quarter when he strung out Jahvid Best and then dropped him for a 2-yard loss. So far, so good.

Lefty (Louisville)

Hi Kevin... to what would you attribute the shaky Green Bay O-line play in Philly?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:17 PM)

Blitzes they didn't have to deal with in the preseason.

Terry (Washington DC)

Is it likely the Packers will pick up a RB from the current UFA pool to address Grant's injury? Are there any players you thing would fit will into the Packers offensive scheme? Have we finally seen the last of Justin Harrell???

Kevin Seifert

  (1:18 PM)

Highly doubtful, at least in the short term. If they need to, I wonder if they wouldn't bring back Ahman Green. As for Harrell, probably so. Too bad.

Lance Moore (Super Bowl 2-pt Conversion)

Hey Kevin, I saw Calvin's touchdown and I don't understand why it was ruled incomplete. I did the same thing earlier this February and we got the call. What gives?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:19 PM)

The NFL's explanation is that there was a "second act" on your play that came after the process of the catch. That second act was someone kicking the ball out of your hands, if I recall.

Displaced Lions Fan (Boca Raton)

It seemed like Javid Best had 20 yards in the first quarter and then dissapeared. I didn't get to watch the game so I was wondering what happened with him? Did the Bears just stack the line or did Best just not get many carries?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:19 PM)

He just never had much running room. Take away those two touchdown runs and he had less than one yard per carry. Nice job by the Bears defense.

James (WI)

Am I right to be concerned with the Packers offensive line? We dont like seeing our Franchise signal-caller knocked around like that...

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

The Eagles are an above-average blitzing team. Let's see if this becomes a trend or a one-time deal.

Jesse (San Diego, CA)

Better game on the D, Urlacher or Peppers?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:20 PM)

You knock out the opposing quarterback, you get the nod.

Jay (Shelby twp)

I was as upset as anybody about having that win snatched from us like Calvin snatched that ball away, but moving on, could you see this being something for the Lions to rally around going forward?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:21 PM)

It's possible. They definitely have some steady veterans who could lead the way on that, starting with Kyle Vanden Bosch. But that was an awfully, awfully deflating way to start the year.

Barron (Detroit)

Kevin Is ther another free agent cornerback who the lions should take a look at?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:23 PM)

They signed Nate Vasher, formerly of the Bears. Not a bad pickup considering the circumstances.

Ndamukong Suh (Allen Park, MI)

I dare you to come to Detrot for the Bears @ Lions game and tell the Detroit players to their face that the call was correct.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:23 PM)

I don't have to. They said it themselves. They agreed it was correct based on the rule but didn't say they liked the rule itself.

Rich (Philly)

I did not watch every play of the Vikes - Saints game, but it sure looked like Sully was not getting any push in the run game and needed help in pass protection. Rusty or time for a change Kevin?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:24 PM)

He didn't really get much push last year, either. I was surprised he was able to play the entire game from a conditioning standpoint considering he missed all of training camp and the preseason.

Blake (MI)

Kevin, Do you write the headlines for your blog? If so, please make a trip to Det to receive a swift kick in the ... If not, please send responsible party. Those headlines almost made me want to quit reading. I realize they are just to generate blog hits but dam man, I dont know if it's safe for you in MI

Kevin Seifert

  (1:25 PM)

I write the headlines on the blog itself, although sometimes they are edited. I do not write the headlines on the NFL page that lead you to the blog.

Luke (Saint Paul)

What the heck is Childress thinking. Your winning at half, the only thing that seems to be working is AP running the ball. He is tiring the opposing D out, than you give him 6 carries in the 2nd half in a close game. HE IS YOUR BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER!!! Its coach malpractice and should cost him his job.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:26 PM)

I go back and forth on that. I thought the Vikings would need to throw the ball and score more than 20 points to win that game. So as it was going on, I wasn't opposed to them throwing more in the second half. In retrospect, sure, I think it would have made more sense to stay with Peterson. But that's hindsight, at least in my case.

Scotty D (Detroit, MI)

I know every one is concerned about the catch that wasn't a catch, but what I found more disturbing was the Lion's offensive line play?? It seemed we got NO push...Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:28 PM)

Agreed. And it was especially concerning when you realize the Bears were in a cover-2 that was designed to shut down the long passes. It leaves the front four in one-on-one situations that they mostly won against the Lions offensive line.

Sam Hope (MKE)

Hey kevin i thought the packers win was very impressive mostly because they showed they can win despite a poor performance from their best player (Aaron Rodgers) without their 1200 yard rusher and against an offense that was run by vick a dynamic player that was not extensively game planned for and still managed to win in a hostile road environment that sounds like a super bowl quality team to me. Your thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:29 PM)

Totally agree. I thought Clay Matthews was awesome at the end of the game. That's what you expect from him, but after he missed a month of camp, you never know. But the defense tightened up in a really adverse situation.

Lovie Smith (Chi)

Should I go ahead and post my resume on Monster.com now or should I wait until the end of the season when it's offial that I have no job?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:29 PM)

What do you mean? You're undefeated and in first place of the NFC North!

Jeff Hillius (Fargo, ND)

After watching the Saints game, I'm concerned about Pat Williams...he was getting tossed around like a rag-doll out there. Am I too close to jumping off the cliff or do you share the same concern?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:30 PM)

I thought that was surprising as well. And he's only playing on running downs. But don't forget the Saints have an outstanding interior of their offensive line.

Brando (Fargo)

Who's a worse "Last 5 minutes of the game" head coach: Brad Childress or Andy Reid?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:30 PM)

Ha. They are the teacher-student, right?

kevin is mean (nfc north)

why do you like mike from hartford so much?!

Kevin Seifert

  (1:31 PM)

Honestly don't even look at the names when I post questions.

Mark (MN)

Kevin, Do you have any thoughts on why G Chris DeGeare for the Vikings was inactive for the Saints game? Do you think it was just situational? Thanks

Kevin Seifert

  (1:32 PM)

I'm guessing they thought they needed depth at center more than anything, so they kept Cooper active. That left them with only one other spot if they were going to have the usual seven OL in uniform, so they went with Cook because he can play tackle or guard if needed.

Brando (Fargo)

Do you expect to see Harvin continually hampered by migraines, or do you think this sleep apnea diagnosis and subsequent treatment may actually turn this into just a minor annoyance?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:33 PM)

I really don't know. They're so unpredictable. But I'm sure that getting better rest is going to do nothing but help.

Michael (Norfolk)

Why did the defense stay in the same formation for most of the game? Would you say that was a bad call by Dom Capers?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:34 PM)

I think they thought that was their best chance to confuse Kevin Kolb and deal with the Eagles' set of receivers. The game changed when Vick came in, but I'm not sure I would have gone to a base situation at that point. Would an extra linebacker and/or linemen had better luck chasing down Vick? And don't forgot, the injuries to Jenkins and Harrell left them really short-handed on the defensive line.

Paddy (St. Louis)

Kevin, The sooner the Vikes figure out Camarillo is the go to guy this season the better. Also during a preseason game I saw a Wilf showing new plans for the Viking Stadium. Is that the leading design? If so I like it.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:35 PM)

Agree on Camarillo. I think Favre is really going to like him once they get on the same page. As for the new stadium design, there are lots of options out there and nothing has been approved -- nor will it be approved until there is a funding plan in place.

Gil (San Antonio, TX)

What was the deal with play calling by the Lion's OC? Was it just me are did it seem like they were way to conservative for a supposed explosive offense?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:37 PM)

I thought the same, but they were also taking what the Bears were giving them. It's not always easy to go downfield against the Cover 2. Instead, the common thought is you run the ball and throw short-range passes and hope your guys break some tackles and get in the open field. But I do think that at some point you have to dictate the terms to the defense.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:38 PM)

Ok everyone, I've got until about 1:45 before I have to take off. So let's get as many questions in before then as we can.

bgood (dc)

do you expect the lions run game to struggle all year?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:38 PM)

When you have a guy like Best, you figure if nothing else, he's going to break some on his own.

Matt (The Bag)

Kevin - Because every fan thinks that call was ridiculous and the Lions got screwed. Does it not make the NFL look bad to focus on how it was the right call rather than how this issue can be fixed? I think less of the NFL for 2 reasons now, and more so for backing a flawed rule so blindly.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:39 PM)

Those are all fair statements. The league should address it.

Bryan Bulaga (Green Bay)

You see me in the starting lineup sometime soon?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:39 PM)

A matter of time and what position.

Yhammi (La Crosse)

I understand people focusing on the controversal call at the end of the Bears game and perhaps going for it on fourth and goal but why isn't anyone mentioning the outstanding defense the bears displayed or forte's awesome day or that cutler threw for 375 yards. The bears had a 4 to 1 total offense yards advantage why isn't anyone talking about those things and this much improved team?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:40 PM)

I think it's been mentioned, but it's only fair to mention it in context. They gained a lot of yards, but also had four turnovers and couldn't convert in the red zone. They stopped the Lions for most of the day, but when it counted they almost gave up the game-winning score. It's all part of the big picture.

ThatGuy (Saint Paul)

Can I borrow your press pass? I want to ask Childress the question he never gets asked. Why do you continually not utilize your best player? Your team is up at half, the only thing working is your running game. So you give your star player 6 carries after half? Absolutly redicoulous

Kevin Seifert

  (1:41 PM)

Maybe he'll read this chat.

Tony (Atlanta)

I was there Thursday night and the Vikings D wore down in the 4th quarter. Why? They were rotating all the time or do we have an age issue creeping in

Kevin Seifert

  (1:41 PM)

I don't think they really wore out, but I did think it was interesting to see so many defensive linemen wave in and out of the game.

Frank (Chi)

With Martz being able to now see how his O-line performs and what type of plays they execute fairly well, do you think they will get better on a weekly basis? If anything just due to the fact that Martz is a good enough coach to find schemes that these players are good at?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:42 PM)

Oh, I think they'll get better. We already know they have weapons and have showed flashes of being a really good offense. It will come.

Bibi (Chicago)

I watched the same Bears-Lions game as you, and similarly saw very little to justify the postgame jubilation from Lovie and the players. Never thought a W would make me feel so dejected. Why do they act like we beat the World Champion Saints instead of the lowly, quarterback-less Lions?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:42 PM)

You and I are in the minority on this one, unfortunately.

Tahi (12th man)

Will Toby Gerhart get the regular series reps that Albert Young does nothing with when AP needs a rest this week?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:42 PM)

I think it's a matter of when his knee heals.

Bill (Chicago)

How come the media didn't make this big of a deal when the same thing happend to the Bears a couple years ago in Houston with a trip to the playoffs on the line? This was week 1. Get over it.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:43 PM)

This has come up several times. Wasn't there also a Bears-Lions game where Berrian lost a touchdown? And Greg Jennings lost a touchdown last year in Chicago as well.

Dan (Detroit)

How long is it looking like Stafford will be out?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:44 PM)

Definitely this week and possibly a month, but we'll see.

Brando (Fargo)

Did Allen lose a step this offseason (I think his ape-drape gave him power personally)? I thought he looked slow against the Saints. Or maybe they just did a great job against him. Thoughts?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:44 PM)

I'm not jumping to any conclusions, but it wasn't like his play jumped out to anyone, either.

Chris (Ohio)

If Grant has to miss multiple weeks, do you still feel like GB is the team to beat in the North?

Kevin Seifert

  (1:45 PM)

Overall, yes, although I will say Grant is one of probably five players whose loss would really, really change that team.

Kevin Seifert

  (1:45 PM)

Ok everyone, I've got to take off a bit early. But thanks for joining me and we'll chat with you next week!