Kevin Seifert

  (2:00 PM)

Hi everyone. Let's get straight to this thing....

Wes (MI)

This doesn't change the fact that Eli over Stafford for the Pro Bowl was a joke.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

Oh boy. Well, technically, Pro Bowls are based on regular season performance. If I were you, I would be more upset about Cam Newton over Stafford.

Scooter, minny [via mobile]

Do u think winfield, e.j. henderson and steve huchinson r back with the vikings next year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:01 PM)

Good questions, all. Winfield would seem to have some good years left, especially if they move him to safety. Hutchinson might have to take a pay cut. Henderson's knee issues last year make you wonder if he's nearing the end of the line.

Benny (Hong Kong)

Question - How long till you think the Super Bowl will be shown on Saturdays? As the way it is now, most of the world can't view the game because it is shown sometime early on Monday morning.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

Saturday isn't a very highly-rated day on television, I don't think. But fans find a way to watch what they want to see. Lots of Americans get up in the middle of the night to see soccer from halfway across the globe. OK, maybe 3 of them do.

Mike McCarthy (Green Bay)

Now can I count on having the rest of my staff intact for the 2012 season?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:03 PM)

It looks as if you'll keep Ben McAdoo, Joe Whitt Jr. and of course Tom Clements. I'll be curious to see if you mvoe McAdoo to quarterbacks coach.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:04 PM)

Sorry about that. Clicked the wrong question.

Jon (Colorado)

While I like the NFL system that allows staffs to stay stable (unlike college and the constant change that can occur), is there any risk of animosity or tension developing on a staff when assistants are denied interviews like the Packers have done. I love that the Pack have been able to keep most of the assistants, but I worry that discontent could grow. Has this happened to other staffs in the past and what is your feeling on the current mood of the Packers staff?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:05 PM)

It happens frequently in the NFL. In fact, the Bears blocked Mike Tice from interviewing in Tennessee last year, and this year they bumped him up to offensive coordinator. It's a competitive business. If you're an assistant and want the ability to move, you need to insist on a one-year contract.

John (Philly)

Now that we've seen a Superbowl in the North, any chance of any NFC North team hosting the big game? Chicago(field is terrible) GB (not enough hotels)????

Kevin Seifert

  (2:06 PM)

Minnesota will get one if a new stadium is built. Detroit has already had its for Ford Field. And you're right, no way Chicago gets it without a roof on Soldier Field. Same for Lambeau, in addition to the hotel situation.

Brian (MD)

Any updates on contract talks between Finley and the Packers?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:06 PM)

Nothing yet. But for the most part, there is no urgency at the moment to start signing guys to deals. The market doesn't open until March 13.

Adam (Winnipeg)

While the best player available strategy may work for the draft, I seem to be questioning it lately as Lions fan. I feel that drafting Fairley last year when we already had a lot of money in the d-line seemed good at the time but now we can't afford Avril at another position (d-end) where we are not as set as Fairley's position (DT). Is having Fairley more important than losing an already important piece to the puzzle?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

Fairley is not the reason the Lions wouldn't be able to afford Avril. It's Suh, Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, primarily. So no, I don't think that drafting Fairley was a mistake if he was in fact the Lions' highest-rated player at the time.

brian h (kenosha wi)

vikes big board: 1. kailil 2. blackmon 3. claiborne. agree or disagree?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:08 PM)

Maybe reverse 3 and 2, but generally speaking, at No. 3, a future left tackle would be the best option.

Joe (Oshkosh)

Do you think the Packers will try to extend CM3 this offseason and, if so, who has the deal his agent would try to use as a starting point? Demarcus or Harrison maybe? I'm just wondering how they can fit a 6 yr/$60M type deal in while trying to do Finley and Wells too.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:09 PM)

It's a good question. Yeah, you could look at Ware and Harrison. But I'm also thinking the Packers have to re-do Aaron Rodgers' deal soon as well. They might be able to hold off on Matthews for a year.

Roger (WI)

I don't get how Cris Carter keeps getting passed up on the HOF voting?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

It's clear to me that the voting committee doesn't value receivers as much as other positions. There are only 21 in the HOF, fewer than every position but tight end and kicking specialists. And those who are willing to discuss receivers are split between him, Andre Reed and Tim Brown. Hence, no one gets in.

Jason (NYC)

When can we expect a decision on Nick Collins' future?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:11 PM)

He said he has an appointment with his doctors in March, and that's probably when a decision will be made.

Aaron [via mobile]

Do you think this is the year the lions move up in the first round to get that left tackle? I know they have looked at moving up before but im not sure how serious those were when it dealt with their first pick

Kevin Seifert

  (2:12 PM)

It would be a long way to go up from No. 23. I wonder if they'll try to make it work one more year with Backus and see if Jason Fox develops into anything.

bpalton (MPLS, MN)

KS - the 1980's action superhero is dead, with only "the Rock" a/k/a Duane Johnson attempting to step into the void. Urlacher's retirement is probably 3-5 years away. Will he take up the charge of defeating the soviets?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:13 PM)

GI Joe should be able to handle it.

Ethan (Austin)

Kevin, With the Lions cap issues do you see them doing anything at all in Free Agency or being pretty quiet?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:14 PM)

They'll do well to get the guys they want back re-signed. Hard to imagine them active in acquiring outside free agents.

Kevin (DC)

Any word on Green Bay's franchise tag?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:15 PM)

Again, no rush on this either. But it would make sense to franchise Finley because the tight end number is a relatively cheap $5.5 million or so.

thebaskett (The Moontower)

Do you see Joe Webb getting more practice at WR this offseason? Ive heard he isnt very good at catching or route running. I know it was Spielman who originally wanted him as a WR.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:16 PM)

I wouldn't expect him to be polished because he had never played the position. I think they need to figure out a way to get him on the field more often, and not just at quarterback. But like anything, it takes time and practice to get good at that kind of role. Really, they need to define something for him and let him work at it.

Jackson (Spivey)

Time for the annual question, is it time for Charles Woodson to move to safety, especially with Nick Collins health in question

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

This might be the first year that's a legitimate topic. A lot will ride on the Collins diagnosis -- and whether the Packers feel they have a competent cornerback to play in Woodson's old spot.

Lacy (at work)

Hi Kevin, this is my first chat! Just wanted to say hi! Go Lions!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:17 PM)

Welcome!

Ocho Uno (Mi)

I'm wondering how the Lions are going to pay for me. There is no way they're going to let me go right?! _Calvin Johnson

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

Maybe they're hoping you'll take just a billion dollars instead of a gazillion.

Aaron [via mobile]

Besides Avril, Tulloch, and probably oneof the back up qbs do the lions have a free agent they need to keep?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

Maybe Eric Wright.

thebaskett (The Moontower)

Are you as exited for the combine as I am?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:18 PM)

That's where the real work gets done.

Locdizzle (Green Bay)

Do you think Gronk partying with shirt off and going all club style was acceptable after losing the Super Bowl?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:19 PM)

I'll put it this way: It's not something I will judge him for. This is a business, plain and simple, and too often we get caught up in thinking these guys regard it the same way high school players do. They're playing for money.

Jim (DC)

Who's the most likely to win the NFC North, next year?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:20 PM)

I can't imagine a scenario in which I wouldn't pick the Packers as my preseason favorites.

Ethan (Austin)

When do we find out if teams get increased cap money this year like the Cowboys last year because of contracts form uncapped years affecting the cap so much?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:21 PM)

I think you're referring to the reconciliation process. Typically that happens in the days leading up to the new league year, which starts March 13.

Building With Clay (Milwaukee)

Everyone always brings up the ARodge contract as needing redoing, but the fact of the matter is that he still has 3 years on his deal and is making bank off of his endorsements (was rated the #1 most marketable player in the NFL). If he is happy, why would we have to redo his contract?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:22 PM)

It's a fair point. He signed the deal halfway into his first year as a starter, but I think it's fair to say that after a Super Bowl MVP and an NFL MVP, he's outperformed it. That doesn't mean he will want a new deal, or that the Packers would want to do a new one. But if you assume he plays at his current level, his price will only go up the longer the Packers wait.

Iceman (Nashville TN)

What are your thoughts on the Bears hiring Jeremy Bates as QB coach? Before everyone said Bates would not be interviewed because of tension with the Bears' front office -- was that all Angelo, then?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:23 PM)

I'm guessing the biggest obstacle was the idea that he was an is tight with Cutler, and avoiding the appearance of the quarterback making the coaching hires. But in the end, this can't be about egos. It has to be about hiring someone who can coach the Bears' quarterbacks well, and Bates has a documented history of being able to do that.

Locdizzle (Green Bay)

Do you think TT would be willing to let AJ Hawk go if DJ Smith surpassed him in OTA's?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:24 PM)

Doubtful. Hawk is one year into his new contract.

Sean (CO)

There are whispers Finley's camp will argue he is actually a wide receiver if given the Franchise Tag, and aim for the $4mil more as a result. Do you think his argument would hold up to a mediator or is it just hot air with no real basis, considering he is, afterall, a tight end?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:25 PM)

Well, it's a gray area because he did take a lot of snaps in 2011 in a position other than tight end. But he will want to be careful about that. If he wants to be held to a receiver standard, his numbers will be pretty pedestrian. His value lies in the idea that he has good numbers for a tight end.

Cheryl (Wisconsin)

What it Lambeau had a dome? Do you still think no luck of hosting Super Bow.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:26 PM)

No. There simply aren't enough hotel rooms in the required radius to make Green Bay a Super Bowl site.

Jon (Colorado)

Sorry I wasn't clear. I understand the blocking goes on, but I was wondering about tension or discontent as a result. Is that something you've seen before or the Packers need to be worried about?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:27 PM)

I'm sure coaches have been disappointed before in those types of situations, but ultimately they have to accept it is part of the game. The good thing, if you're McAdoo, is that you remain part of a highly respected staff that will draw attention for years. Ultimately, you will get your due even if it's not right away.

Pat (Cranford NJ)

A philosophical question if you will: Riding the train into work in NYC this morning with dozens of Giants fans heading to the parade, I wondered if I'll ever be able to celebrate a Vikings' Super Bowl victory in my lifetime (46 years and counting...). As a kid, it seemed that Page and Eller and Foreman and Tarkenton would play forever, but now I see that the window indeed opens and closes so quickly. Realistically, do any of the current core of stars--Peterson (assuming he recovers well), Allen, K.Williams, Harvin--have a chance of getting a ring? Or will this rebuild take us past their primes (which in Williams' case may already have happened)?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:28 PM)

Maybe not for Kevin Williams, but the Petersons and the Harvins have a chance to play long enough. No rebuild should take longer than five years, and I would say both will still be playing at that point.

Kimberly (Mi)

Haven't heard too much about Matt Stafford and the two awards he picked up this week. I think we might have another Elite QB in the division in the next few years... agree?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

I wrote about his Comeback Player of the Year Award on Saturday. After his 5,000-yard season in 2011, I don't think anyone will sleep on him moving forward.

City of Detroit (Mi)

We loved the first commercial of halftime, agree?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:29 PM)

The Clint Eastwood one? Yep. Although I think I liked the MNF opener better with Barry Sanders.

TJ (Traverse City,MI)

Better chance of winning a super bowl in their career- Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

Stafford is younger and, at the moment, closer...

Ethan (Austin)

Any news on Leshoure? If the Lions draft a RB I'd say he isn't progressing like they had hoped.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:32 PM)

That would be a good assumption, but everyone is insisting that he will be ready to practice and play when training camp begins.

Sean (CO)

It's well known that MM always calls his own plays so is there anything Clements brings to the Packers offense that he didn't offer as a QB coach or that Philbin didn't provide during his tenure?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:33 PM)

Fair question. He will have a different style, at least, and will leave his own footprint on the weekly gameplan. But I would be surprised if the Packers offense looked markedly different next season as a result.

Locdizzle (Green Bay)

Bigger NerdsStar Wars or Star Trek???

Kevin Seifert

  (2:34 PM)

Seems like there's more sci-fi in Star Trek, but as I can attest, a nerd is a nerd is a nerd. Right?

thebaskett (The Moontower)

Who are the vikings starting LB's next year. Obviously Greenway, but who are the other 2?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:35 PM)

Both Hendersons are free agents, so it's hard to say. I wonder if they'll have the confidence to elevate Jasper Brinkley after he missed the entire season with that hip injury. At least one of the starters might not be on the roster right now.

B.O.B. (detroit)

As simply as I can put itif the Lions sign CJ to a deal COLA above Fitz and move half of Suh's salary to bonus this year, they would save about 20 mill in cap space this year...Its that simple...and should be done just after the combine. The Lions are not in cap hell

Kevin Seifert

  (2:36 PM)

I've never said they were in cap hell. The issue with Calvin is that he could push for a deal that isn't just a little over Fitz but hugely over it. If he does nothing, and the Lions franchise him for a few years, he earns $77 million over that span.

Michael (Tallahassee)

2012 NFC North breakout receiver Young, Cobb or Sanzenbacher?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Young sort of already broke out. Cobb is the guy who is probably going to get elevated reps.

Aaron [via mobile]

I just think the best player available idea is to keep teams from taking risks. But lets say the lions had fairley rated at a 90 and amakumara at an 89 i dont agree that you take a position of strength over a position of weakness.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:37 PM)

Right. If it's close, you allow need to take over. But I feel pretty confident that there was a much larger gap between Fairley and Prince than that.

Ethan (Austin)

Do you think teams gamble on Flynn with the whole Kolb debacle?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

It's a fair question, especially since Kolb had a much bigger body of work available to examine than Flynn does. But Kolb also got thrown into a new situation without any offseason work, and injuries are something that can't be projected, either.

Nick (Marshfield, WI)

Thoughts on Aaron Rodgers super bowl TV gig? I thought he seemed comfortable and gave some good analysis.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:39 PM)

Agreed on both counts. Definitely did some prep work, which isn't always the case for athletes doing guest appearances on TV.

C. Ponder (Min.)

HELP!! I'm in a Division with easily 3 of the Top 10 QBs in the league all surrounded by much better Talent. (AP can only do so much). What is management going to do to help me out?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:40 PM)

It needs to start up front. You need more reliable protection. And at least one more legitimate receiver threat.

Corey (D.C.)

Do you think James Starks will be the primary RB in GB next year, or will they bring in others to form a RBBC?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:41 PM)

That would have been a nice plan, but can the Packers rely on him from a health standpoint? He hasn't been able to stay health in either of his seasons.

John (Wis)

Biggest problem for the Packers. Defense with no pass rush. Offense with no balance?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

As long as the NFL remains a pass-happy league, the lack of a pass rush is the bigger issue.

Elliot (DC)

Post the ALL-NFC North Team already, it's 2:20 eastern time

Kevin Seifert

  (2:42 PM)

I'll be out soon.

Shannon (Minny)

How will the new D-Cordinator fit in Minny?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:43 PM)

I can tell you this much: He will run Leslie Frazier's scheme. Alan Williams comes from the same background and they worked together under Tony Dungy in Indianapolis. There will be no surprises.

nate (portland)

There has been a lot of talk about Marshall and Cutler being reunited. Is this something you think the Bears could pull off with their slightly reworked front office?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:44 PM)

The bigger question is whether, or why, the Dolphins would want to do it. They're trying to enhance their offense, not give up on their top playmaker.

Kim (Mi)

Are things going to be slow this off season? I mean, no Favre not lockout... what are we going to do?!

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

An excellent question. Time to go to the manufacturing table.

Gubber (Tulum)

Did you know it is Matthew Stafford's birthday?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:45 PM)

I saw that. What is he now, 19?

Delta ((MS))

How much will the availability of Peyton Manning affect demand for Matt Flynn?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

Significantly, especially if the Dolphins become one of the teams pursuing him. The Flynn-Joe Philbin matchup has seemed pretty likely. Would another team roll the dice on Flynn without having the kind of background Phlbin presumably has with him?

staffordis24 (DET)

Will Stafford's play decline now that he's not 23 anymore?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:46 PM)

Yeah, I'm thinking it might be time to draft his heir apparent.

TJ (Traverse City,MI)

How long before the Vikings are in LA?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:47 PM)

I don't think it's going to happen. Eventually, this stadium deal will get done in Minneapolis.

Biggest Cheese (SD)

KS, Re: you saying it?s a ?fair question? whether the Kolb debacle would hurt Flynn?s chances. Am I missing some big similarity between the two, or are you saying that coaches might give up on the idea of backups in general making it as starters because Kolb didn?t turn out to be a star?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:48 PM)

I don't think the jury is back on Kolb yet. But obviously it didn't go well, and he had a lot more experience than Flynn does. It's just a cautionary tale about the dangers of projecting a part-time player/backup into a full-time role.

WyattBurp (Chicago)

Bears have a new GM, but it's business as usual. I'm predicting them to finish last, this season. Am I wrong?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:49 PM)

Let's at least give Phil Emery one draft before we decide on that.

John (West Hartford, CT)

How close were the Packers to acquiring Lynch? That non-move could be a big mistake.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Marshawn Lynch? I don't think it got too close. That's not Ted Thompson's M.O.

Ethan (Austin)

Tulloch had better be the MLB on that list.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Or what?

Gubber (Tulum)

Does the NFL offer the Super Bowl as negotiating leverage when trying to get a stadium built?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:50 PM)

Always.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

OK everyone. I'm going to take a few more and then get back to the blog so we can get this NFC North team out.

Michael (Tallahassee)

Is the Bears OL appreciably better now that Martz is gone?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:51 PM)

Ha. It will get more help, that's for sure. Tice loves using tight ends.

Ace (Darien, IL)

I think the biggest joke about the pro-bowl was the actual pro-bowl game. No question here, just a statement.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:52 PM)

Agreed. I say scrap the game and have a Fear Factor event with players. How long would Aaron Rodgers sit in a box of slime for charity?

John (Wis)

True or False, The packers will have 3 new starters on Defense next year? OLB, DE, S?

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

I'll say false on all three. Definitely at OLB, but Mike Neal could be the guy at DE, and we really don't know about Collins yet.

Kevin Seifert

  (2:53 PM)

OK everyone, thanks so much. Back to the blog we go!