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ESPN: SportsNation |
Hi everyone. Let's do this....
Based on Simpson's performance in his first game action this season, do you think he is what the Vikings hope/thought he would be? Those two P.I. penalties accounted for 50+ yards - and his 4th quarter snag essentially iced the game for Minnesota. Can he be a legit deep threat and take pressure off Harvin and Rudolph?
He's good enough that the Vikings are willing to take shots with him, which is more than what we can say for the other guys. I really don't think he's an elite downfield guy, but he's a legitimate professional downfield receiver.
As a Lions fan I have a very easy time seeing losses at Philly and Chicago and the season spiraling out of control, as in top five pick bad, due to those pesky character/leadership issues (not to mention massive roster flaws).So, do you see Detroit having "the stuff" to right the ship?
They're going to have to make some important decisions over the bye. The big one is how to get teams out of this two-deep safety look that seems to have their offense at a standstill. It shouldn't be that easy.
Question about the Blair Walsh effect. While a solid FG kicker, Ryan Longwell was terrible on kick-offs. Not sure what the average opposition field position was in 2011, but it had to be close to the 30 yard line. Not the case anymore. Was the the determining factor in letting Longwell walk? Those 10 yards a drive are huge...often the difference between a punt or FG, or a TD or FG.
It had to be the major reason. Longwell was still pretty accurate on field goals and that's hard to find. And yes, the touchback frequency has really helped the Vikings defense this season.
JAY CUTLER PLAYED QUITE WELL MONDAY NIGHT, YET STILL FOUND TIME TO REVERT TO BE A JERK WITH MIKE TICE ON THE SIDELINES. I SEE HIS IMMATURITY BEING A LONG TERM OBSTACLE TO TAKING THE BEARS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP AS HE REFUSES TO SEE HIS FLAWS AND MANY TIMES HE LOSES HIS COMPOSURE WHEN THINGS DON'T GO HIS WAY. CAN' DO THAT WITH THE TOP TIER OPPONENTS. I SEE HIM GONE IN 2 YEARS. HE WILL NEVER BE ELITE. YOUR TAKE?
I just think he is what he is. Great arm, understands the game, very mobile, and isn't interested in being a nice guy. It's hard to find the perfect combination of every attribute in a quarterback, and in sum he's better than anyone else the Bears have had in a generation or more.
I know it's still early, but if I continue to be as solid as I have been, do the Packers give me another year or two on their squad?
We're all year-to-year, man.
Why is Cutler so mean? I just wanted to talk to him and he was very rude. It really hurt my feelings. Martz always told me he was a bully...
Ha. You're a tough guy in a tough guy town. You'll get over it.
Panic time?
Since 1990, 85.3 percent of teams that start 1-3 have missed the playoffs. Maybe you can be the exception. But you've got to start by settling down those special teams.
How has Jeff Saturday's play been? Equivalent, better or worse than Wells so far?
Rodgers alluded to getting used to a new center on Sunday, so I'm guessing there have been some understandable growing pains. But if Saturday has performed at a lower level than Scott Wells, it hasn't been by much.
I know it is not NFCN related, but Gods-speed and good luck to the Indy head coach.
Very much agreed. Only met Chuck Pagano once, at the NFL owners meeting in March, and he was very accommodating and gracious to the media.
Does this injury and pedestrian numbers hurt Greg Jennings enough in free agency to make his contract workable next year for Green Bay? Or is this truly it?
Sunday, it felt like the Packers were showing how they could play well on offense without Jennings. I think Jones, Nelson and Cobb combined for 20 catches. Not sure what the Packers' final decision is, but it doesn't appear at this moment that Jennings is critical to their success.
Do you know the plan for the Bears this week? How difficult is it to go on the road 2 weeks in a row with the 2nd one being a short week?
It's a really tough turnaround. From what I can tell, they are off Tuesday and won't have a formal practice until Thursday.
The Packers obviously aren't the same team as last year. What's going on??
There's a reason there have only been a handful of 15-1 teams in NFL history.
Are you buying, selling, or holding your stock on the Vikings? Are they la egitimate contender for the division?
Holding. Can't take anything away from wire-to-wire victories over a pair of 2011 playoff teams. But let's see how they do once the Packers/Bears portion of their schedule begins.
Kevin, your new Ponder jersey came in the mail today. Should I go ahead and wash it or do you want to wear the Brett Favre one again this week?
Wait, I thought everyone knew I wear an Aaron Rodgers jersey to work every day.
More importantly, can Ponder throw the deep ball consistently enough to maximize Simpson's downfield value?
I mean, it won't come off his hand like it does for Cutler, Rodgers or Stafford. But Ponder has proved to be pretty accurate and patient on deep throws. I don't think arm strength on deep passes is an issue.
People are really making too much out of Jay's sideline antics. Jerk? Probably. However, how many players have gone to the sideline and yell at coaches, players, smash equipment, etc. He's not the exception is he?
First, I'm not sure an "everyone else does it" defense works. Even if lots of people are disrespectful, it's still disrespectful. And based on the reaction of former players and coaches, the kinds of people who would know if this is standard stuff or not, I tend to think the way Cutler handles himself sometimes is unique. I don't think players routinely get up and walk away from a coach trying to sort out the situation.
Since it's pretty much a given now that this young and incredibly talent Vikings team will dominate the division for years to come, wouldn't it be wise for the Packers to start rebuilding and look for their quarterback of the future?
Yes, I've been saying for weeks that the Packers should tank for Matt Barkley. Maybe they should biff for Geno Smith.
Speaking of Blair Walsh, Kevin, what do you feel is the maximum-length field goal the Vikings would be willing to try with him?
That 55-yarder would have been good from 65. So there's that.
What is your thoughts on the Packers after the first 4 games?
They had a tough early schedule, and a very unique situation at the end of one loss, and none of ruined their season. They're in the thick of it. That's their big picture from my perspective.
Kevin, do the Vikings have an "elite downfield receiver" in your opinion?
No way. They're not built to be that kind of team.
With guys like Melton, Jennings, Conte, Wright, Paea, McLellin, and Wootton -- when does everyone stop making a big deal about the Bears defense being old?
At worst, four of their best five players are over 30. Maybe Melton is in that group, but Peppers, Tillman, Briggs and Urlacher are all up there. So while there are some young players on this defense, it's led and fueled by older players. When they declined, whenever that is, the Bears need to be in a better position to absorb it.
How bad is Reiff that he can't crack the starting lineup. The online is terrible??
I don't think it's a matter of that. Maybe it will happen over the bye. I just don't think the Lions are looking to make any snap decisions on their offensive line based on a few games. This group has been together for a long time.
Do you expect the Vikings to begin contract negotiations with Percy Harvin in the coming weeks?
I'm not sure if it will be an in-season thing, but I do think Harvin has done enough to make it a matter of when, not if. The Vikings have waded through a lot of things with Harvin. Why give up on him now that he's at the top of his game?
Considering the teams they have played who would you say has the more effective running game Detroit or GB?
It's not a great race, but at the moment, I think the Packers have gotten more from theirs. The Lions' has been really unproductive.
Your dedicated and gifted colleague, John Clayton, has the Vikings ranked ahead of the Packers this week. Why can't the rest of you be more like Clayton?
Wondering if he's had too much Slayer head-banging in recent weeks.
Forte looked pretty good in the first half. Will they increase his touches next week or will the short week scare them off? I know they looked good on offense this week, but I think they really hum when Forte is involved in the passing game.
I thought it was worrisome to see him limp off after one carry, but he managed to come back and be productive. But on a short week, he might need his carries managed vs. Jacksonville.
I find it almost comical that this Cutler/Tice episode has caused so much reaction. As Cutler stated on his radio show today, Tice told him they needed to convert on that 3rd down, Cutler said I know and got up for some water. That stuff happens all the time, if Rodgers did that he would be commended for cooling off b/f yelling at the coach.
I don't know about that, and regardless, isn't that part of the issue. Would Rodgers do that? I really don't think players walk away from coaches who are trying to get their attention all the time. Maybe I'm naive. Regardless, I don't think it was a huge deal and it isn't being treated as one. It's part of the narrative of the game. That's all.
Problems already with g.Jennings! This going to be an ongoing rest of season thing for him?
I think the Packers are trying to ensure it won't be. That's why they might shut him down this week.
I understand Cutler isn't into being friends with everyone on the team/coaching staff but if his bitterness was directed at Tice and doesn't bother talking it out with Tice, what kind of message is that?? Keep in mind he started pouting with McDaniels after he "wanted" Matt Cassel to join him in Denver. Cutler needs to focus on leadership and setting team examples rather than wage personal battles when something irritates him.
He said they did talk it out -- right after the cameras moved on.
Why not leave Rodgers in on Sunday if they were planning on just handing off anyway? I am sure the rest of Packer nation as well as the Saints knew there was a run coming when Harrel came in.
Rodgers said he had no depth perception with his right eye. So even handing off would have been an issue. It's fair to expect your backup to be able to hand a ball off.
Describe the Packers in 5 words or less.
Green, gold, Lambeau, cheese, Lombardi.
Seems to me the Packer offense went sour about the time they lost Andrew Quarless. Finely just is not capable of playing out of the same formations as Quarless and is not at all capable of being additional pass protection. Between that and the inability of Packer backs to block in pass protection seems to be the greatestdifference in the Packer offense. yet no one seems to even mention this.
I can honestly say no one has mentioned that theory to me, either. I'm not sure I see it as you do, but I also don't have a clean explanation for what has happened to their offense, either.
Kevin, How do you see the Packers doing in their next 3 road games?
Going 2-1 would be a pretty nice deal.
Kevin, you mentioned earlier that teams are taking away the deep threat against the Lions. Shouldn't they be working Pettigrew and Young more in order to combat this?
They already work Pettigrew a ton, and if he hadn't dropped a few key passes they might be 2-2 or better. Young has been a disappointment so far. What they really need to do is run the ball better against those light boxes. That will help them move the ball and score.
Kev- Chad Greenway said I'm the MVP, is this true?
Of the NFL? It's early yet, but you're definitely the best player on this team and, to this point, the best player in the NFC North this season.
Kev- Can I pack my bags for Honolulu this year?
So far, so good.
Which call is worse. The replacement refs in the Seattle Seahawks game? Or the no call face-mask by the real refs in the Arizona Cardinals playoff game in overtime?
Seahawks. The guy in the playoff game and one finger on Rodgers' helmet. And it wasn't obvious live.
Henry Melton is on his way to a big payday if he keeps up his play. Big difference from last year when he was up and down. Emory needs to start negotiations soon, does he not?
Free agency doesn't start until March. They have plenty of time.
Why is there so much being made of the Jay Cutler/Mike Tice incident but nothing is being made of when Jay congratulated Jamarucs Webb on the sideline there is no mention? Talk about the good as well as the bad.
I don't get this line of thinking. We're supposed to mention something that happens regularly in the NFL (one player congratulating another) and ignore something that doesn't. I don't care what anyone says. I don't think it's normal for a player to walk away from a coach who is trying to get his attention. But I understand I'm in the minority there.
I think we showed the league how to stop Detroit. Put a cap on the deep middle and force Stafford to dink and dunk his way down field.
That's what everyone has done this year. It's time for the Lions to find a solution to it.
Everson Griffen appears to be a young stud at DE/DL. Robison is also better than most. If the Vikings are serious about re-building (and they should be) what can they get for Jared Allen?
The start of this season is why you don't trade a Jared Allen. The Vikings might be rebuilding, but in the NFL there are always teams who have some early and unexpected success and see it snowball into playoff contention. If the Vikings continue to play the way they've started, they'll want and need Allen on their side. Imagine making it to the playoffs WHILE you rebuild?
Hey Kevin, Why don't the packers use Randall Cobb more in the slot on 3 reciever sets. It appears at times that Driver is playing ahead of him. Are they affraid he is going to get hurt? He looks like the most explosive playmaker on offense for the Packers when he plays and gets the ball in his hands.
Cobb has been playing ahead of Driver all season. The only time Driver has gotten on the field is when Greg Jennings has been hurt.
Is there an update on Rodgers' eyeball? Will there be a fine for the Three Stooges attack on him?
He's fine, and it was an accidental poke by all accounts. Would be surprising if any discipline comes out of it.
In fairness to Cutler, Tice should have never tried to talk to him. I mean, what could have possibly been so important that needed to be discussed right then? There is rarely a need to make in-game adjustments. Let the players enjoy their orange slices and gatorade on the sideling, before going out for pizza afterwards.
Seriously? Look, Cutler didn't commit murder here. It wasn't a crime. But there's no reason to bend over backwards to apologize for him. The offensive coordinator is well within his right to approach the quarterback after a third-and-1 didn't work out.
When the Seahawks sacked Rodgers 8 times in the first half he didn't hang his head and project terrible body language to his teammates (and the world). His team almost (?) came back and won the game after the woeful first half.If he behaved in the Cutler-manner his team would have quit at the half.Cutler is the best Bear's QB of all-time (scary) and they shouldn't cut/trade him but the front office might be wise to start looking for Plan B. Agree?
Agree with everything but the last sentence. The Bears and Cutler are locked in together. The chances they'll find someone across-the-board better aren't very high.
Why don't the Packers realize that I can be just like Percy Harvin?
Percy Harvin is a unique player, but I think the Packers are testing your edges and finding where your versatility lies as well. It took several years before the Vikings started using Harvin the way they are now.
I know he's a perennial pro bowler, but is Lance Briggs still underrated? It just seems that when the top linebackers in the league are mentioned, his name is left out, or further down the list than it should be IMO. Urlacher is no longer the top dog among the linebacking corps.
I think people have forgotten how good of an athlete he is. The way he ran away from the Cowboys offense after that interception was special.
Are you in favor of the Vikings canning Musgrave?
Not at all. I think he has crafted a pretty nifty approach based on the personnel he has. They're getting the most out of their resources I think.
Canning Musgrave? Where did that come from?
Maybe stuck in the que from last year?
I heard that Nick Collins was told that it's best for him to retire recently. Any news update on Collins at this point? It's a shame that his promising career came to an end due to a fluke injury.
Collins denied the story via Twitter. He doesn't sound like he's ready to acknowledge retirement yet.
if you were Schwartz would you fire Danny Crossman during the bye week?
It happens very rarely. The special teams have been terrible. But the question is do you make them better by promoting an underqualified assistant, which I'm guessing Schwartz would have to do because the good special teams coaches are emplyed elsewhere? I don't think so.
It sounds good but might not be an ugprade in reality.
I was obvioulsy being sarcastic about Cutler....come on Kevin!
Ok. Sorry. Guess I'm on edge... I should have just walked away.
How do you feel about Gerhardt's performance so far?
He's a good backup.
if you were Danny Crossman would you fire Schwartz during the bye week?
Haha. Good one.
Few more here, guys and gals.
any new news on Erin Henderson?
As of Monday he still had not passed his concussion test.
Does Green Bay miss Joe Philbin more than anyone talks about? While the Dolphins aren't an elite team they have played well, especially offensively lately with a young quarterback and no receivers
I don't know. McCarthy was and remains the play-caller, making him the most important offensive coach on the Packers. But clearly Joe Philbin was a good coach, and it's possible the Packers are still adjusting to the new rules for their remaining assistants, but I honestly haven't heard anything to suggest that's the case.
That's why you come to this chat. For the insight.
Could this Lion's season get so bad that they consider a coaching change? Or has Schwartz done enough to get at least another year no matter how bad it ends up
I mean, Schwartz took them to the playoffs three years after 0-16. I think he has a little leeway here.
Our safeties look sweet! Do you see the potential or am I overracting due to the fact we haven't had a play maker back there in years?
Sanford and Smith played as well as I've seen two Vikings safeties play in a long time. You wondered if the NFL had outlawed safeties making contact with receivers before Sunday.
With that, thanks so much everyone! Chat with you next week.