hawkeyecub

You've seen what Rodgers has done against the Vikings when he's upright, correct?

I think it really will come down to pass rush. Last year the Vikes won because they murdered Rodgers and Favre was able to sit in the pocket all day and the few times they did blitz, he beat it. This year we've gotten little pass rush and the blitz has killed us. Finley is clearly a stud but if his injury means you guys go 4 wide more often and target Jennings more, it may benefit you this game. Chris Cook should play but will be the nickel, meaning Asher Allen is starting at CB and can get picked on. Lito is out so if Cook can't go, we're in serious trouble. Sounds like Sullivan will be starting at center.

Well that's not an overreaction or anything. Anyways, just read that Favre is 8-0 in his career against Dom Capers defenses. And you were worried. The Packers will still win, just thought I'd point that out. Cook is still iffy so Jennings should be running wide open all day.

Well that's not an overreaction or anything. And what is the overreaction you are implying? It was a stupid point to attempt to make that reflects the stupidity of whoever made it. Nope, no overreaction at all. It was a drawing by a punter (presumably) intending to be humorous and make fun of themselves as much as complain about the rule. Other sites picked up on it and it's a little mini-story that isn't that serious. I don't even disagree with you. The hyperbole and over the top responses are just odd.

Well that's not an overreaction or anything. Anyways, just read that Favre is 8-0 in his career against Dom Capers defenses.

Is it correct that entering last week the Packers had 2 td's on like 20 fourth quarter possessions?

Yeah I heard that Martz answer regarding Olsen's blocking on The Score today and it was really odd. He's been way more sunshine and rainbows than I remember him at previous stops. What has Tice been like with the media? He was usually way too optimistic with the Vikings but also never really hid anything.

Thank God http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81b7406a/article/sacks-leader-matthews-expected-to-return-sunday-for-packers Damnit

Except that the Patriots weren't giving him up for a 2 and as you saw with Chris Williams (and many others) using a 1st on a LT doesn't guarantee success.

I missed this, can anyone elaborate?

I'll take it. Will be interesting to see what happens with bench coach. Rothschild and Jaramillo are coming back, I wonder if Trammel has the option to return.

Our offense hasn't shown the ability to blow anyone out. Really it all comes down to handling the blitz. Backs haven't been picking up the right man, Shank can't pass protect, the o-line has had breakdowns, the tackles have been inconsistent and/or Favre isn't getting the ball out to the right man fast enough. It's been one of those things all year almost. Last year he feasted when seeing a heavy blitz and getting 1 on 1 matchups. The only way the offense is going to turn around is if they can get that corrected.

My first thought was that we have about 4 hours wide open before the Vikings game. That's awful. I hope this whole Packers/Lambeau hype can finally snap Favre back to being good.

I think I have read somewhere that MSU would win any 3 way tiebreaker with any of the legit Big Ten contenders. if it's about who goes to the Rose Bowl, the tiebreaker is always "who hasn't been for the longest time?" No that's been gone for quite some time I believe.

We're getting way too technical here. I am not trying to knock Rodgers, because the guy is a great QB. I'm simply stating that at some point the guy has to take it upon himself to win games if he's going to be among the elite. You can't always rely on a FG kicker or defense to win you a game; sometimes you just have to put the ball in the endzone yourself. By blaming teammates for losing games, you could argue that with a better O-Line and WRs, Cutler could be an elite QB, but no one considers him even close to that. You have to find a way to win and pickup your teammates, and Rodgers has had chances to do that. You could replace every football term in this post with one from baseball and it would look like the same nonsense argument about a pitcher who has great stats but doesn't have as many wins as other guys not being elite. I am not trying to knock Felix Hernandez, because the guy is a great pitcher. I'm simply stating that at some point the guy has to take it upon himself to win games if he's going to be among the elite. You can't always rely on a your offense to score runs or defense to catch the ball to win you a game; sometimes you just have to get guys out yourself. You could but it wouldn't make any sense. Not that I fully agree with CBM, but you can't take the statistical approach to baseball that you take to football. I'm open to reading anything and appreciate the effort but the sabermetric mindset can not work in football.

This is what I've been saying, it's brutal. Arizona and Buffalo at home should be locks. Winning out at home is the key. That wasn't a well played game overall yesterday but it was as much fun as I've ever had at an NFL game. First time ever with box and club seats. The pre-game stuff with Randy was awesome so were Percy's return and E.J's picks. Other than that it was just really, really loud and a close game. I forget about how many Cowboys and Steelers fans there are at road games until I attend one.

The secondary has been solid. Especially when you consider the injuries. Chris Cook should be back this week which means no more Lito which is a good thing. The Griffin injury was huge though. The d-line hasn't gotten the consistent pressure but I've got to hope that will turn around. They're too good not to. I also don't buy the upcoming Packers game deciding that much. Not with these teams. I think the point others are making is that the Vikings have the most potential. It all depends on Favre. The passing game has been by far the biggest weakness. Moss should continue to get more acclimated and be able to play more snaps. Sidney will hopefully be back for the last 8 games which gives you a receiving group as good as any in the league with the best back in the league. Favre just has to get better.

Iowa vs. Wisconsin Saturday, Vikes at Packers Sunday night. Ruin the weekend for that entire state.

If Tolzien can afford the turnovers, they have a legitimate chance. Iowa's secondary is a big problem. Michigan/Arizona has exposed it. They had Iowa on the ropes last year until Tolzien had a disastrous 2nd half. Wisconsin is in the same position as Michigan State is. Win at Iowa, and the Rose Bowl is practically yours (as they have @Purdue, Indiana, @ Michigan, Northwestern to end the season). The same position except for the additional loss, to Michigan State. Yeah I'm trying to figure that out also. In MSU's case it makes sense because they would have the tiebreaker over Iowa and Wisconsin while not playing OSU. Wisconsin needs to win out and have MSU lose twice unless it comes down to some 3-way tiebreaker that they win.

What the hell is this guy talking about?

Holy hell Wisconsin

That's standard practice this year. At least you get it in SD. DirecTV blacks it out completely. Yet ESPNews carries Michigan and Iowa. Completely redundant. It's on 210 (ESPN Alternate) on DirecTV. All of those reverse mirror games have been on there or 211 but all in SD.

Right when I was about to say Scheelhaase has looked solid.

Have some awesome tickets to sit in player's section for the Vikings/Cowboys game Sunday. Really wish the Cowboys weren't also desperate. Winning would be a lot more fun.

Between these Blackhawks games and the bits I've seen on the center ice preview, it's easy to remember why I typically don't watch a lot of hockey until winter. Sloppy and choppy without much flow. Of course the Predators don't help in that regard.