2010-2011 NFC North Division

[LON]

At least they signed Javon Walker!

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/101351219.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr


EDIT:  Apparently he did have surgery and will miss half the season

[Jay Bee]

I guess when multiple doctors told him months ago to have surgery he thought they meant to do so two weeks before the first game of the regular season. 

At least Berrian is looking healthier this season.. but he is not the same receiver as Rice.  Can't wait for Logan Payne to go for 100 and a score vs. the Packers

[Moonboots]

Can't wait for Logan Payne to go for 100 and a score vs. the Packers

So are you going to get that game of Madden in tonight yet, or will you wait for tomorrow?

[JWags85]

At least Berrian is looking healthier this season.. but he is not the same receiver as Rice. 

But Rice is not OchoCinco's right hand man on OchoCinco: The Ultimate Catch, so Berrian has that going for him.  B Twice!

[MUBurrow]

FWIW, Vikes traded for Greg Camarillo today.

As a huge Dolphins fan, I've seen a bunch of G-reg.  He's exactly what he seems like.  Incredibly reliable hands and good blocker/route runner - hence his coming out of the slot without a ton of speed.  Was huge for Pennington (and his weak arm) in the playoff run with his willingness to do dirty work.  He will be a nice outlet for Bart, but it doesn't seem to help the Harvin or Rice situations, they just do different things.  Plus Benny Sapp was a lot to give up. If I remember right, he played really well for Minnesota down the stretch.

[NavinRJohnson]

Saw just a little bit of the Packers last night, but that offense is real, and its spectacular. Gonna be a fun year.

[MU B2002]

Saw just a little bit of the Packers last night, but that offense is real, and its spectacular. Gonna be a fun year.

A great barometer of regular season results is the result of a preseason game against the Colts.  They are always very concerned with winning preseason games.

[NavinRJohnson]

A great barometer of regular season results is the result of a preseason game against the Colts.  They are always very concerned with winning preseason games.

Who said anything about a barometer? Did you see the game? Have you seen them this year? Did you see them last year for that matter? Are you aware of the weapons and depth they have on offense? If they aren't one of the top 3 or 4 offensive teams this year, I will be very surprised. Perhaps you disagree with that. If not, what's your point?

[MU B2002]

Who said anything about a barometer? Did you see the game? Have you seen them this year? Did you see them last year for that matter? Are you aware of the weapons and depth they have on offense? If they aren't one of the top 3 or 4 offensive teams this year, I will be very surprised. Perhaps you disagree with that. If not, what's your point?

Whoa.  I was trying to poke a little fun at a rival fan.  And yes, as a Bears fan, I am very aware of all that the Pack attack has going on.  That's why I laid a little cash on them to go all the way.





Answers to your questions
1. Barometer: You alluded to regular season success after commenting about how good the offense looked last night.  I took that to mean you were using the preseason as a measuring stick for expected results during the regular season.
2. Yes I watched the 1st team portion of the game.
3. I have seen them twice this year.
4. I saw them many times last season.
5.  Yes I am aware of their weapons.
6. See info above.

I can tell we both are ready for a little football.

[Dish]

I checked the box score of that Pack game and didn't see anything for Jennings. I'm assuming he sat this one out?

[Spotcheck Billy]

I checked the box score of that Pack game and didn't see anything for Jennings. I'm assuming he sat this one out?

that is correct

[LON]

I checked the box score of that Pack game and didn't see anything for Jennings. I'm assuming he sat this one out?

Back injury.  Nothing major, just no need to have him out there.  James Jones looked good filling in for him though.

The defense worries me (what's new) - not so much against the run but our susceptibility to the pass.  Also, very poor open field tackling last night.

That said, and it was hard not to get excited about the Packers' chances this year (especially with the love-fest ESPN was giving them), I'll temper my expectations after another solid preseason showing.

We saw what domination in the preseason got us last year...

Who said anything about a barometer? Did you see the game? Have you seen them this year? Did you see them last year for that matter? Are you aware of the weapons and depth they have on offense? If they aren't one of the top 3 or 4 offensive teams this year, I will be very surprised. Perhaps you disagree with that. If not, what's your point?

I agree, should have no problems scoring.

[MerrittsMustache]

In 2008 the Detroit Lions looked good in the preseason and went 4-0.

In 1985 the Chicago Bears looked awful in the preseason and went 1-3.

Just saying.

[NavinRJohnson]

I am ready for some football!

BTW, is anyone besides Jerry Jones and JayBee not predicting the Packers will be in the Super Bowl? I know they're going to be good, but I don't necessarily like them being the fashionable pick. 

[GOMU1104]

JayBoy has been pretty quiet...

[LON]

I am ready for some football!

BTW, is anyone besides Jerry Jones and JayBee not predicting the Packers will be in the Super Bowl? I know they're going to be good, but I don't necessarily like them being the fashionable pick. 

Does that mean the Vikings are no longer "Consensus?"

[wadesworld]

I am ready for some football!

BTW, is anyone besides Jerry Jones and JayBee not predicting the Packers will be in the Super Bowl? I know they're going to be good, but I don't necessarily like them being the fashionable pick. 

Don't think the defensive backs are there to get to the Super Bowl.  I would definitely not be surprised to see it happen, but I would put the Saints above us right now and the Cowboys just barely behind us right now.

Also everyone (including myself) was predicting a Super Bowl appearance for us last year after a dominant preseason as well and we know how that went.

If the defense can find a way to hold up I like our chances.  If not I still think we win the division but it will still be close.

[MerrittsMustache]

I am ready for some football!

BTW, is anyone besides Jerry Jones and JayBee not predicting the Packers will be in the Super Bowl? I know they're going to be good, but I don't necessarily like them being the fashionable pick. 

I'm predicting the Atlanta Falcons to win the NFC...and lose to Indy in the SB.

Keep in mind that I'm generally horrible with NFL predictions.

[NavinRJohnson]

It certainly does look like a 3 horse race among GB, NO, and DAL, but this is the NFL, so you just never know. The only other teams that would seem to even have a shot though would likley be ATL and MIN.

[Hards Alumni]

wonder how Viking fans feel after last night?

I think the CONSENSUS Packers should lock up the NFC North easily.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

wonder how Viking fans feel after last night?

I think the CONSENSUS Packers should lock up the NFC North easily.

Eh.

I'm disappointed the Vikes didn't win. But, they played ok in a tough road game, and I never expected them to go undefeated.

Put it this way, if the Packers lost to N.O. in the superdome in week 1, how would "Packer Nation" feel?

The Vikes didn't look over-matched... they looked rusty. That might be an age issue because the entire team (especially the QB) is a year older... but it also could be similar to last season where they played ugly for a few weeks before they got on a roll.

I'm thinking they are a little too old and the schedule is a little too tough. 9-7, unless AP has some sort of historic rushing year. He's still the wild card.

EDIT: Spelling. Roll. Not "role".

[GOMU1104]

Vikings were lucky to be that close.  2 missed FGs and 2 non-turnovers that very well could have gone NO's way (Harper's near INT and Berrian's fumble on the punt)

[GGGG]

wonder how Viking fans feel after last night?

I think the CONSENSUS Packers should lock up the NFC North easily.

This Packer fan thought the Vikings looked fine for a first game on the road against a quality opponent.  Favre's stats were actually worse in last years opener at the Browns...skipping all off season activities means he is going to take awhile to get caught up.  Once he gets his timing back, they are going to be a very good team.

Of course, the Saints made the better halftime adjustments because they have a better coaching staff though...

[LON]

His arm didn't look strong at all in the 4th quarter...is the Grizzled One finally showing his age?

[Jay Bee]

I'm fine.  We're fine - for now.  Very tough schedule, would have been nice to steal that one.

Would like to see a little more of the Cornholio receiver guy from Miami... where is Berrian?  Will he ever reveal himself, or has he in fact done so already? 

I know lots of Green Bey fans were skeeting when Favre was picked (interference on VS during the play went uncalled, btw)... that was vintage Favre.  But, then the TD pass later in the half was also.  I'm OK with it.

I bet Minnesota +5.5 and came out victorious.  The Back2Back Vikings are a force - let's get that secondary healthier, figure out what receiver(s) want to step up in Rice's absence, and do what we do - win the NFC North.