2008 NFC NORTH PREVIEW

On Monday night, this blogger had the privilege of being joined by Michigan native and Bears fan Andrew Ross and Minnesota native and Vikings fan Chris Bennett, to discuss the prospects of all four teams in the 2008 NFC North. I made absolutely no preparations for this blog (Believe me it shows) and I was watching stupid, pointless programming on MTV as I typed. Fortunately for my readers, I stopped gawking at that braindead chick Audrina on The Hills long enough to piece together this chat session.

I basically just copied and pasted everything we wrote in our AOL IM chat "NFC Norris." It's rambling, barely coherent, and maddeningly inconsistent.

Enjoy:


JMurray53 (9:55:23 PM): okay do you guys want to do the breakdown of saturday's Cup race now or just jump into the NFC North talk?

ATRoss14 (9:55:35 PM): can we do the Cup race preview too

JMurray53 (9:55:44 PM): i figured that was just an understood....

cben2620 (9:55:44 PM): let's talk about nascar first

JMurray53 (9:56:00 PM): excellent call out, sir... no one here is even remotely qualified to do that

JMurray53 (9:56:23 PM): so let's talk about something we are practically overqualified to discuss - NFC North Football

cben2620 (9:57:22 PM): nfcnorris, classic

ATRoss14 (9:57:43 PM): yeah, copying Chris Berman is a good way to go

JMurray53 (9:57:58 PM): it's the black and blue division, gentlemen

JMurray53 (9:58:28 PM): id like to discuss all 4 teams one at a time, then follow that up with final predictions

ATRoss14 (9:58:39 PM): sounds good

cben2620 (9:58:47 PM): okay

JMurray53 (9:59:18 PM): let's start with the Chicago Bears, 2006 NFC Champs but didn't even make the playoffs last season.... What went wrong?

ATRoss14 (9:59:50 PM): where to start.....no upgrade at QB, traded their best RB

ATRoss14 (10:00:00 PM): injuries up the ying yang

cben2620 (10:00:04 PM): atrocious offense, injured/overrated defense, great kick/punt returner

JMurray53 (10:00:19 PM): why would you attempt to upgrade at QB when you're coming off a conference championship season?

ATRoss14 (10:00:23 PM): very critical CB

ATRoss14 (10:00:32 PM): cause Rex sucks

ATRoss14 (10:00:38 PM): Orton is garbage

JMurray53 (10:00:40 PM): some, not me necessarily, but some would say that Rex is fun.... thoughts?

ATRoss14 (10:00:44 PM): and Griese has no arm

cben2620 (10:00:54 PM): what? 33% of that was complimentary

ATRoss14 (10:01:05 PM): you're right, my bad

ATRoss14 (10:01:23 PM): Rex is fun, if you are rooting for the team the Bears are playing that week

cben2620 (10:01:33 PM): orton and grossman are backup NFL QBs at best

ATRoss14 (10:01:45 PM): i'd say 3rd string at best really

JMurray53 (10:01:47 PM): lets talk about Orton for a second... all the guy did was win as a rookie

JMurray53 (10:02:00 PM): why cant he do it again this season?

ATRoss14 (10:02:06 PM): by having a monster defense behind him

cben2620 (10:02:30 PM): name one thing Orton is above average at for a QB

ATRoss14 (10:02:33 PM): if he can get that defense from 4 years ago back

JMurray53 (10:02:39 PM): aren't a lot of the same players from that D still in chicago? or is it merely just remnants of a once fearsome defense?

ATRoss14 (10:02:51 PM): they're still there.....just a lot older

ATRoss14 (10:02:59 PM): and slower

ATRoss14 (10:03:02 PM): and les skilled

cben2620 (10:03:04 PM): doesn't urlacher have a bad back or something

ATRoss14 (10:03:05 PM): less*

JMurray53 (10:03:13 PM): he's no worse than Rex and they made the Super Bowl with him

ATRoss14 (10:03:37 PM): again, that had very little to do with the QB...the defense and Hester carried that team

JMurray53 (10:04:06 PM): i read that Hester recently signed a $40 extension... doesnt that seem like a lot to pay a kick returner who hasnt proven himself at WR?

ATRoss14 (10:04:18 PM): $40 bucks is a bargain

JMurray53 (10:04:34 PM): oh we're making jokes

ATRoss14 (10:04:39 PM): oh course

ATRoss14 (10:04:41 PM): ofg

ATRoss14 (10:04:43 PM): christ

ATRoss14 (10:04:44 PM): of

JMurray53 (10:04:59 PM): forty million american dollars seems like a lot to me

cben2620 (10:05:06 PM): kick returners are overrated

JMurray53 (10:05:13 PM): go on

cben2620 (10:05:18 PM): you don't win super bowls with them

ATRoss14 (10:05:23 PM): but, what's the alternative.......not paying him and having him leave via free agency

cben2620 (10:05:30 PM): who was the kick returner for the giants last year?

cben2620 (10:05:43 PM): or the patriots?

ATRoss14 (10:05:53 PM): you had to bring up the giants huh.....now Murray is gonna get bitter

JMurray53 (10:06:08 PM): what do the Giants have to do with the Super Bowl?

JMurray53 (10:06:12 PM): lets stay on topic

cben2620 (10:06:22 PM): how could i not? it's completely relevant to the discussion

JMurray53 (10:06:50 PM): wouldnt you both agree that in the wide open NFC the bears could be a playoff team, QB problems aside

ATRoss14 (10:06:59 PM): i do not agree with that

JMurray53 (10:07:21 PM): chris?

ATRoss14 (10:07:21 PM): i actually think the Bears are the worst team in the division

ATRoss14 (10:07:44 PM): just don't tell Mike O I said that

cben2620 (10:07:45 PM): of course they could

cben2620 (10:08:08 PM): that there was a classic, annoying thing i like to do

cben2620 (10:08:24 PM): i don't like there chances of making the playoffs

ATRoss14 (10:08:26 PM): yes, it was

JMurray53 (10:08:29 PM): tommie harris, nathan vasher, peanut tillman, lance briggs, adewale ogunleye, alex brown.... these are very good players on their defense

cben2620 (10:08:39 PM): their. . .whoops

ATRoss14 (10:08:51 PM): thats only 6 players though....what about the other 5

JMurray53 (10:09:06 PM): mike brown will be healthy for 2, maybe 3 games

JMurray53 (10:09:12 PM): and brian urlacher was good in 2002

ATRoss14 (10:09:12 PM): Mike Brown is an injury waiting to happen

ATRoss14 (10:09:25 PM): we're making jokes now?

JMurray53 (10:09:57 PM): i just feel like this team could win games if their offense doesnt make too many mistakes.... they have a solid D and excellent special teams.... they should be able to control field position against a lot of teams

ATRoss14 (10:10:16 PM): in theory

JMurray53 (10:10:33 PM): now Andy, just for my many, many readers at home, who is your favorite NFL team again?

ATRoss14 (10:10:34 PM): they lost Benson, Berrian, Muhammed, their O-Line is old and bad

ATRoss14 (10:10:51 PM): my favorite team is the Bears

JMurray53 (10:10:53 PM): (losing Benson is not a negative)

cben2620 (10:10:58 PM): they really should have one of the worst offenses in the NFL

ATRoss14 (10:11:16 PM): Benson may have been a bust....but he's probably better than a rookie

cben2620 (10:11:19 PM): is greg olson the best player on offense?

ATRoss14 (10:11:24 PM): yes

ATRoss14 (10:11:26 PM): he is

ATRoss14 (10:11:30 PM): sadly

cben2620 (10:11:40 PM): who is the #1 wr?

ATRoss14 (10:11:53 PM): Rashied Davis

JMurray53 (10:11:53 PM): chris you really should prepare yourself for these things

JMurray53 (10:11:58 PM): i take this very seriously

cben2620 (10:12:25 PM): sorry, i didn't get the e-mail we'd be doing this today

cben2620 (10:12:39 PM): what about Mark Bradley?

ATRoss14 (10:12:49 PM): 5th string

ATRoss14 (10:13:12 PM): Davis #1, Brandon Lloyd #2, then Hester and Marty Booker

JMurray53 (10:13:13 PM): davis and marty booker are the projected starters

JMurray53 (10:13:27 PM): are you sure lloyd is starting?

cben2620 (10:13:29 PM): marty booker?! hahahaha

ATRoss14 (10:13:31 PM): Booker is actually rumored to be cut

ATRoss14 (10:13:42 PM): yes

JMurray53 (10:13:47 PM): Brandon Lloyd may or may not have a vagina

ATRoss14 (10:13:50 PM): my sources say lloyd is #2

ATRoss14 (10:14:07 PM): if you can hack it on the 49ers, you probably suck

cben2620 (10:14:09 PM): brandon lloyd, former illini and current prima donna

ATRoss14 (10:14:10 PM): can't

JMurray53 (10:14:17 PM): okay it sounds like this offense will be a mess but the defense is solid and the special teams are excellent

ATRoss14 (10:14:28 PM): defense will be average

cben2620 (10:14:33 PM): who is the punter?

JMurray53 (10:14:42 PM): maynard

ATRoss14 (10:14:44 PM): they just locked up a starting gig for JT O' Sullivan

cben2620 (10:14:51 PM): from ball state

JMurray53 (10:15:27 PM): guys the bears win total seems to be between 7.5 to 8 at various legalized gaming institutions in Nevada.... would you go Over or Under that number?

ATRoss14 (10:15:45 PM): i thought we were doing predictions at the end

JMurray53 (10:16:10 PM): its a good way to wrap up this particular team

JMurray53 (10:16:13 PM): just answer the question

ATRoss14 (10:16:24 PM): calm down

cben2620 (10:16:29 PM): under 8 at a cheap price if you can find it

ATRoss14 (10:16:29 PM): i'd bet underS

JMurray53 (10:16:38 PM): how do you know im all worked up... you cant hear or see me

cben2620 (10:16:45 PM): i can see you

ATRoss14 (10:16:47 PM): i just know

JMurray53 (10:16:50 PM): im not even wearing pants... how stressed could i possibly be

ATRoss14 (10:16:55 PM): dude

cben2620 (10:16:57 PM): yes you are

ATRoss14 (10:16:59 PM): over the line

JMurray53 (10:17:07 PM): with a gun to my head, I would bet 'Over' 7.5

ATRoss14 (10:17:08 PM): who are you, The H

JMurray53 (10:17:12 PM): too many people are down on this team

cben2620 (10:17:17 PM): at what price?

cben2620 (10:17:28 PM): 7-9 or 8-8 seem very likely

JMurray53 (10:17:41 PM): oh im not really betting it

JMurray53 (10:17:46 PM): hence the with a gun to my head lead in

ATRoss14 (10:17:46 PM): what about 8 bro...what would you bet

JMurray53 (10:18:08 PM): does kyle orton still have that beard?

ATRoss14 (10:18:14 PM): oh yeah

JMurray53 (10:18:19 PM): then id play over 8

cben2620 (10:18:25 PM): under 8 -130 or better

ATRoss14 (10:18:26 PM): square

ATRoss14 (10:18:36 PM): i agree 100% with CB

cben2620 (10:18:44 PM): i probably won't be betting this team either way

ATRoss14 (10:18:49 PM): the 'square' comment was for Muuray

ATRoss14 (10:18:56 PM): Murray

cben2620 (10:18:59 PM): obviously

ATRoss14 (10:19:04 PM): nice

JMurray53 (10:19:05 PM): i wont be betting it either.... now guys lets move ahead to the Detroit Lions, the perennial doormat of the division

cben2620 (10:19:15 PM): i love the lions

ATRoss14 (10:19:26 PM): they won't be the doormat this year

JMurray53 (10:19:28 PM): mike martz has taken his ridiculous (stupid) offense to san francisco.... where does that leave Detroit?

ATRoss14 (10:19:39 PM): in much better shape

cben2620 (10:20:05 PM): whatever kitna is predicting for season wins, subtract 8, that is my number

ATRoss14 (10:20:06 PM): a real offense, a young RB who looks solid

JMurray53 (10:20:15 PM): damn... thats airtight

cben2620 (10:20:32 PM): RB could be very strong for this team

JMurray53 (10:20:44 PM): getting rid of martz could make this offense solid

JMurray53 (10:20:47 PM): the WRs are awesome

ATRoss14 (10:20:54 PM): if healthy

cben2620 (10:21:04 PM): i like the offense except for kitna

ATRoss14 (10:21:07 PM): Roy Williams is a young Mike Brown, always banged up

JMurray53 (10:21:14 PM): but i dont see much to get excited about on their defense, with the possible exceptions of LB Ernie Sims and DE Dewayne White

cben2620 (10:21:32 PM): how much does losing Shaun Rogers hurt?

ATRoss14 (10:21:42 PM): I don't think any

JMurray53 (10:21:44 PM): great point... he's been the centerpiece of their defense for years

ATRoss14 (10:21:50 PM): he was never motivated to play hard

JMurray53 (10:22:12 PM): he wasnt really a fit in marinelli's scheme anyways... he tends to use smaller, quicker DTs like cory redding

ATRoss14 (10:22:19 PM): getting Bodden and Dwight Smith in the secondary could be a nice short term fix

ATRoss14 (10:22:37 PM): they have depth on defense for the first time in a couple years

cben2620 (10:22:50 PM): wow, we have some real NFL sharps here, i feel out of place

ATRoss14 (10:23:03 PM): that felt like a mock

JMurray53 (10:23:05 PM): id feel bad if i didnt warn my readers about this.... Chad Jackson said that if you want to bet the Lions 'Over' wins, make sure there are no cops present because you may be arrested.... doesn't that deter you guys?

cben2620 (10:23:19 PM): dwight smith, is he considered good?

ATRoss14 (10:23:20 PM): i'd be lying if I said no

JMurray53 (10:23:20 PM): Chad is, lets face facts, an idiot

ATRoss14 (10:23:38 PM): he's better than what Detroit has had the last 2 years

ATRoss14 (10:23:47 PM): i said short term fix

JMurray53 (10:23:55 PM): i think they used to start torry holt's brother terence at S so he must be better than that

cben2620 (10:24:22 PM): that's actually not nearly as square as most of chad's opinions

JMurray53 (10:24:27 PM): but ive never been a fan of bringing in veterans cast off by other teams.... id rather draft young players and bring them up in my team's system

ATRoss14 (10:25:42 PM): isnt that what the Redskins whole personnel strategy is? just bring in aging veterans

JMurray53 (10:25:56 PM): yes which is exactly why i hate it, its stupid

JMurray53 (10:26:02 PM): and it doesnt work

cben2620 (10:26:10 PM): the patriots do it

ATRoss14 (10:26:15 PM): i sense that he is all worked up again

JMurray53 (10:26:38 PM): true but they have The Great Tom Brady

JMurray53 (10:26:49 PM): ive seen Jon Kitna and i can tell you this much - he's no Tom Brady

ATRoss14 (10:27:14 PM): and, according to CJack, TGTB is no Peyton Manning

JMurray53 (10:27:50 PM): the Lions actually started the season 6-2 last year (despite a 34-3 loss to the Redskins) but fell apart at the end of the season

cben2620 (10:28:14 PM): what were their quality wins?

JMurray53 (10:28:53 PM): no wins against postseason teams from last year

ATRoss14 (10:29:09 PM): they beat Tampa

JMurray53 (10:29:32 PM): i just pulled up their schedule

JMurray53 (10:29:35 PM): interesting stat

JMurray53 (10:30:10 PM): trips to Philly, Washington, Minnesota, San Diego, and Green Bay ALL resulted in losses of 21 or more points

JMurray53 (10:30:11 PM): yikes

JMurray53 (10:30:25 PM): 5 losses of 3 TDs or more? that is embarassing

ATRoss14 (10:30:40 PM): it is

cben2620 (10:30:45 PM): they beat tampa? home or away?

JMurray53 (10:31:06 PM): 23-16, in detroit

ATRoss14 (10:31:12 PM): almost as embarassing as losing as 20 point favorites with a spot in the BCS title game on the line

JMurray53 (10:31:23 PM): very relevant

cben2620 (10:31:25 PM): 28.5 point favorites

cben2620 (10:31:28 PM): jesus

ATRoss14 (10:31:35 PM): had to get that in

ATRoss14 (10:31:40 PM): it was in the first one

ATRoss14 (10:31:46 PM): sorry bro

JMurray53 (10:32:05 PM): its ok... at least you didnt mention us losing to a 1-AA team at home to start the season

JMurray53 (10:32:07 PM): oh wait

JMurray53 (10:32:08 PM): sorry

JMurray53 (10:32:11 PM): that was Michigan

ATRoss14 (10:32:31 PM): yeah, i knew that was next

ATRoss14 (10:32:58 PM): we did beat SSMM's Florida Gators in the Capital One bowl though

JMurray53 (10:33:06 PM): the Lions have historically struggled on the road.... is there any reason to think they can reverse that this season?

ATRoss14 (10:33:33 PM): they do get ATL and SF on the road

ATRoss14 (10:33:39 PM): and Chicago

ATRoss14 (10:33:44 PM): that always helps

cben2620 (10:33:57 PM): they'll be good on the road when they have a good team

ATRoss14 (10:34:05 PM): at Houston as well.....that could be a W

JMurray53 (10:34:11 PM): and is that this season>

ATRoss14 (10:34:12 PM): great insight CB

JMurray53 (10:34:19 PM): are they good enough to win on the road and seriously challenge for the playoffs?

cben2620 (10:34:34 PM): houston -7 in that game

ATRoss14 (10:34:58 PM): they could challenge for the playoffs

ATRoss14 (10:35:02 PM): ill take Detroit +7

JMurray53 (10:35:04 PM): very nice

ATRoss14 (10:35:19 PM): i'll even tease it!

JMurray53 (10:35:29 PM): the Lions win total seems to be 6.5 with the juice (and Chad) on the 'Over', where do you guys stand?

cben2620 (10:35:36 PM): i've grown accustomed to the Lions sucking every year

ATRoss14 (10:35:57 PM): id take overS 6.5

cben2620 (10:36:22 PM): i hate to bet under 6.5, but it's the Lions, the number seems right, over 6.5 at +125ish might be good

ATRoss14 (10:36:46 PM): i doubt you'll get a plus on that

cben2620 (10:36:47 PM): i don't think i'll be betting this team's season wins either

JMurray53 (10:36:53 PM): i wont be betting this but if i had to id take them over 6.5
JMurray53 (10:37:05 PM): thats a very low number and they have been improving under Marinelli

JMurray53 (10:37:43 PM): but i really dont think they are quite yet on the level of the next team i want to talk about, the Green Bay Packers

cben2620 (10:38:10 PM): i'm so glad you are color-coordinating this crap

JMurray53 (10:38:22 PM): i understand there was a QB change in Green Bay over the offseason, what if anything have you guys heard about that?

ATRoss14 (10:38:27 PM): he's doing more coordinating than CC

ATRoss14 (10:38:31 PM): j/k

ATRoss14 (10:38:41 PM): that was to easy

cben2620 (10:39:01 PM): huh? are you saying favre is no longer the qb?

ATRoss14 (10:39:10 PM): wtf, really?

JMurray53 (10:39:12 PM): that's right

ATRoss14 (10:39:18 PM): holy crap

JMurray53 (10:39:19 PM): brett favre was traded to the new york jets

cben2620 (10:39:31 PM): so who is the qb? craig nall?

ATRoss14 (10:39:37 PM): wow, for a Hershel Walker like bounty I assume

JMurray53 (10:39:50 PM): for a pick that becomes a 1 if deanna favre is shown in the stands more than 3,000 times during the season

ATRoss14 (10:40:05 PM): he's married?

cben2620 (10:40:33 PM): will people even show up for their games if he isn't the qb?

JMurray53 (10:40:41 PM): so with Favre gone, how do you guys think the remnants of the offense will do without him?

ATRoss14 (10:40:49 PM): it is Wisconsin.....what else they gonna do

cben2620 (10:40:53 PM): hunt

JMurray53 (10:40:58 PM): mock

cben2620 (10:41:07 PM): no, that's what they do

ATRoss14 (10:41:11 PM): they can do that the other 6 and a half days

JMurray53 (10:41:14 PM): i understand that Jorgen recently had a wonderful time in Wisconsin

JMurray53 (10:41:23 PM): lots of "manly" activities if you catch my drift

cben2620 (10:41:26 PM): he's already back

ATRoss14 (10:41:28 PM): dude, you are obsessed with him

cben2620 (10:41:29 PM): ?

JMurray53 (10:41:51 PM): (it's for my less.... ummm how do i put this delicately.... intelligent readers, bro.... just play along)

JMurray53 (10:42:04 PM): yeah hes back and guess who else is back?

JMurray53 (10:42:06 PM): his purse!

ATRoss14 (10:42:11 PM): oh boy

JMurray53 (10:42:14 PM): (pause for laughter)

ATRoss14 (10:42:21 PM): (silence)

cben2620 (10:42:47 PM): someone needs new material

JMurray53 (10:42:50 PM): seriously tho, the Packers offense with Favre, should they just punt on 1st down or can Aaron Rodgers lead them up and down the field

JMurray53 (10:42:59 PM): without excuse me....still just doesnt seem right

ATRoss14 (10:43:19 PM): their offense will not suffer to much in my opinion

JMurray53 (10:43:38 PM): chris? any thing you want to say about Favre or....?

ATRoss14 (10:43:39 PM): Rodgers won't make all the dumb throws that TGBF use to make

cben2620 (10:44:35 PM): it's going to be hard replacing the greatest athlete in the history of competitive sport, so the packers should probably forfeit all of their games to save the embarrassment of going 0-16 while actually trying

ATRoss14 (10:44:52 PM): bitter much?

JMurray53 (10:44:56 PM): is that the new thing called sarcasm?

JMurray53 (10:45:19 PM): let me ask you guys this, on a serious note

ATRoss14 (10:45:28 PM): I think Favre would have been much better off going to Minnesota

cben2620 (10:45:30 PM): seriously though, favre is the all-time leader in INTs and hasn't been good since 2001

cben2620 (10:46:01 PM): he's still durable and has a strong arm, but he's a fucking moron

JMurray53 (10:46:03 PM): if Brett Favre breaks the record for interceptions thrown in one season should they stop the game, and bring Deanna onto the field for a ceremony followed by a breast cancer awareness speech?

JMurray53 (10:46:19 PM): language

ATRoss14 (10:46:31 PM): i guess this won't be linked on golfodds.com

JMurray53 (10:47:27 PM): no team exceeded their win total more than the Packers last season; how can they possibly follow that up in 08?

cben2620 (10:47:29 PM): jorgen jokes get old, brett favre jokes never get old

cben2620 (10:47:55 PM): are you saying my Under 10.5 wins bet might be a good one

ATRoss14 (10:47:58 PM): they should be able to make the playoffs

ATRoss14 (10:48:14 PM): i mean, they could

JMurray53 (10:48:30 PM): has Minnesota passed them as the class of the NFC Norris? Andy?

ATRoss14 (10:48:56 PM): passed them?? no. equal, probably

JMurray53 (10:49:07 PM): Chris?

ATRoss14 (10:49:14 PM): if the Vikings had addressed their QB situation, I'd say yes

cben2620 (10:49:20 PM): as a vikings fan, i am worried, the packers could win 10 games this year, i wouldn't be surprised

JMurray53 (10:49:29 PM): racist

cben2620 (10:49:38 PM): who?

JMurray53 (10:49:48 PM): that vikings QB cracked reaked of racism

ATRoss14 (10:50:01 PM): really?

ATRoss14 (10:50:09 PM): i didn't even mention anyone by name

JMurray53 (10:50:10 PM): are you saying Jackson isn't cerebral enough to lead the Vikes to the postseason?

ATRoss14 (10:50:37 PM): i'm saying they could have either added a more qualified starter or a better backup

cben2620 (10:50:41 PM): we are getting ahead of ourselves

JMurray53 (10:50:47 PM): good point, CB

ATRoss14 (10:51:02 PM): way to moderate things Murray Murray

JMurray53 (10:51:03 PM): the Packers D was really good last season and most of those players are back

JMurray53 (10:51:10 PM): besides Corey Williams who is gone to the Browns

cben2620 (10:51:13 PM): the packers had a strong D last year, breakout RB and WR

ATRoss14 (10:51:24 PM): very good O-Line too

JMurray53 (10:51:31 PM): i just feel like everything went right for them last season

JMurray53 (10:51:49 PM): can they really expect that to happen again? especially as they break in a new QB?

cben2620 (10:52:03 PM): i only saw rodgers play a little against dallas last year, i thought he looked competent

ATRoss14 (10:52:04 PM): is Rodgers really that new though?

ATRoss14 (10:52:15 PM): he's rode the pine for how many years

cben2620 (10:52:37 PM): i think everyone is overrating the loss of favre and plugging in Rodgers

JMurray53 (10:52:37 PM): so has Brian St. Pierre... but i wouldnt trust him to start

ATRoss14 (10:52:41 PM): it's not like he's Matt Ryan, or Brodie Croyle

cben2620 (10:53:04 PM): rodgers was expected to be a top 10 overall pick

cben2620 (10:53:14 PM): he hasn't even had a real opportunity yet

JMurray53 (10:53:20 PM): for his career, Rodgers has attempted 59 passes

ATRoss14 (10:53:36 PM): that Dallas game that CB mentioned though, he looked good

cben2620 (10:53:42 PM): wasn't a problem for b roeth

ATRoss14 (10:53:44 PM): made good throws

JMurray53 (10:53:58 PM): big ben is the exception, not the rule

ATRoss14 (10:54:01 PM): mobility will be a nice plus for him as well

cben2620 (10:54:20 PM): big ben played in a garbage conf, rodgers played in a real conf

JMurray53 (10:54:27 PM): what do you guys think about Ryan Grant? is he the real deal?

ATRoss14 (10:54:27 PM): didnt some guy named Tom Brady come in and win a bunch of games right off the bat?

cben2620 (10:54:54 PM): grant is for real, i've been impressed

ATRoss14 (10:55:00 PM): tough to judge Grant from 10 games

cben2620 (10:55:07 PM): that's not true, nothing impresses me

JMurray53 (10:55:30 PM): nothing?

JMurray53 (10:55:36 PM): have you not seen Jeff's new phone?

cben2620 (10:55:47 PM): not even that!!

JMurray53 (10:55:52 PM): wow

ATRoss14 (10:55:59 PM): dude, do you HAVE to mention The Y and Jeff in everything?

JMurray53 (10:56:09 PM): honestly yes

JMurray53 (10:56:13 PM): its in my contract

cben2620 (10:56:16 PM): i can't believe that is winning the poll

cben2620 (10:56:28 PM): how many computers have you voted on, john?

JMurray53 (10:56:43 PM): for the record, i voted for sports/gambling insight

cben2620 (10:56:49 PM): so did i

ATRoss14 (10:56:53 PM): as did i

JMurray53 (10:57:02 PM): i cant believe how few people have voted for Mom stories

JMurray53 (10:57:05 PM): but i digress

cben2620 (10:57:09 PM): i like mom stories

JMurray53 (10:57:18 PM): packers wins is at 8.5

JMurray53 (10:57:24 PM): down from 15.5 after the favre trade

ATRoss14 (10:57:31 PM): nice mock

JMurray53 (10:57:34 PM): i understand that bennett already played them at under 10.5

JMurray53 (10:57:37 PM): but play along

ATRoss14 (10:57:42 PM): have we even really discussed them at all?

JMurray53 (10:58:02 PM): we discussed them enough

ATRoss14 (10:58:07 PM): yes sir

JMurray53 (10:58:09 PM): enough to know that none of us know what to make of them

cben2620 (10:58:27 PM): 8 is out there, over 8 at -125 or better should be good, but i really do like under 10.5

ATRoss14 (10:58:41 PM): who has 8?

JMurray53 (10:58:42 PM): bennett says over on the packers

JMurray53 (10:58:45 PM): thats saying something

JMurray53 (10:58:47 PM): andy?

cben2620 (10:58:52 PM): i dunno, i swear i saw it

ATRoss14 (10:59:06 PM): i see a lot of 8.5 with a plus on the over

JMurray53 (10:59:17 PM): i think it's 8 at the peppermill

ATRoss14 (10:59:25 PM): which I'd take the over, 9-7 seems realistic

ATRoss14 (10:59:36 PM): lets make the short drive to Reno then

cben2620 (10:59:37 PM): i'll show you romorrow wise guy

ATRoss14 (10:59:41 PM): thats smart

cben2620 (10:59:44 PM): tomorrow

ATRoss14 (10:59:48 PM): i'm off tomorrow

cben2620 (10:59:55 PM): johnny boy

JMurray53 (11:00:09 PM): well i like them under 8.5

ATRoss14 (11:00:16 PM): ill book that for you

JMurray53 (11:00:23 PM): i think they lose opening day to the Vikings

cben2620 (11:00:35 PM): 9-7 seems probable

cben2620 (11:00:40 PM): i wish!

JMurray53 (11:00:42 PM): then its @ Detroit, Dallas, @ Tampa

JMurray53 (11:00:49 PM): followed by Atlanta @ Sea, Ind

ATRoss14 (11:00:54 PM): i already bet Minnesota for week 1

JMurray53 (11:00:54 PM): they could start 2-5

ATRoss14 (11:00:57 PM): i like that play

JMurray53 (11:01:01 PM): then watch the wheels come off

ATRoss14 (11:01:16 PM): they're to good to start 2-5, even with a new QB

ATRoss14 (11:01:38 PM): they have good weapons on offense

JMurray53 (11:02:00 PM): can i ask why you would book my action under 8.5 after chris just said that over 8 is available

ATRoss14 (11:02:31 PM): i dont think 8 is available, and it was a mock bro relax

JMurray53 (11:02:44 PM): believe me im relaxed

cben2620 (11:02:49 PM): i don't foresee a disaster with this team, i would expect them to nab the #5 or #6 playoff spot in the NFC

JMurray53 (11:02:51 PM): i have america's best dance crew on in the background

JMurray53 (11:02:54 PM): im good

ATRoss14 (11:03:11 PM): figures you watch that

cben2620 (11:03:20 PM): i swear i saw 8, how can you doubt me?

JMurray53 (11:03:47 PM): well Chris if you see them as a wild card team, then that means you see another team winning the North, would that club be perhaps.... the Minnesota Vikings?

ATRoss14 (11:03:48 PM): i just think that you're mistaken thats all

cben2620 (11:04:06 PM): it's theirs for the taking

ATRoss14 (11:04:15 PM): i like the Viks this year]

ATRoss14 (11:04:22 PM): their D is very strong

ATRoss14 (11:04:29 PM): solid run game

cben2620 (11:04:31 PM): defense could be one of the best ever

JMurray53 (11:04:32 PM): Andy the (blatant) racist brought up the QB situation.... does that worry you?

ATRoss14 (11:05:02 PM): i object to the racist implications

JMurray53 (11:05:18 PM): good... i would too if i were you... they are completely unfounded

cben2620 (11:05:20 PM): yes, the vikings haven't even attempted much of a passing game with Jackson, and when they have he hasn't looked very good

ATRoss14 (11:05:35 PM): i hate you

ATRoss14 (11:05:41 PM): you're a young Austin

JMurray53 (11:05:42 PM): yeah, i get that a lot

JMurray53 (11:05:57 PM): well i get hated a lot

cben2620 (11:06:02 PM): his game at home against the Bears last season was one of the worst you'll ever see, it made Kyle Boller cringe

JMurray53 (11:06:08 PM): never been compared to old '2:53 Bhushan'

ATRoss14 (11:06:12 PM): Jackson does have a knee though(copying that lame way of saying someone is hurt)

cben2620 (11:06:25 PM): stop it andy, stop it right there

JMurray53 (11:06:37 PM): who do you think the Vikes would go to if Jackson got hurt and/or continued to suck ass

ATRoss14 (11:06:46 PM): what did I do CB

cben2620 (11:06:48 PM): gus!

JMurray53 (11:06:54 PM): the gus bus?

cben2620 (11:06:59 PM): i know he has a knee, what about it?

ATRoss14 (11:07:12 PM): im saying its injured

cben2620 (11:07:20 PM): no you weren't

ATRoss14 (11:07:22 PM): you know, by just saying the name of the area thats hurt

JMurray53 (11:07:25 PM): i was once at a game where he slammed his head into the wall to celebrate a touchdown and had to leave the game with a concussion....doesn't sound very cerebral to me

ATRoss14 (11:07:43 PM): he couldnt hack it as the starting QB of the Lions

ATRoss14 (11:08:02 PM): a quick Frerotte story....

JMurray53 (11:08:06 PM): please

ATRoss14 (11:08:31 PM): I was bartending back in Michigan, and Saginaw was once home of the Lions training camp...when Frerotte was QB.....

ATRoss14 (11:08:54 PM): one night Frerotte and Brian Stabeline(sp?) came in and sat at the bar....

ATRoss14 (11:09:18 PM): and talked about WWE Wrestling the whole time, and their favorite 'death kill moves'......what a tool

JMurray53 (11:09:23 PM): did this bar have walls and if so was Frerotte very cautious while he was walking to jon?

ATRoss14 (11:09:44 PM): no, he seemed alright

cben2620 (11:09:57 PM): WWE is awesome

ATRoss14 (11:10:02 PM): they even asked me what my favorite move was

JMurray53 (11:10:07 PM): mike o...when did you join the chat

cben2620 (11:10:07 PM): oh wait, i'm not 11 anymore

JMurray53 (11:10:21 PM): mock

JMurray53 (11:11:03 PM): i couldnt help but notice Chris saying the Vikings could have one of the best defenses ever

cben2620 (11:11:04 PM): dude, they are football players, what would you expect them to talk about?

JMurray53 (11:11:15 PM): Chris id like to know.... are you high or something?

ATRoss14 (11:11:19 PM): stuff that's not gay

cben2620 (11:11:35 PM): so what if i am, don't judge me

JMurray53 (11:11:51 PM): i love their front four

JMurray53 (11:11:58 PM): and iowa product chad greenway is a talent

JMurray53 (11:12:07 PM): not thrilled about their secondary tho

cben2620 (11:12:22 PM): greenway was a 1st round pick last year, got hurt in the 1st preseason game and missed the whole season

JMurray53 (11:12:33 PM): wasnt that 2 years ago?

cben2620 (11:12:39 PM): the LB corps will be strong

cben2620 (11:13:01 PM): maybe, i don't know jack about the NFL

ATRoss14 (11:13:02 PM): their D should be able to score some points, despite what Chad thinks

JMurray53 (11:13:07 PM): michael boulware is still collecting NFL paychecks?

JMurray53 (11:13:12 PM): ridiculous

ATRoss14 (11:13:30 PM): careful, the Redskins may sign him soon

cben2620 (11:13:45 PM): john did i tell you i gave chad 50-1 on the vikings D not scoring a TD this year?

JMurray53 (11:14:03 PM): no but im sure my reader(s) would love to hear more

ATRoss14 (11:14:06 PM): CJack went on and on about that

cben2620 (11:14:13 PM): that's the whole story

JMurray53 (11:14:23 PM): theres no dollar amount involved....?

cben2620 (11:14:28 PM): $20

JMurray53 (11:14:38 PM): im no math major

cben2620 (11:14:48 PM): no you're not

JMurray53 (11:14:49 PM): but you laid 1,000 to win 20 bucks on the Vikings D NOT scoring a TD?

cben2620 (11:15:08 PM): you need to work on your critical reading skills

ATRoss14 (11:15:15 PM): yeah, really bro

ATRoss14 (11:15:22 PM): CB is betting on them scoring

ATRoss14 (11:15:25 PM): CJ is saying no

JMurray53 (11:15:29 PM): true... your guys blogs prove your writing skills are sublime

JMurray53 (11:15:33 PM): anyways

JMurray53 (11:15:45 PM): risking a dime to win 20 bucks on something like that seems i dunno.... really stupid....

ATRoss14 (11:16:20 PM): they scored quite a few D TD's last year

cben2620 (11:16:26 PM): so does laying -220 in a nascar matchup

JMurray53 (11:16:37 PM): which is why ive never done that

ATRoss14 (11:16:48 PM): CB, should went with a Patriots/Giants mock

JMurray53 (11:16:55 PM): ill bet 100 dollars with you at 50-1 on that exact same bet

cben2620 (11:17:07 PM): deal

JMurray53 (11:17:13 PM): understand that its for regular season only

cben2620 (11:17:18 PM): yes

ATRoss14 (11:17:21 PM): dudes

ATRoss14 (11:17:28 PM): this just got interesting

JMurray53 (11:17:30 PM): ill pay you 100 dollars the day the Vikings D score a touchdown

JMurray53 (11:17:45 PM): but i expect 5 grand on the last day of the regular season if they dont

cben2620 (11:17:54 PM): of course

JMurray53 (11:18:04 PM): and this is D only

cben2620 (11:18:09 PM): right

JMurray53 (11:18:12 PM): a special teams TD does not factor in correct?

cben2620 (11:18:15 PM): yes

JMurray53 (11:18:18 PM): you have a deal

ATRoss14 (11:18:39 PM): this should make this blog entry much more entertaining

JMurray53 (11:18:59 PM): i understand that the Vikings D is very explosive

JMurray53 (11:19:03 PM): but 50-1 seems crazy high bro

JMurray53 (11:19:08 PM): guess we'll find out

cben2620 (11:19:14 PM): 6 games against kitna, orton, and rodgers

cben2620 (11:19:25 PM): it's actually probably very close to the true odds

cben2620 (11:19:36 PM): i ran some numbers

JMurray53 (11:19:48 PM): well Chris, give us all your thoughts on the Vikings, theyre your team.... walk us through it.

ATRoss14 (11:19:56 PM): they also get Arizona and Atlanta

cben2620 (11:20:49 PM): only bad things regarding the D is the loss of madieu williams for the first few games of the season

ATRoss14 (11:21:31 PM): Jared Allen was a excellent pickup

JMurray53 (11:21:46 PM): will the loss of kenechi udeze have an adverse effect on the DL?

cben2620 (11:22:04 PM): d-line is superb, LBs underrated, secondary should be good

cben2620 (11:22:24 PM): udeze never did anyhing, he was always hurt

ATRoss14 (11:22:47 PM): yeah, i'd say if anything, losing him helps them

JMurray53 (11:22:53 PM): correct me if im wrong

JMurray53 (11:23:00 PM): wasnt the Vikings pass D ranked last in the NFL last season

ATRoss14 (11:23:00 PM): will do

cben2620 (11:23:27 PM): based on yards?

ATRoss14 (11:23:40 PM): those stats don't always tell the complete story

JMurray53 (11:23:41 PM): well what else can it be based on?

JMurray53 (11:24:02 PM): i understand that it's skewed by the fact that teams didnt want to run against them but that still has to be a cause for some concern

cben2620 (11:24:21 PM): that's why they got williams and used their top draft pick this year on a safety

JMurray53 (11:24:41 PM): what do you think of their corners

ATRoss14 (11:24:58 PM): total yards per game, they were #20, #1 rush D

ATRoss14 (11:25:20 PM): #11 for points given up

cben2620 (11:25:29 PM): winfield is good in coverage and is a solid tackler, the texas guy (can't think of his name) is improving

ATRoss14 (11:25:44 PM): Cedric Griffin

cben2620 (11:25:50 PM): they are so much better off without that clown Fred Smoot

cben2620 (11:26:12 PM): yeah, griffin

JMurray53 (11:26:20 PM): i admit that im just trying to play devil's advocate, the Vikings D is really good.... but the offense could another story....

JMurray53 (11:26:34 PM): isn't Mount McKinnie facing a suspension?

cben2620 (11:26:50 PM): i read that, but nothing is official

cben2620 (11:26:59 PM): losing him would really hurt

ATRoss14 (11:27:26 PM): did their D score 2 TD's in week 1 last year?

JMurray53 (11:27:29 PM): would you concerned at all if i told you that a certain Superbook employee, manager type, has been humping the Vikings like Austin humps Usain Bolt?

cben2620 (11:28:09 PM): nobody humps anything like Austin humps Usain Bolt

JMurray53 (11:28:17 PM): damn

JMurray53 (11:28:21 PM): no one could possibly refute that

ATRoss14 (11:28:32 PM): Vikings had 8 Defensive TD's last year

JMurray53 (11:28:48 PM): okay, thanks, Tony Reali

cben2620 (11:28:51 PM): yes, las vegas hilton superbook race and sportsbook manager Ed Salmons loves the Vikings

cben2620 (11:29:10 PM): and we know how much you respect his opinions, john

JMurray53 (11:29:16 PM): i like to call him NFL SuperFan Ed Salmons, or NFLSFES

cben2620 (11:29:44 PM): the vikings needed something like 7 weeks last year before the offense had more TDs than the defense

JMurray53 (11:30:24 PM): how about instead of listening to Ed, we all stubbornly ignore his golden NASCAR information week after week out of spite?

JMurray53 (11:30:31 PM): seems smart

JMurray53 (11:30:51 PM): (and the blog goes off the tracks in 3,2,1....)

cben2620 (11:31:00 PM): i don't get any golden information, i don't know about you though

JMurray53 (11:31:24 PM): anyways

ATRoss14 (11:31:28 PM): you're gonna edit this out right

JMurray53 (11:31:45 PM): ....

JMurray53 (11:31:53 PM): what do you guys think of Brad Childress?

cben2620 (11:31:57 PM): horrible

cben2620 (11:32:08 PM): he is an awful person

ATRoss14 (11:32:09 PM): much better than Mike Tice

cben2620 (11:32:13 PM): not just a bad coach

JMurray53 (11:32:24 PM): what did he do to deserve that chris?

cben2620 (11:32:48 PM): he seems like one of those people who thinks they are really smart, but are really fucking clueless

ATRoss14 (11:32:57 PM): one last D TD comment.....only 1 team didn't have a defensive score last year

JMurray53 (11:33:06 PM): what do you think of his mustache?

ATRoss14 (11:33:12 PM): it plays

JMurray53 (11:33:19 PM): does that make him seem smarter, less smart, or does it not factor in

cben2620 (11:33:32 PM): the mustache should be winning more games than it has

JMurray53 (11:34:08 PM): so this team has a bad coach and a bad qb... and we all agree on this? is that correct?

ATRoss14 (11:34:22 PM): i dont think Childress is that bad

cben2620 (11:34:26 PM): well i think most teams have bad coaches

cben2620 (11:34:37 PM): but then again, some might call me a hater

ATRoss14 (11:34:46 PM): or even critical

JMurray53 (11:34:46 PM): yeah dont know where we ever got that idea...

JMurray53 (11:35:14 PM): where do you guys stand on the Vikings season wins?

ATRoss14 (11:35:14 PM): this is Childress's make or break year

cben2620 (11:35:41 PM): i hate to admit this, but i would bet over 8.5 if i had to bet it

cben2620 (11:35:52 PM): -120 or better preferred

JMurray53 (11:35:55 PM): but you didnt bet their win total is that correct?

ATRoss14 (11:35:59 PM): i believe the Venetian has 8

ATRoss14 (11:36:06 PM): but, they put up a lot of garbage

ATRoss14 (11:36:14 PM): over 8, i like it

cben2620 (11:36:17 PM): do they? or is that a mock?

JMurray53 (11:36:25 PM): dude a good buddy of mine works there

ATRoss14 (11:36:27 PM): the sheet i have has it at 8

JMurray53 (11:36:27 PM): and hes a sharp

ATRoss14 (11:36:52 PM): its from July 9th, but its at 8

cben2620 (11:37:06 PM): if they are going to win the division, and many think they will, they ought to win at least 9 games

JMurray53 (11:37:10 PM): gun to my head, id bet them over 8.5 as well for the record...... after all they are the blog's pick to win the NFC North

JMurray53 (11:37:26 PM): id like to get your guys rankings, 1-4 of the NFC North teams....starting with Andy Ross

ATRoss14 (11:37:26 PM): do we know where CJack stands on this

cben2620 (11:37:39 PM): seriously, the D could win 10 by themselves

cben2620 (11:37:59 PM): but it's the vikings, they always disappoint when expectations are high

ATRoss14 (11:38:14 PM): i'd go GB 10-6, Minesota 9-7, Detroit 8-8, Chicago 6-10

JMurray53 (11:38:25 PM): Andy says Packers repeat

JMurray53 (11:38:34 PM): do you have the Vikings as a wild card?

ATRoss14 (11:38:46 PM): GB and Minnesota could easily be flip flopped though

ATRoss14 (11:38:54 PM): yeas, Vikings in the playoffs

ATRoss14 (11:39:00 PM): yes*

JMurray53 (11:39:06 PM): 2 team playoffs team from the division with the Packers taking it

JMurray53 (11:39:07 PM): Chris?

cben2620 (11:39:29 PM): this is gonna look like Sherman did this, whatever Minn 9-7, GB 9-7, Chi 7-9, Det 6-10

cben2620 (11:39:47 PM): yeah i know they are all within a half game of the season wins numbers

JMurray53 (11:39:51 PM): mock

JMurray53 (11:39:57 PM): so Minny wins on tiebreakers i take it?

cben2620 (11:40:02 PM): i respect the market

ATRoss14 (11:40:43 PM): Venetian has Detroit at 7 for the record

cben2620 (11:41:08 PM): i think we (yes we, that's how i talk about teams i'm not a part of) are slightly better than the Packers, hard to predict the vikes with 10 wins though

JMurray53 (11:41:28 PM): last year only one team from this division finished with a winning record and the NFC North matches up with the AFC South which means it wont get any easier

JMurray53 (11:41:40 PM): ill say Min 10-6 GB 7-9 Chi 7-9 Det 6-10

ATRoss14 (11:41:57 PM): way down on the Pack eh

cben2620 (11:42:05 PM): wow, you just won over a bunch of vikings games

cben2620 (11:42:14 PM): vikings fans, sorry

JMurray53 (11:42:28 PM): i love a good pass rush

cben2620 (11:42:30 PM): they get really worked up over predictions from morons

JMurray53 (11:42:57 PM): if the Giants can win the Super Bowl with no coach and no QB due to an oustanding pass rush, the Vikings can win 10 games in an easier division

cben2620 (11:43:15 PM): now you're getting me fired up

JMurray53 (11:43:21 PM): anything to add?

JMurray53 (11:43:22 PM): Ross?

cben2620 (11:43:31 PM): and the vikings crushed the giants last year

ATRoss14 (11:43:36 PM): i think the Vikings are built for a deep playoff run

ATRoss14 (11:43:48 PM): even if they dont win the division

ATRoss14 (11:44:01 PM): the Bears suck

JMurray53 (11:44:03 PM): they need AD to stay healthy but yes a lot of the pieces are there

ATRoss14 (11:44:08 PM): i hate thier Front Office

cben2620 (11:44:24 PM): who is AD?

JMurray53 (11:44:30 PM): dude

ATRoss14 (11:44:35 PM): i think he meant AP

JMurray53 (11:44:49 PM): thought i was blogging with some NFL guys

JMurray53 (11:44:53 PM): Adrian Peterson

JMurray53 (11:44:55 PM): "All Day"

JMurray53 (11:44:59 PM): goes by AD

ATRoss14 (11:45:18 PM): i've never heard that

cben2620 (11:45:22 PM): you can't see it, but i just rolled my eyes

JMurray53 (11:45:41 PM): here's the first line of his wikipedia

ATRoss14 (11:45:54 PM): is wikipedia your homepage

JMurray53 (11:46:02 PM): damn

JMurray53 (11:46:04 PM): now i cant do it

JMurray53 (11:46:08 PM): not following up that mock

ATRoss14 (11:46:21 PM): i'm just asking

JMurray53 (11:46:32 PM): but trust me his nickname is All Day, has been since he was getting paid large amounts of money by rich boosters in Norman

cben2620 (11:46:46 PM): i know, it's a dumb nickname

JMurray53 (11:46:55 PM): didnt say it wasnt

JMurray53 (11:46:59 PM): but it's still his nickname

JMurray53 (11:47:20 PM): well guys im gonna wrap this thing up unless you have something to say

ATRoss14 (11:47:51 PM): i hope you guys enjoy a Chadless day tomorrow

JMurray53 (11:48:10 PM): i thank you both for coming on the program

cben2620 (11:48:16 PM): thanks for having me

ATRoss14 (11:48:22 PM): what program?

JMurray53 (11:48:36 PM): thats a nickname i have for my blog

JMurray53 (11:48:41 PM): like All Day

JMurray53 (11:48:45 PM): doesnt make sense

ATRoss14 (11:48:46 PM): oh, ok...awesome

JMurray53 (11:49:11 PM): Thanks for being here and enjoy the game!

ATRoss14 (11:49:11 PM): this was fun, look forward to coming on the program again

JMurray53 (11:49:20 PM): what program?





And scene.


There you have it, guys. The blog is picking the Vikings to win the NFC North and I'll owe Chris 100 bucks in a couple weeks.

New pictures are up. I'll do a new poll in a couple days asking you guys to pick your own NFC North winner. But first I want to hear from you all on what the blog needs more of. Thanks in advance.



Enjoy the chat.