NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com NFL FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Awful Bears, Packers Making NFC North Title Easy for Minnesotahttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/awful-bears-packers-making-nfc-north-title-easy-for-minnesota/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/awful-bears-packers-making-nfc-north-title-easy-for-minnesota/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/08/awful-bears-packers-making-nfc-north-title-easy-for-minnesota/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Though most had the Minnesota Vikings as the favorites to win the NFC North heading into the season, nearly everyone agreed that either the Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers -- or both -- would at least pose as a challenge to the Vikes' second straight division crown. Instead, we're taking this division race off life support and putting it to rest after Week 9. The 2009 NFC North champions will be the Vikings. They can now focus on securing home-field advantage in the playoffs.

The reason for the above sentiment is that both the Bears and Packers were abysmal, in different circumstances, Sunday afternoon. The Pack went into Tampa Bay and lost to the formerly winless Buccaneers, while the Bears were absolutely manhandled for the majority of the afternoon by a fickle Arizona squad.
More: Week 9 Scoreboard | Updated Standings

With both Green Bay and Chicago falling to 4-4, the 7-1 Vikings, who were idle in Week 9, have a cushy three-game lead atop the division, but the gap is much larger than three games -- that much was evident Sunday.

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions and completed less than half of his passes. The combination of his penchant for holding the ball too long and Green Bay's lackluster offensive line just proved to be too much, as the Bucs' six sacks were easily a season high (they only had 11 in their previous seven games). The Packers also allowed a punt to be blocked, while their defense gave up three touchdown passes to rookie Josh Freeman, who was making his first NFL start. The Bucs' 38 points were, by far, another season high for a team that came into the game averaging 13.7 points a game.

After a certain period of time, it's almost not even worth asking if Packers coach Mike McCarthy is in over his head anymore. He was out-prepared by a rookie head coach, Raheem Morris, who had never won an NFL game. I don't care about the extra week of preparation, either, because McCarthy's team is infinitely more talented than the crew Morris won with. Worst of all for the Pack, it just seemed like the Bucs -- who, again, were 0-7 before the game started -- wanted it more. The game's last interception was pretty indicative of the whole game.

The Bucs' defender who took it to the house, Tenard Jackson, definitely should have just fallen to the ground instead of chancing a fumble. Instead, he refused to be tackled and the Packers just played like bullfighters ushering him to the end zone. It was a good illustration of how the entire fourth quarter played out.

Speaking of a team wanting it more, I'm surprised the Bears even took the field for the second half. The first half was as miserable an attempt at playing football as I've seen in a long time from them. Oh, wait, they just did that two games ago in an embarrassing loss at Cincinnati. Apparently the Bears don't care, period. It's easy for the masses to pick on Jay Cutler -- after all, the quarterback is the only player who helps his team win or lose, right? -- but the story here was the sieve that was masquerading as a defense.

The Arizona Cardinals set a season-high in rushing yards before halftime. Steve Breaston took a second-man-through reverse 25 yards, and about half the Bears defense gave up on the play after less than five yards. Tim Hightower entered the game averaging 3.3 yards per carry, but the Bears made him look like a Pro Bowler every time he touched the ball -- Beanie Wells also had his way. Larry Fitzgerald is always a man among boys, but he looked like he was facing high school competition in his dominance over Charles Tillman -- before Tillman retreated with injury, and I wouldn't be surprised if the injury was a bruised ego. Kurt Warner appeared to be yawning through much of his five-touchdown effort, not missing injured Pro-Bowl receiver Anquan Boldin for one second. And, of course, you have Tommie Harris getting ejected for a disgraceful action -- blatantly punching an Arizona offensive lineman a mere two minutes into the game. I'm not sure what was more despicable: Harris' punch or the Bears attempt at defense.


Of course, the defense wasn't supposed to be a concern this year, because Lovie Smith was taking over as the play-caller, and the Bears brought Rod Marinelli onto the staff. If this was Lovie's way of holding himself to a higher standard of accountability, he should be given his walking papers quite soon.

Also, the offensive play-calling was very suspect -- the Bears passed the ball 47 times compared to just 12 rushing plays. Obviously, once they fell behind by a large margin, they were forced to start chucking it, but they didn't run the ball until the eighth play from scrimmage. The entire first drive went without a rushing attempt. Sure, the Bears scored a touchdown in six plays, but there's something to be said for taking some time off the clock and keeping Warner and company off the field. I wonder if Smith will try to reiterate this week, again, that the Bears are a "running team?"

Chicago was provided a glimmer of hope when Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt inexplicably pulled Warner far too early in the fourth quarter. A Matt Leinart interception then set up the third Cutler-to-Greg Olsen touchdown of the game, and the Bears trailed 34-21 with more than nine minutes left. Of course, the next drive ended prematurely when Cutler tossed a pick -- it appeared Earl Bennett cut off his route early, but Cutler was still throwing into double coverage.

All in all, it was a dreadful day for the pair of teams who would be challengers to the Vikings in the North. Minnesota fans can start buying tickets for at least one home playoff game. The team can start playing for the right to host more, because this division "race" is, for all intents and purposes, over. In fact, the Bears and Packers are probably better suited to avoid falling behind the Lions. The gap between those two and the last-place Lions is much closer than it is between the struggling duo and the top.

Awful Bears, Packers Making NFC North Title Easy for Minnesota originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>aaron rodgersAaronRodgersbeanie wellsBeanieWellscharles tillmanCharlesTillmanjay cutlerJayCutlerjosh freemanJoshFreemankurt warnerKurtWarnerlarry fitzgeraldLarryFitzgeraldlovie smithLovieSmithmike mccarthyMikeMccarthyraheem morrisRaheemMorristenard jacksonTenardJacksontim hightowerTimHightowertommie harrisTommieHarrisMatt SnyderSun, 08 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST Congress Shoots Down NFL's Request for Help on StarCaps Rulinghttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/congress-shoots-down-nfls-request-for-help-on-starcaps-ruling/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/congress-shoots-down-nfls-request-for-help-on-starcaps-ruling/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/03/congress-shoots-down-nfls-request-for-help-on-starcaps-ruling/#commentsFiled under: ,

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell didn't find a receptive audience on Capitol Hill when he went to seek help on the StarCaps case on Tuesday.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell testified before a congressional subcommittee Tuesday, asking U.S. lawmakers for legislative help in the league's ongoing effort to suspend Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams for a positive drug test. But at the end of a three-hour hearing, the chairman of the subcommittee made it clear that Congress has no interest in getting involved in the StarCaps case. Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois urged Goodell and players' union head DeMaurice Smith, who also testified, to work out their differences over the case and the league's drug policy through collective bargaining.

"Ask Rodney King for some advice," Rush said in his closing statement. "Can't we all get along?"

Wednesday in New York, the NFL and the NFLPA will hold another round of collective bargaining negotiations. But as they attempt to head off an uncapped 2010 season and the possibility of a 2011 lockout by settling their significant differences on economic issues, it's clear that the league and the union are in strong disagreement on the state of the NFL's drug policy. When the hearings concluded Tuesday, NFL PR representatives Greg Aiello and Brian McCarthy engaged in some back-and-forth arguments with union spokesman George Atallah on their respective Twitter pages. Aiello wrote that the "NFLPA is now aligned with MLB players union on steroids. Seems like big step backward for NFLPA." Atallah responded by writing, "Alternative fix to federal legislation: collective bargaining. Let's close the loopholes."

A quick rundown of the background: The Williamses and three other players were suspended last year for testing positive for a banned substance, but the players argued that the positive test resulted from their taking the weight loss drug StarCaps. The players and their union say the league knew that StarCaps contained the banned substance and either failed, neglected or decided not to inform the players of that fact when they asked if the drug was OK for them to take. The league is upset that the union hasn't joined it in fighting the Williams' challenge of their suspensions, but the union believes the league is responsible for this specific problem and the union wants to negotiate changes in the policy that would prevent its recurrence.

The case is currently awaiting hearing in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, where so far the players have successfully argued that Minnesota state law prohibits employers from disciplining employees for a first positive drug test.

Goodell on Tuesday said the NFL's drug policy could not survive if it turned out to be vulnerable to challenges in individual state courts, and he asked the House Subcommitte on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection to help, calling this a "rare case in which narrow and tailored federal legislative action is warranted to confirm the primacy of federal labor law and respect agreements on this important subject."

But Rush clearly disagreed. He asked Goodell if the league had approached the Minnesota state legislature and asked them to change the law to make it clear that it doesn't apply to the NFL. (Louisiana has a similar law on the books that has such an exception written into it.) Goodell's response was that the league could do that, sure, but that wouldn't prevent other states from acting in this same way in the future.

But Goodell's worries seem unfounded, and in asking for congressional help the league appears to be overreaching. Only two states besides Minnesota -- Maryland and North Carolina -- have laws that would conflict in such a way with the NFL's drug policy. And certainly, if threatened with the possibility that the league would no longer operate in their states, those legislatures would undoubtedly make the necessary changes to those laws.

So in the meantime, Congress' position seems to be that the league and its union find a way to close these loopholes in the policy on their own, which is what Smith, the union head, has said publicly that he wants to do.

Rush said that Goodell's request for the hearing in light of the StarCaps ruling was "the proper and responsible thing to do," and he didn't rule out the idea of Congress getting involved in the future. But he made it clear that such involvement would not be desirable.

"If legislation is necessary, we love to write laws, so we won't hesitate to write them," Rush said. "But I think we need to go slow on this, and I'm going to ask and simply request that the players' association and the NFL, you all get together and try to work this out if you possibly can. You don't want 435 members of Congress writing a law that would have in any way some immediate conduct or effect on your players, because you never can tell. We might come up with some kind of laws that put a ceiling on salaries. You don't want us to get involved in this, because you can never tell what members of Congress will ultimately do once you open up this Pandora's Box. So I just would ask that you all try to work this out."

Congress Shoots Down NFL's Request for Help on StarCaps Ruling originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dan GrazianoTue, 03 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST Percy Harvin Dangerous at Any Speedhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/percy-harvin-dangerous-at-any-speed/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/percy-harvin-dangerous-at-any-speed/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/02/percy-harvin-dangerous-at-any-speed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Percy Harvin and Brett FavreGREEN BAY, Wis. -- How can a person that's so fast be so slow? But there was Percy Harvin in the Minnesota Vikings locker room on Sunday night, methodically prepping himself before addressing the media.

Slacks and shoes on. Check. Lotion applied from head to toe. Check. A rubdown of the close-cropped hair atop his head. Check. Repeat. Make sure all in his locker is in order. Check. More lotion applied. Check.

Turn. Breathe. Cameras roll. Recorders shoved his way.

Big smile.

Harvin can light it up without the ball in his hands in a fashion that's nearly as entertaining as he does with it.

"Percy the great!" his teammate and fellow receiver, Sidney Rice, joked at the locker next to him as Harvin took on all comers, all queries. There were plenty after Harvin ripped the Packers for 261 all-purpose yards in Minnesota's 38-26 victory. In the mix was a 51-yard touchdown grab where three Packers defenders collided and fell while Harvin soared and ran.

The NFL has presented a handful of offensive players in recent seasons whose sheer explosiveness is blinding. They are incredible talents in that their start-ups -- their first few steps from zero to 10 yards -- are faster, quicker, more electric than most. And once in the open field, they frequently blaze past defenders.

Receiver Santonio Holmes of the Pittsburgh Steelers fits the bill. So does receiver/kick returner Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears and running back/kick returner Darren Sproles of the San Diego Chargers. Running back Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans is in the group as well.

On Sunday against the New York Jets, receiver/kick returner Ted Ginn Jr. of the Miami Dolphins showed why he is worthy of inclusion. And receiver/kick returner DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles is so lightning quick that he is making a habit of running wide open, deep into the heart of defenses designed to negate him.

Harvin is a rookie who looks as fleet and spectacular as any of them.

How could anyone review his University of Florida career and not realize that this player had the tools to be special in the NFL? How could an instant impact player of this magnitude fall to the No. 22 spot in April's draft?

Well, before the draft, there were issues in character -- Harvin tested positive for marijuana. He had injury issues at Florida. Was he too small (5-foot-11, 184 pounds) to withstand the NFL pounding?

Now, though, he's showing charisma, and instead of seeing all those red flags of doubt, he's forcing Minnesota's opponents to wave white flags of surrender.

"I was being labeled a person I wasn't," Havin said. "Some of it was hurtful."

Some of it he earned.


"I didn't do everything up to this point the exact right way, but I have learned from mistakes, and it was never about me not wanting to be a great person and a great player,'' Harvin said. "The best thing that happened to me was falling in the draft. It gave me the chance to come to this team, rather than being a higher pick with a bad team. I want to be a winner. Some teams want to win. Some want to win a lot more than others.

"So, I didn't come in with any special expectations. I just wanted to contribute. I knew special teams for me wouldn't be a big deal. But I hoped that I could become a player who would be a change of pace for the offense."

He is more than a change of pace. He is another dynamic piece for this offense.

Running back Adrian Peterson already fills that role for the Vikings, and now Harvin, whether in the slot or elsewhere on the field, is becoming a similar force.

"Percy is something to watch with the ball in his hands because of his explosion and elusiveness," Packers receiver Greg Jennings said. "He is the type of player other NFL players like to watch. It is very hard for a defense to wrap its hand around a player like that."

First, you have to catch him.

Harvin has dealt with migraine headaches, a shoulder injury and a bout with flu this season. He has been in and out of practices and in and out of games. But he has been on the field long enough to help lift the Vikings into first place in the NFC North halfway through the season.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre keeps finding Harvin in key game situations -- and Favre has been in his ear about another topic.

"Brett has told me how much he enjoys the raw talent that I have, but he gave me some extra film," Harvin said. "He wanted me to study [New England Patriots receiver] Wes Welker. He reminded me there is something important about fundamentals and having a base understanding of what slot receivers do. Welker has been one of the best at it. Sometimes you have to slow down and really have that understanding."

Sometimes, he said, he has to slow down before he can speed up.

Percy Harvin Dangerous at Any Speed originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adrian PetersonBrett Favrepercy harvinWes WelkerThomas GeorgeMon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST Packers in Pain After Another Loss to Favre, Vikingshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/packers-in-pain-after-another-loss-to-favre-vikings/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/packers-in-pain-after-another-loss-to-favre-vikings/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/packers-in-pain-after-another-loss-to-favre-vikings/#commentsFiled under: ,

Aaron Rodgers and Brett FavreGREEN BAY, Wis. -- It was mesmerizing, tantalizing for the fans, the 71,213 of them who filled Lambeau Field -- the most ever in this 52-year-old building. Maybe that was why, late in the fourth quarter, camera bulbs were flashing high and low as if it were the kickoff. Or why Packers fans were still on edge at that point, even though their team was cooked.

Yes, Brett Favre rolled them twice -- once in his new dome in Minnesota, and now here on Sunday on hallowed football ground. The Packers half expected him to show up and play the game in flip-flops to match his mental trickery. You know, this Packers legend, this turncoat in purple -- he had punched them in the gut before.

And after Minnesota's 38-26 win, after Favre had thrown four touchdown passes to Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' three, and after the Vikings swept the season series between these long-time rivals, Favre had earned the bragging rights.

Rodgers had to slip away into the night.

Actually, it was more like he had to limp into the night after the pounding he took. Rodgers endured six more sacks on Sunday, which came on top of the eight he absorbed in Minnesota's Week 4 win over Green Bay.

Favre was not sacked -- in either game.

What does it mean for Rodgers, for the Packers?

"It hurts,'' Packers cornerback Charles Woodson said.

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What exactly hurts, Woodson was asked. "Losing,'' he answered.

Losing to the Vikings hurts. Losing to Favre doubles the pain.

Rodgers tried to explain that without bashing Favre or being swallowed by the big picture. That picture reveals that the Packers ditched Favre for Rodgers.

"You always want to win the home division games,'' Rodgers said. "It's tough to take that many shots, for sure, but you've got to give them credit. I hate losing to the Vikings, especially. They are division rivals and we don't like those losses at home.

"It doesn't matter who you play, though, it's tough to lose."

So was ditching Favre for Rodgers a smart move and who is the better quarterback?

Well, let's see: Rodgers is 10-13 as a starter since Green Bay moved him in, and Favre is 16-8 as an NFL starter since Green Bay moved him out.

Favre is 2-0 vs. Rodgers and the Packers. Minnesota (7-1) is in first place in the NFC North division. Green Bay (4-3) trails.

It could eventually prove a good move for the Packers. But right now, Favre is the better quarterback.

And here is the hammer: The Vikings have a better team than the Packers.

Three different Vikings defensive linemen (Ray Edwards, Jared Allen and Pat Williams) chased down Rodgers in the backfield for first-half sacks that crushed the Packers. Seldom do you see NFL quarterbacks caught from behind like that, simply run down and snuffed out.

This is an explosive Vikings defense.

Brett Favre and Percy HarvinRodgers was working with a line that protected from average to poor. He finally began to complement its strengths by massaging the pocket, by creating new passing lanes, by scooting when required. Those types of moves and decisions took a game that Green Bay trailed 24-3 at one point, and turned it into a 24-20 scrap heading to the fourth quarter.

But Favre had more in store. He had two scoring passes left. He kept topping Rodgers by making quicker and stronger choices.

That is a discernible difference between the quarterbacks -- Favre gets the ball out of the pocket quicker.

"He gets the ball out of there with something on it, quick, right now,'' Woodson said of Favre. "That makes him tough to play for any defense.''

Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said he saw fans who wore Favre's old Green Bay jersey upside down and others who wore it backward. He said he felt the electric crowd and the playoff atmosphere. He saw Favre enjoying it, too, and said that Favre and his teammates "approached it like a late playoff game.''

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson loved the atmosphere, too, loved coming "with Brett to the place that Brett built.'' Peterson was in awe of his quarterback's "leadership and confidence'' all week long, and especially in this game.

All around him, Favre enjoys a variety of playmakers and difference-makers -- none more than rookie receiver/returner Percy Harvin (84 receiving yards, a 51-yard scoring catch, 175 kickoff return yards).

This is an explosive Vikings offense.

But Rodgers and the Packers offense showed it can produce a pop as well. The Packers defense produced moments similar to the ones Minnesota's defense came up with.

In neither game between the two teams were those things enough to win against Favre.

"Our quarterback has the will to change things and he takes the position that he is not going to let his teammates down,'' Packers receiver Greg Jennings said. "He is not going to lay flat from adversity or because of a stumble. This is a 'We' situation. It is our team, our ownership, our loss.''

You heard the Packers afterward grumbling about how the defensive schemes do not fit the defensive personnel and how the offensive line too frequently folds. But more of them spoke like middle linebacker Nick Barnett, who said his team started slowly in this game, made a strong run, got close, but "could never get home.''

The Packers put so much into this game -- divisional battle, a huge rival. A victory meant evening things in the loss column with the Vikings. It meant ruining a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker that Minnesota could earn.

Now what?

It hurts, losing. The Packers have the ingredients -- a streaky team of great highs and miserable lows -- to duplicate that nasty, late, five-game losing streak that earned them a lousy 6-10 record a year ago.

They were very clear on what a victory would have meant. They seemed uncertain about what their loss would do.

"I'll tell you exactly what I told them,'' Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "I told them at halftime that the second half was going to be a turning point in our season. It was important for us to go out there and turn this game around and make a run and win this game.''

A curious thing about Lambeau Field is that there is only one entrance from the locker rooms onto the field. It also serves as the only exit. Brett Favre, kicked aside here, strolled back in through the out door.

One tunnel, two teams -- two quarterbacks going different places.

"It's kind of odd how you mingle going through that tunnel,'' Peterson said. "I say hello to the guys over there I'm friendly with. The ones I'm not, I give that look. That in-game, serious, I'm-out-to-win, get-out-of-my-way look that turns into something back on the field.''

The one Brett Favre put on the Packers.

The one Aaron Rodgers, like his team, is still crafting.

Packers in Pain After Another Loss to Favre, Vikings originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Aaron RodgersBrett FavreCharles WoodsonJared AllenPercy HarvinThomas GeorgeSun, 01 Nov 2009 23:45:00 EST Brett Favre Brilliant in Return to Lambeauhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/brett-favre-brilliant-in-return-to-lambeau/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/brett-favre-brilliant-in-return-to-lambeau/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/brett-favre-brilliant-in-return-to-lambeau/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brett FavreMost of the Packers fans tried their hardest to make Brett Favre feel unwelcome in his return to Lambeau Field on Sunday -- booing him from the moment he emerged from the tunnel in pregame warmups until the final snap. All Favre did in response was play exactly like he always has at Lambeau.

The 40-year-old was spectacular in his first game back in Green Bay, leading the Vikings to a 38-26 win that puts Minnesota in complete control of the NFC North.

"It was emotional," a slightly choked-up Favre said to Fox's Pam Oliver once the game ended. "I had a lot of years here, a lot of great years. It was pretty special."

Favre completed 17-of-28 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns -- including two in the fourth quarter as Green Bay feverishly attempted to rally from a 21-point deficit.

"We played a great game, they played a great game," Favre said. "Obviously I'm glad we won the game. I know what I did here and what I left behind."

Favre's successor in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers, put on a show of his own. Rodgers completed 26-of-41 passes for 287 yards. He also had three second-half touchdowns to pull Green Bay out of a 24-3 hole and bring the Packers as close as four points.

After Rodgers hit Spencer Havner to cut the Minnesota lead to 24-20, though, Favre countered with a 2-yard TD pass to Jeff Dugan to reopen an 11-point cushion. A Rodgers-to-Greg Jennings connection cut that deficit down to 31-26, but Favre again responded and found Bernard Berrian for a 16-yard score with just 3:48 left to bury the Packers.

"I hate losing to whoever's the quarterback for them," Rodgers said.

Any questions about how the Green Bay fans would receive Favre were answered vociferously. Favre received a chorus of boos when he ran onto the field in the pregame, and the fans kept those boos going -- almost non-stop -- through Minnesota's first two offensive possessions.

The fans unrest no doubt grew as Favre picked their Packers apart -- and hampered Green Bay's own postseason hopes.

"Packer fans cheer for the Packers first," Favre said. "I know that. But I hope that everyone in the stadium watching tonight said, 'I sure hate those jokers on the other side, but he does play the way he's always played.'"
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Brett Favre Brilliant in Return to Lambeau originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Aaron RodgersBrett FavreChris BurkeSun, 01 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST Sunday NFL Live Chat: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packershttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/sunday-nfl-live-chat-minnesota-vikings-vs-green-bay-packers/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/sunday-nfl-live-chat-minnesota-vikings-vs-green-bay-packers/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/sunday-nfl-live-chat-minnesota-vikings-vs-green-bay-packers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Since there's no Sunday night game on the schedule this week, we're bumping our weekly live chat up to the afternoon to discuss THE GREATEST GAME EVER.

Yes, that's right, it's Favre Bowl II as Brett Favre makes his first appearance in Green Bay as a visiting starting quarterback. We'll be there for all of the action, so please, join us at 4:00 PM ET for all of the fun.

Sunday NFL Live Chat: Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam GretzSun, 01 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST Tom Cable, Brett Favre, Giants vs. Eagles: NFL Live Tweethttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/tom-cable-brett-favre-giants-vs-eagles-nfl-live-tweet/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/tom-cable-brett-favre-giants-vs-eagles-nfl-live-tweet/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/tom-cable-brett-favre-giants-vs-eagles-nfl-live-tweet/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tom Cable appears to have a history of physically abusing people he has power over, whether a woman he's in a relationship with or a coach who works for him.

I think about 80% of Green Bay fans will boo Brett Favre today. What do you think? Higher? Lower?

Those are among the observations I've made on Twitter today, and I'll be making plenty more as I follow the early games, highlighted by Giants vs. Eagles, and the late games, highlighted by Vikings vs. Packers. To stay updated on everything happening in the NFL Sunday, follow along below or follow me on Twitter @MichaelDavSmith.

Twitter Updates on NFL Week 8

Tom Cable, Brett Favre, Giants vs. Eagles: NFL Live Tweet originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael David SmithSun, 01 Nov 2009 12:50:00 EST Favre's Return to Lambeau Highlights Mistakes Made in Packer Divorcehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/favres-return-to-lambeau-highlights-mistakes-made-in-packer-div/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/favres-return-to-lambeau-highlights-mistakes-made-in-packer-div/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/11/01/favres-return-to-lambeau-highlights-mistakes-made-in-packer-div/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Outside of Sunday being a day many Packer fans have dreaded for months, it's just another football Sunday in Green Bay.

The hype surrounding this regular-season battle of NFC North rivals surpasses anything most fans will see in their lifetimes. The reality is that football fans in Wisconsin are stuck in the middle of the tension that developed between Brett Favre and the Packers. It was this way in August of 2008, when the whole thing blew up, and it isn't going to change for some time.

Both sides talk about respect. Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said this week he felt the organization did well in not disrespecting Favre in that summer drama last year. Of course, the trade to the New York Jets simply put off the inevitable.

Was that a mistake? Should general manager Ted Thompson have traded Favre to the Vikings all along?

Absolutely not.

Thompson might have been criticized -- and rightfully so, for the most part -- for his handling of the Favre saga, but he would have been digging his own grave as an executive by trading Favre to a division rival. You're bound to read comments from alleged Packer fans on message boards, blogs, and newspaper sites that say Thompson is ruining the Packers. However, the team has only had one bad season since Thompson began overhauling the organization after the firing of head coach Mike Sherman.

Through all the hoopla surrounding Favre's presence in Minnesota, it's easy to forget that Green Bay is 4-2, and they're coming off back-to-back dominating wins. Yes, those wins came over bad teams, but you can only beat the teams the league puts in front of you, and the Packers have shown throughout the first part of the 2009 season that they're far from a bad team.

As pointed out in the Green Bay Press Gazette, Thompson's biggest mistake may have been reacting to Favre's push to return with virtually no action at all.

In an ideal world, Thompson wouldn't have to treat Favre like anything more than another player on the team. However, he gave 16 wonderful years to the Packers, and he was revered by fans and players alike. Covert attempts to paint Favre as a bad teammate or a disingenuous fellow were simply not going to work. Fans knew he was not a great decision-maker when it came to his retirement, but they weren't going to hold it against him.

While Thompson was right not to "beg" Favre to return, and the organization was right not to hold Favre's job open for him until he had fully made up his mind, Thompson's mechanical reactions and overall lack of outgoing compassion made him an easy target for Favre faithful.

Meanwhile, Favre likely overestimated his value to the Packer organization at the age of 38. While he may act now like he didn't have a problem with the Packers moving on to Aaron Rodgers, that was not the case in 2008. He felt like that job was his, and he was angry the Packers would be willing to move on without him. Of course, when you retire in March, and wait until June to inform the team that maybe you don't want to be retired anymore, it's hard to reasonably expect that the team is going to open their arms and welcome you back unconditionally.

The Packers were upset, as Andrew Brandt wrote on National Football Post, when the NFL cleared the Vikings of tampering charges last year. Favre claimed he was just chatting with his friends, who happened to be Minnesota head coach Brad Childress and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. It was clear Minnesota was his desired destination, and it turns out his desire to play there was so great that he was willing to play a full season with the unfamiliar New York Jets just to make it happen.

This all brings us to a day Packer fans probably thought they'd never see. Brett Favre dresses in the visitors' locker room at Lambeau Field, and he will face a hostile crowd in his former home for the first time. People have been asking about the potential reception at Lambeau for a long time, but there's really only one answer that makes sense.

During the summer of 2009, former Steelers safety Rod Woodson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his speech, Woodson referenced Pittsburgh fans, who booed him mercilessly when he returned to Pittsburgh as a rival Baltimore Raven.
I want to say thank you for giving me ten wonderful years there. To the Steeler nation thank you for accepting me. For cheering me on. And after I left, for booing me. No, I'm serious for booing me. Because you know, if you cheered me when I put on a Raiders uniform or a Ravens uniform, I think I would have lost a little respect for the Steeler nation. So I'm glad you booed me, because you should.
This is what Favre should expect today. It's not about blaming Favre for his departure, or absolving Thompson and McCarthy of their responsibility for what happened.

Favre is the enemy now. There would be no greater respect Packer fans could show than to boo him. Respect for the game and the traditions created by rivalries is greater than respect for individual players, and this fanbase is one that understands and respects history. There is a time and a place to cheer Brett Favre. Sunday afternoon is not it.

Favre's Return to Lambeau Highlights Mistakes Made in Packer Divorce originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>aaron rodgersbrad childressbrett favredarrell bevellmike mccarthyted thompsonBruce CiskieSun, 01 Nov 2009 11:40:00 EST Circle Route Brings Favre Back 'Home'http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/circle-route-brings-favre-back-home/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/circle-route-brings-favre-back-home/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/circle-route-brings-favre-back-home/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Everyone forgets that Brett Favre wanted to play football. He wanted to play football in Green Bay. They did not want him. In life, you go on. I don't think you get mad at the man for still wanting to play football. He was told no on numerous occasions -- 'You are not playing here.'
-- Bus Cook, Brett Favre's agent

The truth on how and why Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers split their 16-year union remains strictly in the eye of the storyteller. Favre and his agent Bus Cook say they were simply kicked aside. The Packers insist that Favre waffled too much about his return that they simply decided to move forward with quarterback Aaron Rodgers and create clarity.

I find this much crystal clear -- from the moment Favre realized he was not going be a Packer, he began angling his way for a return to Lambeau Field.

His last pass in the stadium was not going to be that awful pick by Giants cornerback Corey Webster in overtime that led to the Giants' winning field goal in the 2008 NFC championship game. The pick that induced a fallout and helped turn a longstanding romance into a ruckus.

"It's different from anything in sports in America. ... Any quarterback today could go away and come back and not have as much impact as this does in Green Bay. I am sure it will be odd for him. But once the whistle blows, he will be fine."
-- Bus Cook on Brett Favre's Return to LambeauIt was a circuitous route back to Lambeau for Favre, with a pit-stop at the Jets last season before landing with the Minnesota Vikings this season. The Packers traded him to the Jets a year ago with the idea that Favre would never play in Lambeau for a rival NFC North team. They hoped the 40-year-old Favre would be one more NFL season and done. One more NFL shot -- far away -- and please, be done.

There is little accidental about Favre's return to Lambeau on Sunday when the Vikings (6-1) battle the Packers (4-2).

Favre knows it.

He has already beaten Green Bay in Minnesota this season. This is different. Just the chance to return to Lambeau and beat the Packers on that soil, well, Favre has had this itch to scratch since he was spurned.

In one breath, he said earlier this week that he has "no idea how it will unfold." In another he said he is "well aware of all the stuff that goes with it" and he won't let that "affect me or creep into the team."

OK, if not anger, then certainly payback. If not all raw, then certainly personal.

This is a dream game for Brett Favre.

This is real.

"It's a unique situation for him," Cook said. "It's different from anything in sports in America. There is no quarterback who goes and plays for any other team and former fans feel the way it is with Green Bay and Favre. Any quarterback today could go away and come back and not have as much impact as this does in Green Bay. I am sure it will be odd for him. But once the whistle blows, he will be fine."

In Vikings purple.

"He wanted to play," Cook said. "And find a home. No other team called him."

But one in the Packers' division did. The perfect storm.

We have seen Favre in Super Bowls and as a TV pitchman and marveled over his kid-like approach to the complex NFL game. More often than not, this iconic player has pulled the right strings to land in spots he desired over his 19 NFL seasons.

He called a lot of his shots with the Jets and he is doing that with the Vikings. There is only so much coaching that goes on with this player. It is one of his best traits and one of his worst. It is, in part, why the Packers had enough of him.

Here is one thing you always have to give Brett Favre: he understands entertainment.

He has done his part in giving the NFL a storyline, a scenario that is better than fiction.

The Vikings are all in.

"He works, like all great players, I mean really works," a Vikings management source said of their experience with Favre. "He is here watching tape, taking care of his body. Behind the smiles, he knows he's good and gifted. It happens anywhere from two to five times a game where you say, 'OK, now I see why he is what he is.' Not every play. Just those rare instances where he does rare things. He's been a caring person here. He deals with people in the cafeteria and that clean the building in the same way he does the owner. Everyone here notices that."

Favre is ready to make a new, testy Lambeau leap.

There is nothing accidental about it.

He found a way to get back on Lambeau Field after he was booted from it.

For Favre, that alone is victory.

For the fans who have jumped ship on him (just like he eventually jumped ship to the Vikings), Favre asks "What can I do?"

He already knows the answer. Beat the Packers, trounce them all, in the NFL's version of a Homecoming bloodfest. This quarterback will tell you he knows what it is like to get kicked in the stomach. He will also remind you he has not forgotten how to do the kicking.

Circle Route Brings Favre Back 'Home' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brett favreBrettFavreThomas GeorgeFri, 30 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST NFL FanHouse Week 8 Chat Recaphttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/30/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


He's back, and it's stealing all of the headlines. It's going to be a highly emotional Sunday for many NFL fans, as former Detroit Lions defensive lineman James Hall makes his return to the Motor City as a member of the St. Louis Rams.

Oh, and Brett Favre is back in Green Bay. Not sure if you've heard about that one.

NFL FanHouse Week 8 Chat Recap originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brett favrejames hallBruce CiskieFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST Zebra Report: Simmer, 'Stealer' Hatershttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/zebra-report-simmer-stealers-haters/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/zebra-report-simmer-stealers-haters/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/28/zebra-report-simmer-stealers-haters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Zebra Report is FanHouse's analysis of actual NFL rules and how they are to be applied ... because most fans think they could do a better job than the NFL officials, yet definitely could not. Click here for an introduction as to how we do things.

Of all the complaints about officiating, I think the most maddening is how people who hate the Pittsburgh Steelers -- so, a really, really large contingent -- like to label them the "Stealers" and proclaim they always get the calls. This past weekend was a great example, as the Steelers took down the Vikings fair-and-square, but some people just can't seem to grasp the concept.

First of all, there are tons of complaints about the tripping call which negated a Vikings touchdown -- and was soon followed by a Steelers' defensive touchdown. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what the fuss is about. Tripping is defined as (Rule 3-40) "the use of the leg in obstructing any opponent." In rule 12-1-5, it clearly states that anyone can block an opponent as long as he's not tripping him. I keep seeing the word "phantom" used in conjunction with this call, but click here to watch the highlight (about the 2:20 mark) and keep the rule in mind. Try to be unbiased, consider the rule and see what you see.

I really hate it when people say something along the lines of "the officials should let the players decide the game." They did! If Jeff Dugan could have blocked his man successfully instead of diving at toward the opponent's lower-half and whipping his legs up, the Vikings would have scored a touchdown. Instead, he committed a penalty and got caught. No touchdown. A rule was broken and a price was paid. That's elementary.

Can anyone seriously make the argument that Dugan did not use his legs to obstruct the opponent he was trying to block? If so, please feel free to post your argument in the comments section. I would love to see it.

Speaking of Dugan, him plowing over the official during the kickoff return was neither funny nor acceptable. Look, the officials are part of the field and they take on a certain risk when being out on the field. In fact, umpires (the ones who line up in the vicinity of the inside linebackers and watch the line play) may start wearing helmets next season. Regardless of the risk and the fact that people are miffed with the guys from time to time, they are still human beings -- ones who aren't wearing pads like the players. If Dugan didn't see the official, man, he really should have. He appeared to be running toward him for several steps and his helmet was facing the official. If he did -- and it's very suspicious, considering he was just flagged for tripping four plays earlier -- then he should be suspended. To blatantly run over a guy with a clear motive is easily grounds for punishment. I'd like to believe Dugan was trying to find someone to block and accidentally plowed over Richard Reels (the back judge), but we'll never know for sure. They are both lucky Reels wasn't seriously injured.

In case anyone is curious, it is obviously illegal to contact an official intentionally during any part of the game, but there's no way to prove intent on this play, thus, they couldn't have called any sort of penalty on Dugan for the contact.

There was also a delay of game called on the Vikings defense. The common misconception among casual fans is that there is no such thing as delay of game other than when the play clock strikes zero. There are several other ways to get a delay of game penalty. Here they are (Rule 4-6-5, page 22):

Article 5 Other examples of action or inaction that are to be construed as delay of the game include, but are not limited to, the following:

(a) a player unnecessarily remains on a dead ball or on a runner who has been downed;

(b) the snapper repeatedly snaps the ball after the neutral zone is established and before the Referee can assume his position (see 7-3-3-c-2);

(c) undue delay by either team in assembling after a timeout;

(d) a defensive player aligned in a stationary position within one yard of the line of scrimmage makes quick and abrupt actions that are not a part of normal defensive player movement and are an obvious attempt to cause an offensive player(s) to foul (false start). (The Referee shall blow his whistle immediately.);

(e) spiking or throwing the ball in the field of play after a down has ended, except after a score.

I haven't been able to find a replay or explanation on this one, but I've heard the Vikings were accused of violating (d) on the play in question, which is why I bolded it. The game log shows the penalty on Cedric Griffin, a cornerback, so maybe he was trying to get a wide receiver to flinch. The bottom line is that it's definitely possible to have delay of game called on the defense.

Finally, a collegiate note: the Pac-10 has suspended an official for not seeing one of the most blatant facemasks we ever will. I've often tried to educate the masses that each different official has different responsibilities on every individual play. Thus, in this case, every official would not have been looking at the receiver or had a good angle to see the facemask. How at least one person didn't see the helmet of the player catching a touchdown pass, though, is pretty egregious, which is obviously why the Pac-10 has taken action.

Easy week, as I didn't see much in my inbox other than plays from the Steelers-Vikings game. I guess that's the result of having so many blowouts.

Got a rules-related question? Whether it's elementary, high school or NFL, email TZR and he'll see what he can do.

Zebra Report: Simmer, 'Stealer' Haters originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>jeff duganJeffDuganzebra reportZebraReportMatt SnyderWed, 28 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST Fourth-Quarter Fireworks Turn Steelers' Win Over Vikings Into a Classichttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/fourth-quarter-fireworks-turn-steelers-win-over-vikings-into-a/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/fourth-quarter-fireworks-turn-steelers-win-over-vikings-into-a/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/fourth-quarter-fireworks-turn-steelers-win-over-vikings-into-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Vikings vs. SteelersThe much-anticipated showdown between the Vikings and Steelers at Heinz Field went pretty much as expected for three quarters -- hard-nosed, low-scoring, old-fashioned football. Then the fourth quarter came, and things went off the rails.

Pittsburgh held a 13-10 lead when the final frame began, and needed just one play to get inside Minnesota's 10. But on the Steelers' second fourth-quarter snap, Rashard Mendenhall coughed up a fumble. The Vikings then marched 89 yards in 17 plays, from their own 3 to the Steelers' 8. On third-and-goal, Brett Favre dropped back to pass and was stripped by Pittsburgh lineman Brett Keisel. Defensive end LaMarr Woodley scooped up the loose ball and rumbled, James Harrison Super Bowl-style, 77 yards for a touchdown.
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"I got to the 40 and I didn't think I was going to make it," Woodley said. Just like Harrison, of course, he did.

20-10 Steelers, 6:23 left. Game over, right?

Not so fast. Minnesota rookie Percy Harvin took the ensuing kickoff back 88 yards (video below), a thrilling return that included one of Harvin's blockers accidentally clobbering a referee.



And all that just set up a frantic final six minutes -- Pittsburgh punted the ball back to Minnesota with a little more than three minutes left, leaving Favre plenty of time to get his team into, at least, field-goal range. He did just that, too, marching Minnesota to the Pittsburgh 19.

On 2nd-and-3 with 1:15 left, though, Favre's pass for Chester Taylor instead wound up in the hands of Pittsburgh's Keyaron Fox, who raced back the other direction 82 yards for the Steelers' second defensive touchdown in five minutes. That one did salt the game away, 27-17.

"Brett tried to force it in there and the running back bobbled it and slipped out of his hands and it fell into my lap," Fox said. "I had just run across the field after Peterson and I was winded, so it felt like it was 100-plus yards."

Minnesota fell to 6-1, its first loss in the Favre era, while Pittsburgh improved to 5-2 and, for the moment pending the outcome of Chicago-Cincinnati, took over first place in the AFC North.

The game almost single-handedly made up for a subpar set of early games in Week 7. Houston's narrow victory over San Francisco was the only other matchup that was remotely competitive -- but the final seven minutes of the Steelers' triumph more than made up for the rest of it.
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Fourth-Quarter Fireworks Turn Steelers' Win Over Vikings Into a Classic originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adrian PetersonBrett FavreJames HarrisonLaMarr WoodleyPercy HarvinChris BurkeSun, 25 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST Report: Vikings' Winfield Has Broken Foot, Out 4-6 Weekshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/report-vikings-winfield-has-broken-foot-out-4-6-weeks/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/report-vikings-winfield-has-broken-foot-out-4-6-weeks/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/25/report-vikings-winfield-has-broken-foot-out-4-6-weeks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Not much has gone wrong for the Minnesota Vikings in their 6-0 start. Brett Favre has been playing superbly, Adrian Peterson is still a stud, Sidney Rice has become one, and the defense continues to impress.

However, if there's a hole on this Vikings team right about now, it's been their pass defense. They were largely shredded by Aaron Rodgers earlier in October, then were absolutely torched by Joe Flacco and the Ravens last weekend. As the Vikings set off on a two-game road swing starting Sunday, there is bad news on the injury front.

Cornerback Antoine Winfield was injured last Sunday during the win over Baltimore. The veteran Pro Bowler's departure seemed to coincide nicely with the Vikings' defensive meltdown that almost cost them a game they seemed to have in the bag.

Now, word has leaked that the team will have to deal without Winfield for up to six weeks. ESPN's Chris Mortensen cited sources in saying Winfield would be out for some time. The St. Paul Pioneer Press says Winfield has a broken foot and could miss three games (the Vikings have their bye week during the time Winfield would be out).

While Karl Paymah played in Winfield's spot last week, and didn't look good, it will be Benny Sapp starting Sunday in Pittsburgh. This is the Vikings' weakness -- depth in the secondary -- and it will be interesting to see how coordinator Leslie Frazier calls the game now that his most versatile (and likely best) player is on the sidelines.

Report: Vikings' Winfield Has Broken Foot, Out 4-6 Weeks originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian petersonantoine winfieldbenny sappbrett favrekarl paymahsidney riceBruce CiskieSun, 25 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST Adrian Peterson Joins Antoine Winfield On Vikings' Injured Listhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/adrian-peterson-joins-antoine-winfield-on-injured-list/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/adrian-peterson-joins-antoine-winfield-on-injured-list/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/21/adrian-peterson-joins-antoine-winfield-on-injured-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Adrian PetersonWhether you win or lose against the Ravens, they are physical enough that you suffer for a couple of weeks afterward.

The Vikings got the win on Sunday, but they also got the bruises that come with it.

The biggest problem for the Vikings is cornerback Antoine Winfield's foot injury. When Winfield left the game on Sunday the Ravens' pass offense suddenly became a world-beater as backup Karl Paymah quickly proved he's not really ready for a starting job. The Vikings are not ruling out Winfield playing on Sunday, but everyone else is.

Now the news is out that Adrian Peterson was limited in practice on Wednesday with a sprained ankle. Unlike Winfield, it's highly likely that Peterson will play on Sunday, but an ankle sprain is not the news the Vikings want to hear as they get ready to face the Steelers. If Peterson is healthy, he's the perfect weapon to attack a Steelers' run defense that is trying to recover from the loss of defensive end Aaron Smith. But if Peterson is limited in any way, it makes Steelers' coordinator Dick LeBeau's job much easier.

While the Vikings are limping, Pittsburgh (with the exception of Smith) is healthier than it has been in any game since the season opener.

Adrian Peterson Joins Antoine Winfield On Vikings' Injured List originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adrian PetersonAntonie WinfieldJJ CooperWed, 21 Oct 2009 22:30:00 EST Sorry, Favre-Haters, Vikings Best in NFChttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/sorry-favre-haters-but-vikings-are-nfcs-best/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/sorry-favre-haters-but-vikings-are-nfcs-best/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/19/sorry-favre-haters-but-vikings-are-nfcs-best/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Brett FavreFace it, people. The only reason you don't want to believe this about the Minnesota Vikings is because of him. And honestly, that's fair. Brett Favre drives everybody crazy all summer with his anguished, will-he-or-won't-he retirement drama. There are and should be consequences for something like that. In this case, the consequence is that you won't let yourself believe the gray-haired Sears pitchman from Mississippi has his hands on the reins of the best team in the NFC.

But I'm sorry to report that Favre and the Vikings don't care what you think, because as of this morning they were 6-0. And regardless of how good the Saints looked against the Giants, Minnesota is the deserving favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

The counter-arguments to this assertion are few, but they're out there. People think Favre is too old, or that he'll blow it in the end like he did with the Jets last year. There's a school of thought that Brad Childress isn't a good enough coach to pull off a Super Bowl run. And finally, there's the general feeling today that the Saints deserve the title of Best-in-NFC right now because of how badly they beat the previously unbeaten Giants on Sunday.

Well, Favre is old, but the only reason he blew it with the Jets last year is because he hurt his arm. If he stays healthy, there's no reason to think he can't quarterback this team to a title. He's won a title before and knows what it takes. He's playing under control, avoiding risks and taking over the game with his arm only when that's called for. See, the secret about this year's Vikings is that they were already a Super Bowl contender before Favre signed on. They're not about who's playing quarterback. They're about all-world running back Adrian Peterson and a defensive line that, for the past three years, as made the Vikings as hard on opponents' running games as their own running game is on opponents' defenses. They're about depth of talent all over the field. They're stacked, and what Favre brought them is a veteran's cool and confidence at a position where that was lacking.

As for Childress, I don't know. He may be too dopey a coach to win a Super Bowl. But he may not, and it's not as if we have a pile of evidence at this point that he'll be the one that stands in the way. It's not as if the Vikings have been knocking on the door the past few years and missed out on a Super Bowl trip because of poor decisions made by the coach. Childress has never had this good a team before (Favre says he hasn't either), and frankly these Vikings are the kind of team that can make a coach look like a genius.

And then there's this: How do we really know the team the Saints beat Sunday is better than the team the Vikings beat? Sure, the Giants came in 5-0, but against a schedule that would keep them out of contention for the BCS title game. New York's wins were against the Redskins, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Chiefs and Raiders -- a crew with a combined record of 8-21. Dallas, the only team in that fearsome fivesome with a winning record, ran up 250 rushing yards on the G-men and might have won the game had they not managed it so stupidly in the fourth quarter. I think the Giants are a good team, but what have they done this year to prove that another good team, playing at home and coming off its bye, shouldn't be able to handle them?

The Vikings on Sunday beat the Ravens, whose .500 record keeps them out of the discussion about the league's best teams -- for now. Baltimore's record is a particularly brutal 3-3. They were 3-0, remember, and rightfully atop many of the weekly power rankings charts, before losing last-minute heartbreakers to the Patriots and Bengals (each of whom is 4-2). Desperate for a win this week, they mounted a furious rally and had were a field goal away from taking down Favre, Peterson and the gang in Minnesota. Yes, the good teams find ways to win, but the Ravens will be heard from before all is said and done. They finished just one game worse, remember, than the Super Bowl champion Steelers a year ago. In Joe Flacco, they have one of the league's best young quarterbacks. In Ray Rice, they have one of the league's most thrilling running backs of any age.

Those who would base their claim that the Saints are the NFC's best on the fact that they just smoked the Giants would be wise to consider just what they were really watching. Minnesota's victory over Baltimore Sunday was at least as good a win as the Saints' victory over the Giants was, and maybe better -- a validating victory after the Vikings' own soft-schedule start to the season.

Things continue to get tougher for Minnesota. They travel to Pittsburgh this week, and the week after they head to Green Bay for a game that will ooze emotion and network-driven hype like few ever have. But with the depth of talent they have on both lines, a slew of skill-position superstars in their 20s, 30s and 40s and the confidence they've amassed during the season's first six games, these Vikings are built to handle it. And to win the NFC.

Sorry, Favre-Haters, Vikings Best in NFC originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian petersonAdrianPetersonbaltimore ravensBaltimoreRavensbrett favreBrettFavreminnesota vikingsMinnesotaVikingsnew orleans saintsnew york giantsNewOrleansSaintsNewYorkGiantsDan GrazianoMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST Saints, Vikings Move to Top of NFC Heaphttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/saints-vikings-move-to-top-of-nfc-heap/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/saints-vikings-move-to-top-of-nfc-heap/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/saints-vikings-move-to-top-of-nfc-heap/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Brett FavreIf Minnesota and New Orleans meet in the NFC championship game, immediately give three or four points to the Saints -- no matter where the game is played.

Because while both stayed unbeaten Sunday, the Saints showed they have a huge advantage in one crucial area: coaching.

Beyond that, of course, was the way the Saints won -- 48-27 over the previously unbeaten Giants in a game that was never that close -- and the team they beat, although the last three of New York's five wins were against the Triple-A of this year's NFL: Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Oakland. (Another Giants victim, Washington, was relegated to that league Sunday by losing at home to the Chiefs.)

"We wanted to really dictate the tempo of the game the whole way through," said Drew Brees, who threw for 369 yards against a defense that entered the game leading the NFL by allowing just 104 yards passing per game. "Seven different guys scored touchdowns. That's big. That's the type of rhythm that, when you get in, you feel like you can call anything and it's going to work."

What did this game prove?

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Some folks in win-starved New Orleans (where Super Bowls are played by teams other than the home one) appeared to think it made the Saints Super Bowl favorites, as if you can make that designation with 11 weeks left in the regular season and hundreds of variables, injuries being the most important. "I don't think you can talk about big pictures after Game 5," coach Sean Payton said with coachly circumspection.

As far as the standings go, the Saints gained little, although if the Giants, who are 5-1, and New Orleans (5-0) finish with the same record, the Saints get the homefield edge for the playoffs -- assuming, of course, that both make it.

The unexpected mismatch also proved that the Giants' depth doesn't hold up against good teams.

New York has been missing four key defensive players for most of the season, three of them starters. Playing without cornerback Aaron Ross, safety Kenny Phillips, defensive tackle Chris Canty and linebacker Michael Boley works against the Bucs, Chiefs and Raiders. Not against the Saints, especially on the road. In this game, New Orleans scored touchdowns the first four times it had the ball, Brees standing practically untouched and throwing to wide-open receivers against a defense that had sacked Raiders and Chiefs QBs 11 times in two games.

The Vikings (6-0) are a different story, although Minnesotans are getting just as Super Bowl-happy as the the folks in the Crescent City.

How can they?

They nearly blew a 27-10 fourth-quarter lead to Baltimore, And they won 33-31 only because Steve Hauschka missed a 44-yard field goal on the game's final play after Brad Childress, the Vikings' coach, started playing for three points with over two minutes left while trailing 31-30.

The Metrodome crowd knew Childress was playing with fire, booing him as he ran the ball into field-goal position, Brett Favre, whose 58-yard completion to Sidney Rice set up the kick, knew it too, noting (although he didn't cite the figure) that Joe Flacco had thrown for 347 yards BEFORE he got the ball back for a final drive.

"I hate to say that I was not real confident because I'm confident in our team, period," Favre said, about as decisively as a man trying to decide whether to fly from Mississippi to Minnesota in June or July. "But offensively, they probably just felt like, 'We could do whatever.' "

In the end, it's a long season.

This was one of those "any given Sundays'' in the NFL, one in which Oakland, a 44-7 loser to the Giants last week, upset Philadelphia as a 14-point home underdog. The Raiders not only beat the Eagles but beat them up, sacking Donovan McNabb six times after not coming near Eli Manning a week ago, when Manning sat down before halftime.

That's another note about this week: The NFC East is supposed to one of the strongest divisions -- if not THE strongest -- in the NFL.

Well, the only team that gained was the Cowboys, who didn't play. All three of their rivals lost, two to teams that had one win between them going in and that was Oakland over Kansas City.

There were other strange results -- Buffalo beat the Jets in overtime and St. Louis almost broke its losing streak, now at 16 games, by losing in overtime in Jacksonville. In that Bills-Jets game, Mark Sanchez, who had been anointed early in the season as the second coming of Tom Brady, threw five interceptions

So let's not get too excited.

We're barely a third of the way through the season. Even the Raiders might still have a shot.

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Center back Chris Houston #23 of the Atlanta Falcons breaks up a pass tended for wide receiver Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris Houston;Johnny Knox
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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears watches his team play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons won the game 21-14. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Lovie Smith

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Center back Chris Houston #23 of the Atlanta Falcons breaks up a pass tended for wide receiver Johnny Knox #13 of the Chicago Bears in the second quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Chris Houston;Johnny Knox

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    Chicago Bears Matt Forte coughs up the ball near the Atlanta Falcons end zone during the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, October 16, 2009. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

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    Chicago Bears Matt Fort? loses the ball while diving for a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, Sunday, October 16, 2009. (William DeShazer/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears calls a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jay Cutler

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Running back Garrett Wolfe #25 of the Chicago Bears runs through Brent Grimes #20 and Jonathan Babineaux #95 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Garrett Wolfe;Brent Grimes;Jonathan Babineaux

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Running back Garrett Wolfe #25 of the Chicago Bears runs past Jamaal Anderson #98 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jamaal Anderson;Garrett Wolfe

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Running back Garrett Wolfe #25 of the Chicago Bears runs through Brent Grimes #20 and Jonathan Babineaux #95 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jonathan Babineaux;Garrett Wolfe;Brent Grimes

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Center back Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears tackles wide receiver Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Roddy White;Charles Tillman

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    ATLANTA - OCTOBER 18: Running back Jerious Norwood #32 of the Atlanta Falcons walks on the sidelines during the second quarter of the game against Chicago Bears at the Georgia Dome on October 18, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jerious Norwood

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Saints, Vikings Move to Top of NFC Heap originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Dave GoldbergSun, 18 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST Childress, Vikings Survive Ravens Scarehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/childress-vikings-survive-raven-scare/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/childress-vikings-survive-raven-scare/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/childress-vikings-survive-raven-scare/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Things seemed pretty elementary for the Minnesota Vikings through much of their game Sunday afternoon. They held a 14-0 lead over the Baltimore Ravens after a quarter, a 14-3 halftime lead, and then a 27-10 margin early in the fourth quarter -- margins that likely inspired tons of confidence for the Vikes. Who would have thought they would need to be bailed out by a missed field goal as time expired in order to escape with a victory?

Yet that's exactly what happened, because the Ravens, behind explosive plays from Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, used just 11 offensive plays in 6:24 to score three touchdowns and take a 31-30 fourth-quarter lead. The Vikings did drive down and kick a field goal with 2:00 left in the game, which made the score -- the eventual final -- 33-31.
More: Check Box Score | Saints Clobber Giants, Stay Undefeated

Flacco wasn't done, though, as he marched the Ravens right down into field-goal range. Steven Hauschka, the second-year kicker from N.C. State had a chance to win the game for the Ravens, but his 44-yard field goal sailed wide left as the Vikings prevailed.

Both teams, heading into the game, had well-deserved reputations for strong defenses. Instead of a gritty, run-and-defense battle everyone expected, we were treated to an offensive onslaught -- even if the majority of the Ravens' offense occurred during that late 11-play stretch. The two teams combined for 874 yards of total offense and averaged nearly seven yards per offensive play (Ravens 7.0, Vikings 6.8). The stat-lines show both teams with star performances on offense.

Brett Favre hit on 21-of-29 passes for 278 yards and three touchdowns. Joe Flacco connected on 28-of-43 passes for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Neither signal-caller turned it over.

Ray Rice had 194 yards from scrimmage, which includes 10 receptions, and two touchdowns. Adrian Peterson carried the ball 22 times for 143 yards, also adding 23 receiving yards.

Derrick Mason caught seven balls for 97 yards and a score, while Mark Clayton added 57 receiving yards and a touchdown. Sidney Rice, the Vikings' 6-foot-4 wideout, caught 6 passes for 176 yards and Bernard Berrian added a touchdown. Also, tight end Visanthe Shiancoe hauled in a pair of touchdowns from Favre.

This was simply an offensive explosion which, unfortunately, was decided on a missed field goal. Had Hauschka converted the field goal, Vikings coach Brad Childress would likely have had to answer for his play-calling down the stretch. Instead of trying to score a touchdown, Childress played for a field goal -- and two-point lead -- with 2:00 left on the clock. Flacco had already thrown for almost 350 yards on his defense and the Ravens had scored three touchdowns in their last 11 plays. And Childress thought two points was good enough to win with 2:00 left on the clock.

He turned out to be correct, by the skin of his teeth. All's well that ends well, apparently, and the Vikings are 6-0. They'll face another tough test in Week 7, as they travel to Pittsburgh to face the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers.

The Ravens will look to lick their wounds -- they've now lost three in a row after starting 3-0 -- on a bye next week, before facing the surprising Broncos in Week 8 at home.

Childress, Vikings Survive Ravens Scare originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian petersonAdrianPetersonbernard berrianBernardBerrianbrad childressBradChildressbrett favreBrettFavrederrick masonDerrickMasonjoe flaccoJoeFlaccomark claytonMarkClaytonray riceRayRicesidney riceSidneyRicesteven hauschkaStevenHauschkavisanthe shiancoeVisantheShiancoeMatt SnyderSun, 18 Oct 2009 17:05:00 EST Adrian Peterson Shoes, Giants vs. Saints, Mike Ditka: NFL Live Tweethttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/adrian-peterson-shoes-giants-vs-saints-mike-ditka-nfl-live-t/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/adrian-peterson-shoes-giants-vs-saints-mike-ditka-nfl-live-t/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/18/adrian-peterson-shoes-giants-vs-saints-mike-ditka-nfl-live-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Adrian Peterson told ESPN the shoes in his closet are worth $200,000. The shoes in my closet aren't worth $200.

I thought going into today the Saints were the best team in the NFL. Nothing I've seen vs the Giants changes my mind.

Mike Ditka turns 70 today. My favorite Ditka video is here.

Those are among the observations I've made on Twitter during this NFL Sunday, and if you want more observations on all of Sunday's NFL action, follow along below or follow me on Twitter @MichaelDavSmith.

Twitter Updates on NFL

Adrian Peterson Shoes, Giants vs. Saints, Mike Ditka: NFL Live Tweet originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Michael David SmithSun, 18 Oct 2009 14:25:00 EST NFL FanHouse Week 6 Preview Chathttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-6/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-6/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/16/nfl-fanhouse-live-chat-week-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The battle of unbeatens in New Orleans will certainly get a lot of attention heading into Sunday's games.

Since the Giants and Saints don't look like they're going to fade away, there's a really good chance that they'll play a more important game in January, but this is a pretty big one.

It's not the only game being played Sunday. The NFL's two other unbeatens who are playing Sunday face real tests. Read the chat recap after the jump.

NFL FanHouse Week 6 Preview Chat originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Bruce CiskieFri, 16 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST 'All Day' Peterson Wants to Be Best Everhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/not-even-revenge-stands-in-way-of-all-day-adrian-peterson/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/not-even-revenge-stands-in-way-of-all-day-adrian-peterson/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/10/13/not-even-revenge-stands-in-way-of-all-day-adrian-peterson/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Adrian Peterson DVDOn the day of the release of his new DVD, "All Day with Adrian Peterson," FanHouse caught up with with the superstar running back for a few minutes of time during his busy schedule. The movie is available at Best Buy in conjunction with NFL Films and Warner Home Video. You can also purchase it online at Amazon.com.

Matt Snyder: So, what should the masses know about this video?

Adrian Peterson: It's a great behind-the-scenes look of things from practice and some good highlights. It also shows some footage of growing up and during the NFL draft. There are conversations and things you can't see anywhere else. I definitely recommend everyone get a copy. You need to get yourself a copy, man!

Snyder: I already have it. I received an advanced copy and watched it this morning.

Peterson: Did you like it?

Snyder: Yeah, I loved a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff.

Peterson: What about the start, where I'm driving ... with the highlights on the windshield? Wasn't that cool?

Snyder: Yeah, it really was a great touch for the intro. I agree that it was really cool. A bit after that, you said your first goal is to win the NFC North and everything trickles down from there. Considering you guys won the North last year and lost the first playoff game -- and considering you are 5-0 now -- aren't things a bit heightened? Meaning, if you win the division and lose in the first round, isn't that a disappointment?

Peterson: Well, you always have to take things one step at a time. It's a process. We can't get into the playoffs without winning some games and we want to win the division. From there, you work on playoff games. Of course, we want to be a championship-caliber team and the ultimate goal is always to win the Super Bowl, but I don't want to say things have changed. We still always start with one game at a time, building first toward the NFC North title.

Snyder: One part I enjoyed from the DVD was when you discussed playing tackle football on the street as a kid -- how you wanted so badly not to get tackled on the pavement. Is that where you developed that devastating stiff-arm?

Peterson: Yes. I definitely did not want to get all cut up on the pavement, so that's where it started.

Snyder: Speaking of which, you had a few of those signature stiff-arms against Cleveland in Week 1. They were one of the six teams who passed on drafting you back in 2007. Do you remember those teams? If so, when you play against them, is there some sort of revenge factor?

Peterson: Yeah, I remember. I mean, it's always in my mind to a certain extent. It's like 'hey, you could've had me and now I'm beating you ... here's what you are missing.' But it's not a revenge-type thing. I don't get into that. I can't let anything get me outside of my game.

Snyder: After watching some of the practices from your rookie year on film, it appears that blocking was a much bigger adjustment for you than anything else. Is that true?

Peterson: I always felt like I was a good blocker. It's just that there are adjustments to be made in terms of understanding all the different schemes and coverages in the NFL. 'EB' has been working with me on it and I feel like I'm a good blocker.

Snyder: You mention, 'EB,' who is Eric Bieniemy, your running backs coach. It looked like you guys have an interesting relationship. You even bickered a few times like family members. Would you say you consider him one, like an uncle, maybe?

Peterson: Oh, most definitely. He's just like a family member to me. We get along so well because we both come from the same type of background. We are both good, genuine people and never mean any disrespect to each other. We might get into arguments or this or that, but it never crosses the line and we never say anything personal about each other. It's just two guys trying to find the best way to do things for the good of the team.

Snyder: You already have the single-game NFL rushing record. What other records, whether it's career, single-season or single-game, do you have your eyes on?

Adrian PetersonPeterson: All of them. (pauses) I want them all. Every single record possible, I want it. That's how I approach the game and everything I do. I want to be the best there is and ever was. I don't just want to be the best running back that has ever played football, I want to be the best player to have ever played football.

Snyder: Do you have to talk more about your current starting quarterback or your prowess as a fantasy football beast?

Peterson: (Iong pause accompanied by laughter) Man ... I don't even think I can answer that. It seems like all I ever hear about is either Brett (Favre) or fantasy football. The questions about Brett ... hearing 'hey, I need this many yards from you today for my fantasy league' ... or 'hey, I need more touchdowns!" It's really amazing how many football fans play fantasy football. So many people play. So many.

Snyder: Is any of that annoying?

Peterson: No, I really think it's amusing. I enjoy the talk.

Snyder: Being a Bears fan, I clearly remember that game your rookie year in Soldier Field quite well. You ran all over the Bears (20 carries, 224 yards, 3 touchdowns), but the biggest play was your late kickoff return to set up the game-winning field goal. Do you miss returning?

Peterson: Oh, absolutely I do. But don't get ahead of yourself, you might see me back there again.

Snyder: Seriously?

Peterson: Yeah, I never count anything out. You never know what they'll let me do. I'm still begging coach (Brad) Childress to let me be a gunner on the punt team. Just put me on the outside to run down the punt returner. I'd love to do that.

"I want to be the best there is and ever was. ... I want to be the best player to have ever played football."
-- Adrian Peterson Snyder: Who is the best team in the NFL, other than you guys?

Peterson: What, you don't want me to say us?

Snyder: Say you're No. 1, who is No. 2?

Peterson: It's way early. Early. There are some teams playing really good football right now. The Colts are playing great. The Saints ... we knew about Drew Brees, but the defense has really stepped up. Darren Sharper is such a good player and always makes those picks into big plays. There are a lot of teams playing really well ... Denver ... but it's early and hard to tell. We'll see.

Snyder: You've won some tough games, but it appears the schedule leading up to your bye week is the toughest slate of games to date: vs. Baltimore, at Pittsburgh and at Green Bay. Can you guys win all three games playing the way you've been playing and head into the bye 8-0, or do you need to step up and do some things better?

Peterson: Well, you say three games and I say one. We don't look ahead. We are focused on the Ravens right now and they are a great team. There are always adjustments to make. We try to plan like a championship team would plan and play like a championship team would play. We have to make sure to never play down to an opponent if we are clearly better and keep playing that way the entire game. Honestly, we haven't played a complete game to the best of our ability yet. We really haven't.


Here's a promotional clip from the DVD:

'All Day' Peterson Wants to Be Best Ever originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>adrian petersonbrett favreMatt SnyderTue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EST