Results
Green Bay 14 Cincinnati 21
Detroit 13 Chicago 19
Minnesota 13 Carolina 38
Standings
Chicago 4-3
Detroit 3-4
Minnesota 2-5
Green Bay 1-6
Breakdown
It's official, the Bears have won the NFC North. With nine games left in the season, a one game lead may as well be a six game lead in this division. The Lions have too many problems, the Vikings and Packers are bad, and the Bears just keep getting better.
The Vikings continued to be those Vikings we all know and love. One week after looking as though they've turned it around and like they might actually make a run in this division, they failed to get off the flight into Carolina and were blown out by the Panthers. Better yet, Duante Culpepper essentailly blew up his knee and will be sidelined for the rest of the year. The comedy coming out of Minnesota is non stop.
The Packers hung around with another team, only to do what bad teams do. Not win. Everyone who is, or was calling for Mike Sherman's head-myself included-should momentarily cool it. Look, do I have my doubts about him? Yeah, but he has won thre consecutive NFC North crowns, a stat you can't exactly throw by the wayside. You have to let him finish the season, if for nothing else than the reason that his players still believe in him. If the team had given up on him already they would be getting blown out in every game, but they're hanging around. They were in the Detoit game virtually throughout it all, and the other five losses have come by a combined 16. Six losses by 33 points. These are all games they would be winning in years past, but the fire power's just not there this year.
This much is clear, the players believe in Mike Sherman, and the defensive guys believe in Jim Bates. Now if they keep showing progress, those are two pretty good building blocks for next year. Yeah, next year. I can't believe I'm already looking forward to next year in week 8.
Funniest Moments of the Week
And there were many. Lets see, where do I begin. There was...
Chad Johnson giving water to an official and then getting asked for some by another official. Say what you will about him but the man provides us with good comedy.
Chad Johnson earning himself a Giecko endorsement deal by saying "The bad news is you have to face me, the good new is you can save %10..." to Al Harris.
The Vikings game.
Fred Smoot going out of his way to talk trash to Steve Smith, only to get lit up for four penalties, 201 receiving yards, 11 catches and one touchdown. Nice job "Smut". Oh yeah, Smoot was unavailable for comment after the game.
Jeff Garcia going as Joey Harrington one day early for Halloween. At least I think he did, thats the only explanation I can come up with as to why he would throw that pass in overtime.
Stat of the Week
One.
The Packers have one freaking win after seven games.
Upcoming Schedule
Pittsburgh at Green Bay
Detroit at Minnesota
Chicago at New Orleans
In Case You Missed It
The Packers have severed ties with last years third round pick Joey Thomas. While I will agree that Thomas has been horrible, and has been constantly outplayed by Ahmad Carroll, isn't it kind of early to give up on a third rounder whom you thought had so much potential and could blossom?
I don't think Thomas will be a player because he looks slow, he doesn't have good instincts, and I still can't get over him closing his eyes before whiffing on a tackle last year, but can you really give up on him this early when you're this bad?
Upon Further Review
The Bears are actually a good team. Imagine if they had a non rookie quarterback starting, that and another reciever opposite Muhmmad.
Questions of the Week
Reggie Bush or Jimmy Williams?
Am I really looking forward to the Draft already?
Saddest Moment of the Week
Watching Brett Favre attempting to get himself off the ground only to fall back down, absolutely drained and exhuasted after sunday's loss. The look on his face is truely sad. At least to Packer fans, it's as if he's thinkning "Why don't these guys want it as bas as I do?"
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birs and snakes, and aeroplane..."
With Brett Favre under center, the Packers played the Bengals and not only lost, but were expected to lose going in. What's going on here? Am I dreaming? The Packers are in last place in the NFL and the Bengals lead their division?
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Northern Exposure: Week 7
Results
Green Bay 20 Minnesota 23
Cleveland 10 Detroit 13
Baltimore 6 Chicago 10
Standings
Chicago 3-3
Detroit 3-3
Minnesota 2-4
Green Bay 1-5
Breakdown
The division took an interesting turn this past weekend. The Lions took a step in the right direction by benching Joey Harrington in favor of Jeff Garcia, and three of the four teams picked up a win.
The Bears defense looks so good, Jeff Garcia starting makes you think the Lions offense could be so good, and the Vikings gave you a glimpse of what might be.
As long as Kyle Orton doesn't make many mistakes (preferably any) the Bears will be in every game on their schedule. In my eyes, the next two games on thier docket are key. A road game against the Saints and a home contest with the god awful 49ers. Both are winnable games, and games the Bears need to win if they want to take this division.
I say that because the seven games that follow those two are: Carolina, @ Tampa Bay, Green Bay, @ Pittsburgh, Atlanta, @ Green Bay, @ Minnesota. Tampa, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and possibly Carolina and Minnesota are all playoff teams, and as bad as the Packers are Brett Favre absolutely owns the Bears.
The Packers may have done everyone in the division and possibly conference a disservice this weekend by waking a sleeping giant. This may have been the wakeup call the Vikes have been waiting on all season. If they had someone other than "FrankenTice" running the ship I'd feel a little more confident saying that.
The Lions still have five or six winnable games left on their schedule, whereas I'd say the Bears have four or five. If they Lions don't get to 8-8, Mooch has to join Joey Harrington in the unemployment line. Yes Harrington has been abismal, and the defense has been bad, but we've seen Packers, Vikings and Rams teams at least make the playoffs on offense alone. Especially when you're playing in the NFC, and NFC North at that.
As much as it pains me to say this, I think the Vikes are primed to make a run and take this division. This win may have been the epiphany they needed, the have the most offensive weapons, and a defense loaded with talent that just hasen't performed. Oh yeah, they also have the schedule that sets up nicest.
The Packers are done. They might go on a run, and while I wouldn't be totally shocked if they did come back and it least make it some sort of a race, I just don't see it happening. They've lost too much on offense to compete. Brett Favre will win them two to three more games on his own this year, but that's all they have.
Funniest Moment of the Week
A sign in Cleveland (Jeff Garcia's team last year) that read "Hey Detroit, Thanks for taking out our Trash!"
Stat of the Week
18 TD's
0 Int's
6 yards per rush
Daunte Culpepper's numbers in his last 6 games against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have won 4 of those games.
Upcoming Schedule
Green Bay @ Cinncinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
Minnesota @ Carolina
Either way, at least one team is picking up a win this week...
Incase You Missed it
The Packers brought in FredEx himeslf for a workout. If all goes well, Freddie Mitchell may well be starting opposite Donald Driver this sunday in Cincinnati.
Other prospects for getting added by the weekend are the familiar Walter Williams and Andre Thurman.
Upon Further Review
Sadest Moment of the Week (And Possibly My Life)
I'm already looking forward to opening day, and as Fabos told me in an earlier email...
"Man I really hope that hot stove is indeed hot this offseason..."
Questions of the Week
Why take the ball out of Brett Favre's hands on third and short and call a draw play when you've averaged a shade over 3 yards per carry all game!?
How did Mike Sherman get outcoached by Mike Tice?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
Mike Tice made half time adjustments, and out schemed, game planned and coached someone across the sidelines.
Stock up on non perishable food items and water while you can...
Green Bay 20 Minnesota 23
Cleveland 10 Detroit 13
Baltimore 6 Chicago 10
Standings
Chicago 3-3
Detroit 3-3
Minnesota 2-4
Green Bay 1-5
Breakdown
The division took an interesting turn this past weekend. The Lions took a step in the right direction by benching Joey Harrington in favor of Jeff Garcia, and three of the four teams picked up a win.
The Bears defense looks so good, Jeff Garcia starting makes you think the Lions offense could be so good, and the Vikings gave you a glimpse of what might be.
As long as Kyle Orton doesn't make many mistakes (preferably any) the Bears will be in every game on their schedule. In my eyes, the next two games on thier docket are key. A road game against the Saints and a home contest with the god awful 49ers. Both are winnable games, and games the Bears need to win if they want to take this division.
I say that because the seven games that follow those two are: Carolina, @ Tampa Bay, Green Bay, @ Pittsburgh, Atlanta, @ Green Bay, @ Minnesota. Tampa, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and possibly Carolina and Minnesota are all playoff teams, and as bad as the Packers are Brett Favre absolutely owns the Bears.
The Packers may have done everyone in the division and possibly conference a disservice this weekend by waking a sleeping giant. This may have been the wakeup call the Vikes have been waiting on all season. If they had someone other than "FrankenTice" running the ship I'd feel a little more confident saying that.
The Lions still have five or six winnable games left on their schedule, whereas I'd say the Bears have four or five. If they Lions don't get to 8-8, Mooch has to join Joey Harrington in the unemployment line. Yes Harrington has been abismal, and the defense has been bad, but we've seen Packers, Vikings and Rams teams at least make the playoffs on offense alone. Especially when you're playing in the NFC, and NFC North at that.
As much as it pains me to say this, I think the Vikes are primed to make a run and take this division. This win may have been the epiphany they needed, the have the most offensive weapons, and a defense loaded with talent that just hasen't performed. Oh yeah, they also have the schedule that sets up nicest.
The Packers are done. They might go on a run, and while I wouldn't be totally shocked if they did come back and it least make it some sort of a race, I just don't see it happening. They've lost too much on offense to compete. Brett Favre will win them two to three more games on his own this year, but that's all they have.
Funniest Moment of the Week
A sign in Cleveland (Jeff Garcia's team last year) that read "Hey Detroit, Thanks for taking out our Trash!"
Stat of the Week
18 TD's
0 Int's
6 yards per rush
Daunte Culpepper's numbers in his last 6 games against the Green Bay Packers. The Vikings have won 4 of those games.
Upcoming Schedule
Green Bay @ Cinncinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
Minnesota @ Carolina
Either way, at least one team is picking up a win this week...
Incase You Missed it
The Packers brought in FredEx himeslf for a workout. If all goes well, Freddie Mitchell may well be starting opposite Donald Driver this sunday in Cincinnati.
Other prospects for getting added by the weekend are the familiar Walter Williams and Andre Thurman.
Upon Further Review
The Packers really miss a healthy Mike Flannigan. They've essentailly lost the entire middle of their offenisive line since last year.
Nick Collins is the best saftey they have, and far better than any of us have noticed.
Brady Poppinga is the second coming of Bryce Paup.
Duante Culpepper is to the Packers what Favre is to the Bears.
The worst part of Donald Lee being such a good discovery by Ted Thompson is that he plays a postion the Packers need little help at.
Mwelde Moore won the Vikings running back job with about 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Michael Bennett is a gunner? He was a first round pick. What a bust.
Sadest Moment of the Week (And Possibly My Life)
I'm already looking forward to opening day, and as Fabos told me in an earlier email...
"Man I really hope that hot stove is indeed hot this offseason..."
Questions of the Week
Why take the ball out of Brett Favre's hands on third and short and call a draw play when you've averaged a shade over 3 yards per carry all game!?
How did Mike Sherman get outcoached by Mike Tice?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
Mike Tice made half time adjustments, and out schemed, game planned and coached someone across the sidelines.
Stock up on non perishable food items and water while you can...
Monday, October 17, 2005
Nothern Exposure: Week 6
Results
Chicago 28 Minnesota 3
Carolina 21 Detroit 20
Standings
Chicago 2-3
Detroit 2-3
Green Bay 1-4
Minneosta 1-4
Breakdown
The NFC North continues to make a mochary of divisional races. Anytime Chicago and Detroit hold any lead over Minnesota or Green Bay past week one, it catches you off guard.
The Bears absolutely demolished the Vikings yesterday, 28-3. Hey Minnesota, thanks for showing up. The Vikings have failed to even make an effort in three games this year (Cincinnati, Atlanta and Chicago) when does this fall on the shoulders of Mike Tice? I realize no one on that staff can coach a team-even on an interim basis-but this team has no direction or leadership.
The Bears have now absolutely manhandled two divisional opponents at home, and the defense continues to look good, but they are still not a very good team. When they go up against a team with a halfway good defense, they lose. Week one versus Washington, 7 points scored and a loss. Week three versus Cincinnati, 7 points scored and a loss, and week four against Cleveland, 10 points scored and another loss.
Put points on the board and play adequate defense and you will, not can, will beat this team. Kyle Orton has looked pretty good for a rookie, but you're still relying on a rookie quarterback.
Defensive coordiantors clearly have the blueprint. Stuff the box and double team Mushin and the Bears have no anwer.
How on earth have the Lions won two games? Well Green Bay played poorly in week one and lost thier best offense player not named Favre, and the Ravens are just horrible. Yes they played the Buccaneers and Panthers close, but who hasen't this year. This is all you need to know about the Lions, for how much they dominated the Green Bay and Carolina games, Green Bay still had a shot up until the end, and they lost the Carolina game. Oh yeah, and had it not been for a meltdown by the Ravens, or an inept offesne, they lose that game too. They won by 18 points because the Ravens turned the ball over in costly spots, and had a butt load of personal foul calls. Joey Harrington's stat line: 10-21, 97 yards no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The winner of the Packers Vikings game on sunday is still the favorite to win the division. The only shot Chicago and Detroit had was a bad start by the Vikings and Packers-which they got- and a good start of their own. I'd hardly call 2-3 a good start. The Bears and Lions needed to be at least 3-2 to give them a chance at winning this.
If Duante can return to old form, and this high priced editon of Extreme Defense Makeover can avoid getting cancelled (cheap tv pun) the Vikings will be fine.
Same can be said for the Packers, if Ahman Green can get the running game going and as long as this defense continues to improve, the Packers will be fine.
Funniest Moment of the Week
Without a doubt the funniest line of the line of the week comes to us courtesy of the Vikings. In a statement released through the team, Mike Tice has now made it mandatory for players to arrive to team meetings, are you ready for this, on time. So they could just show up whenever they wanted before? God this story keeps getting better by the day.
Stat of the Week
The Green Bay Packers defense ranks 14th in the NFL in scoring, and 5th in the NFC. In terms of yardage it looks like this
Total: 11th NFL, 5th NFC
Rushing: 11th NFL, 6th NFC
Passing: 12th NFL, 6th NFC
The Packers are a middle of the road defense after 5 games, and have improved every week. If only our defense was just average was the story of the Packers season the last two years. They finally have that scenario, now if only the offense keeps putting up points...
Upcoming Schedule
Detroit at Cleveland 1:00pm
Green Bay at Minnesota 1:00pm
Baltimore at Chicago 3:15pm
The Larry David Special...
Okay, so maybe I should curb my enthusiasm here, but the brutal murderers row of a schedule the Packers were facing a few weeks ago doesn't look that bad all of a sudden.
Vikings game is very winnable, the home game against Cincinnati is a probalbe loss, but winnable. Pittsburgh and Atlanta will be tough and are losses, but then...
Minnesota
Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Detroit
@ Baltimore
Chicago
Seattle
Not one of those games strikes you as a sure fire loss. Just glancing at it, you would think, again if the defense continues to play like this and improve and Favre continues to play this well, you can win at least four, and as many as 6 of those 7 games.
Question of the Week
Can we trade for the rights to Reggie Bush right now?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
The Bears are 2-0 in division play, and have outscored their opponents in those games by a combined score of 66-9. I know what you're thinking, but those numbers are correct, and no you didn't read that wrong.
Chicago 28 Minnesota 3
Carolina 21 Detroit 20
Standings
Chicago 2-3
Detroit 2-3
Green Bay 1-4
Minneosta 1-4
Breakdown
The NFC North continues to make a mochary of divisional races. Anytime Chicago and Detroit hold any lead over Minnesota or Green Bay past week one, it catches you off guard.
The Bears absolutely demolished the Vikings yesterday, 28-3. Hey Minnesota, thanks for showing up. The Vikings have failed to even make an effort in three games this year (Cincinnati, Atlanta and Chicago) when does this fall on the shoulders of Mike Tice? I realize no one on that staff can coach a team-even on an interim basis-but this team has no direction or leadership.
The Bears have now absolutely manhandled two divisional opponents at home, and the defense continues to look good, but they are still not a very good team. When they go up against a team with a halfway good defense, they lose. Week one versus Washington, 7 points scored and a loss. Week three versus Cincinnati, 7 points scored and a loss, and week four against Cleveland, 10 points scored and another loss.
Put points on the board and play adequate defense and you will, not can, will beat this team. Kyle Orton has looked pretty good for a rookie, but you're still relying on a rookie quarterback.
Defensive coordiantors clearly have the blueprint. Stuff the box and double team Mushin and the Bears have no anwer.
How on earth have the Lions won two games? Well Green Bay played poorly in week one and lost thier best offense player not named Favre, and the Ravens are just horrible. Yes they played the Buccaneers and Panthers close, but who hasen't this year. This is all you need to know about the Lions, for how much they dominated the Green Bay and Carolina games, Green Bay still had a shot up until the end, and they lost the Carolina game. Oh yeah, and had it not been for a meltdown by the Ravens, or an inept offesne, they lose that game too. They won by 18 points because the Ravens turned the ball over in costly spots, and had a butt load of personal foul calls. Joey Harrington's stat line: 10-21, 97 yards no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
The winner of the Packers Vikings game on sunday is still the favorite to win the division. The only shot Chicago and Detroit had was a bad start by the Vikings and Packers-which they got- and a good start of their own. I'd hardly call 2-3 a good start. The Bears and Lions needed to be at least 3-2 to give them a chance at winning this.
If Duante can return to old form, and this high priced editon of Extreme Defense Makeover can avoid getting cancelled (cheap tv pun) the Vikings will be fine.
Same can be said for the Packers, if Ahman Green can get the running game going and as long as this defense continues to improve, the Packers will be fine.
Funniest Moment of the Week
Without a doubt the funniest line of the line of the week comes to us courtesy of the Vikings. In a statement released through the team, Mike Tice has now made it mandatory for players to arrive to team meetings, are you ready for this, on time. So they could just show up whenever they wanted before? God this story keeps getting better by the day.
Stat of the Week
The Green Bay Packers defense ranks 14th in the NFL in scoring, and 5th in the NFC. In terms of yardage it looks like this
Total: 11th NFL, 5th NFC
Rushing: 11th NFL, 6th NFC
Passing: 12th NFL, 6th NFC
The Packers are a middle of the road defense after 5 games, and have improved every week. If only our defense was just average was the story of the Packers season the last two years. They finally have that scenario, now if only the offense keeps putting up points...
Upcoming Schedule
Detroit at Cleveland 1:00pm
Green Bay at Minnesota 1:00pm
Baltimore at Chicago 3:15pm
The Larry David Special...
Okay, so maybe I should curb my enthusiasm here, but the brutal murderers row of a schedule the Packers were facing a few weeks ago doesn't look that bad all of a sudden.
Vikings game is very winnable, the home game against Cincinnati is a probalbe loss, but winnable. Pittsburgh and Atlanta will be tough and are losses, but then...
Minnesota
Philadelphia
@ Chicago
Detroit
@ Baltimore
Chicago
Seattle
Not one of those games strikes you as a sure fire loss. Just glancing at it, you would think, again if the defense continues to play like this and improve and Favre continues to play this well, you can win at least four, and as many as 6 of those 7 games.
Question of the Week
Can we trade for the rights to Reggie Bush right now?
"That's great it starts with an earthquake, birds and snakes, and aeroplane..."
The Bears are 2-0 in division play, and have outscored their opponents in those games by a combined score of 66-9. I know what you're thinking, but those numbers are correct, and no you didn't read that wrong.
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