From the desk (or couch) of: Chris Lempesis

Dear Mike,

Hey man – how’s it going? Silly question, I know. You must be on top of the world right now (or, at least, 60 minutes away from it).

Anyways, I’m writing you today to tell you I’m sorry. That’s right – your old buddy Chris is choking down [...]]]> To: Michael John McCarthy

From the desk (or couch) of: Chris Lempesis

Dear Mike,

Hey man – how’s it going? Silly question, I know. You must be on top of the world right now (or, at least, 60 minutes away from it).

Anyways, I’m writing you today to tell you I’m sorry. That’s right – your old buddy Chris is choking down a heapin’ helpin’ of crow.

In case you aren’t familiar with our odd little corner of the Interweb, I’ll fill you in. See, I’m the idiot who wrote, after your team’s loss to the Detroit Lions in December, that you should be “relieved of your duties at season’s end.” I felt then that you had peaked as a head coach, that you’d never be the guy to get this team – and, okay, this diehard fanbase of ours – to the promised land. You seemed capable of pulling things together for stretches, but never long enough to really get us there.

Or so I thought then. Man, how stupid was I, huh?

In my defense, you hadn’t done so up to that point. And, with a battered, bruised roster that had just turned in its most disheartening performance of your tenure, the 2010 season – one that began with “Super Bowl or Die” dreams – seemed destined for all-time worst season status for yours truly. Actually, after your loss at New England the next week, I wrote that this season had been the most disappointing of my lifetime as a fan.

Again, I was wrong. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt…or at least waited until the season was officially over to make such a ridiculous statement.  Others, including our own Adam Somers, felt like that was the smart approach. I didn’t. I was completely overreactionary (a sign of the times, I suppose) and wanted your head on a platter. 

You’d been pretty good at dodging bullets in the past – you move well for a big guy, kudos – but I never, in my wildest dreams, could have imagined you’d do what you’ve done over the past six weeks. But you’ve done it, sir – you’ve really done it.

You’ve gotten this team, this ragtag collection of stars and castoffs, to rally together as one. They never wavered in their belief that they could be the best, that they could get to where they are now. Of course, you’ve had some help in all this – tell Dom I said hi and thanks for everything – but, really, a lot of the credit must go to you. Your confident, steadfast approach was absolutely the right approach to take, even if things were as bleak as they’d ever been in your time as head coach of this team.

A lot of us doubted you. But the 53 men in that lockerroom never did. They bought what you sold. In the end, that’s all that matters, I’ve learned.

In turn, you’ve made me a believer in you, Mike. Okay, so sometimes you still drive me nuts – coaching not to lose instead of coaching to win late in two of your team’s three postseason games this year, for example – but all in all, I’m a believer in the “Book of Mike,” so to speak.

Lord help me – I’ve seen the light!

If I had any advice, though, for this next game, it’d be this: Your best moments have come when you’ve been aggressive, when you’ve really gone for it. Don’t forget that next Sunday. As I wrote after the Super Bowl last year, “in the biggest games of your life, you turn it loose.” That worked for the last NFC team in this game. Something tells me it will work for you, too. 

But, really, this letter isn’t about that. If you check us out at all over the next week, you’ll find no shortages of us telling you what your team needs to do to win.

For right now, I just wanted to say, again, that I’m sorry. You’re much smarter than I ever gave you credit for. Keep doing what you’re doing, Mike. It’s working great.

And, oh yeah – go get us that trophy. It belongs in Green Bay. Bring it home.

Sincerely,

Chris Lempesis

In case you weren’t sure, the record had previously been held by a man we know (all too) well: Brett [...]]]> In guiding his team to a 45-3 blowout win over the New York Jets on Dec. 6, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady set an NFL record for most consecutive regular season home wins at 26.

In case you weren’t sure, the record had previously been held by a man we know (all too) well: Brett Favre.

Sunday night’s contest with the Green Bay Packers provides Brady his first chance to extend that streak. But, as we currently stand, how does Brady’s streak compare to Favre’s, exactly?

The question facinated me. And, since I have no girlfriend, I figured I had the time to find out.

What was discovered is more than interesting. In short, while Brady’s streak may be longer, Favre’s streak was more impressive in a lot of areas.

Before we begin, an interesting tidbit: Each player’s streak began when their respective teams were coming off of 17-14 home losses (Brady to the Jets in Nov. 2006 and Favre to the Rams in Sept. 1995). After that, each was off and running.

In terms of major comparisons, the first you must look at is overall level of competition. During his streak, Brady has faced teams with a combined record of 85-96 (.470) at the time each headed into Foxboro. While that’s not atrocious, it doesn’t compare to the combined record of the teams Favre faced: 98-78 (.557).

As far as quality competition goes, again, give the edge to Favre. He faced 15 opponents who were either at or above .500 (not counting three season openers) at the time of the game, compared to 12 for Brady (who has also had three season openers during his streak). Favre’s average margin of victory against those quality opponents was 15.3 points per win. Brady’s is 17.9 per, although “The Hoodie” likes to run up the score just a bit more than Mike Holmgren did.

Given that Brady’s level of competition wasn’t as high, it’s not surprising that he’s racked up more big wins (10 points or more). But not many more – just one, in fact. Brady has 17, while Favre had 16. Brady’s largest margin of victory? That would be 59 points in New England’s 59-0 destruction of Tennessee last season. Favre’s isn’t as high – a 35-point win over Denver (41-6) late in the 1996 season – but, still, that’s not bad, either.

But while Brady has more big wins, he’s also had more close calls. A lot more. Five of Brady’s victories have come by four points or less. You know how many Favre had? One – the now-legendary 23-20 overtime thriller with San Francisco during the ‘96 season.

None of these facts are meant to downgrade the significance of Brady’s streak, keep in mind. In today’s NFL – i.e., “Parity Gone Wild” – for any quarterback to do what he’s doing is nothing short of astounding, especially when you consider the youth movement the Pats have gone through at the skill positions since the end of ‘08. And while Favre’s streak was impressive, it doesn’t change my current thoughts on the man.

Rather, this was just meant to be a fun exercise during an otherwise tough week for Packers fans. Hope you didn’t mind my geekiness too much.

-Chris Lempesis

- The Dark Knight (2008)

This whole season I kept coming back to this quote when thinking of Brett Favre.  The night his streak ends I find it fitting to put this all into context…one…last…time.

We [...]]]> “You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”

- The Dark Knight (2008)

This whole season I kept coming back to this quote when thinking of Brett Favre.  The night his streak ends I find it fitting to put this all into context…one…last…time.

We have exhausted ourselves over the past two seasons on this site expressing how we feel about #4, so I am not going to shed light on anything new, but rather finally add closure to this whole saga. When you think about it, Monday night delivered the perfect closure for Favre.  A “home” game in Detroit because the Metrodome collapsed to due a snowstorm disaster, just as the 2010 season has been a complete disaster for him and the Vikings. It was also fitting that the team that ended Favre’s career in Green Bay was the Vikings’ opponent on Monday night.

Last year, Favre could do no wrong in Minnesota. He was their savior, their white knight.  He led the Vikings closer to a championship than they had been in over a decade.  He then hesitated to come back in 2010, like only Favre knows how. If he actually did hang it up, no one would have blamed him. Granted Vikings fans desperately wanted him back to take care of “unfinished business,” but even they couldn’t fault a 40-year-old future Hall of Famer if he decided to stay in Mississippi shooting Wrangler commercials.

But he came back, just like we knew he always would and it was only a matter of time before all of his hero tokens ran out. The thing about cheering for a guy like Favre on your team is that when he is good, you love him. When he is not good, you are pulling your hair out. Everyone who followed him close enough over the course of his career knew that 2010 was going to end in only one of two ways:  he was going to play hero again and lead the Vikings to another deep championship run; or he was going to go down in flames and be the central cause to the Vikings’ demise.  As well as Favre has played hero over the years, he plays one damn good villain too.

Would it surprise anyone if Favre gets on a plane to Mississippi this week and just ends his time in Minnesota three weeks early? It shouldn’t because there is nothing left for him in Minnesota besides five feet of snow and sub-zero temperatures. Being a closet conspiracy theorist it also wouldn’t surprise me if there is a suspension looming with Sterger-gate and the NFL told him he could end his streak with dignity this week or in shame the following the week. Even if that is the case, how much dignity does he have with how his streak ended? He has played through worse and it is actually kind of a let down how the streak ended. It always seemed like the streak would end with a serious, career-threatening injury or retirement.

So the streak ends at 297, three games short of 300, a number we all know Favre wanted to reach. Of all the records he owns, it is no secret the streak mattered the most to him. It is also his most self-absorbing record since it is the one where his teammates are involved the least. Favre is the most egotistical athlete in my lifetime and to have this streak, and most likely his career end in this fashion is too fitting.  He had chances to go out as a hero at both the end of 2007 and 2009, unexpectedly delivering two teams one game shy of the Super Bowl.

However, he stuck around too long and tore the emotions of two rival fan bases. Who would have predicted three years ago that all of this would have transpired?

But it did. And now Favre is stuck knowing that he is forced to leave the game not the way he wanted, not as a hero. But rather, just the opposite.

-Adam Somers

A look at the remaining schedules for the teams Green Bay is chasing in the NFC playoff race doesn’t brighten the picture at all.

But first, a look at the playoff picture at the moment.

As of now, there [...]]]> Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions felt like a crippling shot to the playoff hopes of the Green Bay Packers.

A look at the remaining schedules for the teams Green Bay is chasing in the NFC playoff race doesn’t brighten the picture at all.

But first, a look at the playoff picture at the moment.

As of now, there are seven teams playing for five spots (with the winner of the putrid NFC West getting the sixth, below .500 record be damned). The Packers are currently in seventh - i.e., dead last. If the playoffs started today – which, surprise, they don’t! – Atlanta (11-2) and Chicago (9-4) would have first-round byes, the Falcons having homefield throughout.

Your first round matchups would be No. 6 New York (8-4) at No. 3 Philadelphia (9-4) and No. 5 New Orleans (10-3) at No. 4 St. Louis (6-7). Tampa Bay (8-5) is the first-team out, with Green Bay (8-5) trailing because Tampa Bay has lost one less conference game. Win or lose, the Giants will remain the sixth seed after tonight’s contest with the Vikings (they’ll have tiebreakers over both the Bucs and the Packers).

In other words, the Packers have a long way to go and not much time to get there.

For the purposes of this post, I’m going to assume Atlanta earns homefield, St. Louis takes the fourth spot and the Saints grab the No. 5 position. Now we’re left with five teams playing for three spots. Let’s go to the schedules for each of those teams, shall we?

• Philadelphia: at Giants, Vikings at home and Cowboys at home
• New York (after tonight): Eagles at home, at Green Bay and at Washington
• Chicago: at Vikings, Jets at home and at Green Bay
• Tampa Bay: Detroit at home, Seattle at home and at New Orleans
• Green Bay: at New England (gulp), Giants at home and Bears at home

Here’s the part where I predict how each team will finish.  Yeah, this will be fun to mock in three weeks.

Philadelphia looks to be sitting pretty. The Eagles will draw the Giants on a ridiculously short week (factoring in New York’s wild weekend of travel) and the Vikes at home. Those both feel like wins. Even if they only split those, it’s hard to see them losing to Dallas at home at the end. My gut tells me they’re an 11-5 squad that wins the NFC East.

Four teams. Two spots left.

Another obvious winner looks to be Tampa Bay. The Bucs should win their next two and may draw a Saints team with little to play for in week 17. Either way, it’s hard to see them finishing worse than 10-6.

I predicted the Giants to lose tonight, but actually I think they’ll win (made the pick on the hopes of an upset). The Giants should lose to Philly and defeat Washington, putting them at 10-5. But we’ll get back to that in a bit.

For the Bears, the next two feel like losses (not just saying that, either). The Vikings will be tough at home (wherever that home may be) and the Jets, while scuffling, are still much more talented than Chicago. That leaves the Bears at 9-6. Again, we’ll get back to that.

Finally, we come to the Packers. Next week is a loss. Sorry, gang, it just seems impossible that they’ll beat the Pats on the road. Green Bay is now 8-6, with the last two games to break down being the ones that ultimately decide their playoff fate. Drawing the Giants at home is a good matchup for Green Bay. That should be a win.

Under this scenario, the Giants finish 10-6. The Packers and Bears are both 9-6 heading into Jan. 2 at Lambeau. Definitely have to like Green Bay’s chances, but still, you never know. If the Packers win, the division – and the No. 3 spot – is theirs. If they lose, season over. The Bears would take the third spot, with the Giants serving as the No. 6 seed.

So, when you hear people say things like “division or bust,” really, they aren’t messing around. But even that scenario could be far-fetched as the Bears still need to lose their next two for the Packers to have a shot to steal the North. And the Packers will still have to defeat a dangerous Giants team that will be a lot healthier in two weeks.

In other words, a lot – scratch that: a WHOLE lot – of luck needs to come Green Bay’s way in the next few weeks in order to make a postseason spot a reality. And for a team as unlucky as the Packers, that seems unlikely.

-Chris Lempesis

Rodgers is a West Coast kid, through and through. He grew up in Chico, California, and played college ball at Butte College before transfering to Cal. Ryan cut his teeth on the East Coast, growing up in Pennsylvania before making a name for himself at [...]]]> Aaron Rodgers and Matt Ryan are strikingly different – and strikingly similar.

Rodgers is a West Coast kid, through and through. He grew up in Chico, California, and played college ball at Butte College before transfering to Cal. Ryan cut his teeth on the East Coast, growing up in Pennsylvania before making a name for himself at Boston College.

Both were first round picks, yes, but even there, the stories differ. Rodgers’ stock famously plummeted on draft day 2005, the youngster forced to sit and stew in the green room for all to see on ESPN as team after team passed on him. Finally, mercifully, the Green Bay Packers selected him 24th overall. Things went much easier for Ryan. He was a no-brainer selection, going third overall to the Atlanta Falcons in 2008, immediately showered with praise.

Rodgers spent three years learning the position before getting his shot as an NFL starter. Ryan was thrown into the gig immediately, being named starter during training camp of his rookie year.

Since the beginning of 2008 – the first year for each as full-time starter – though, Rodgers and Ryan have one unique similarity, one few players have ever faced before: Both were asked to be the faces of franchises at a serious crossroads. Most players crumble under such pressure, but Rodgers and Ryan have each proved more than up to the task, one of the more interesting wrinkles in Sunday’s NFC showdown between the Packers and Falcons at the Georgia Dome.

By now, every Packers fan knows the pressures Rodgers faced. He had to replace that Favre guy, a man many of us held to deity status. But Rodgers also had a lot going for him. Confidence and stability at the top of the organization. A coach and general manager each armed with brand new five-year extensions. A talented, young roster, particularly on offense.

Now, take a look at the pressures the man many call “Matty Ice” had to face. In short, the Falcons were a franchise in complete disarray upon his arrival, after playing in an NFC Championship game just three years prior.

Michael Vick was gone, leaving in disgrace after his dogfighting issues. The previous year, Bobby Petrino – less than one season into a five-year, $24 million contract – resigned as head coach before even making it a full 16 games. A job few wanted was taken by Mike Smith, a man with no head coaching experience at any level. The man guiding the personnel department was 42-year old Thomas Dimitroff, a mere child by NFL standards.

Enter Ryan, with his six-year, $72 million rookie deal. Hope you enjoy that money, kid. And, by the way – don’t screw up or else this franchise is REALLY dead.

Ryan, like Rodgers, never flinched in the face of such enormous pressure. That’s not to say both didn’t feel the pressure internally because, well, how could you not? But publicly, each stayed cool. That translated into success early for the both of them.

Rodgers’ success was statistical in year one, the “rookie” throwing for over 4,000 yards, 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as the Pack scuffled to a 6-10 finish. Ryan, a true rookie, didn’t record such gaudy stats (over 3,400 yards, 16 touchdowns, 11 picks), but his team performed much better. The Falcons finished 11-5. earning a postseason spot along the way. Ryan also defeated Rodgers head-to-head in a game at Lambeau Field that year. Being at the game in person, you couldn’t help but be impressed by how well each handled themselves.

A year two slump followed for Ryan. His numbers – most notably completion percentage and interceptions – weren’t as impressive, he missed two games to injury and his team fell short of the second season. Rodgers turned in another outstanding year on the stat sheet and, this time, the Packers made the playoffs.

Oh, by the way, each player lost their only playoff game to the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale. Can’t make it up.

Year three has found each player coming into their own as stars in the truest sense. Ryan, through 10 games, has recorded 18 touchdowns, just five picks and is completing over 63 percent of his passes. Rodgers? In 10 games, he’s put up 19 touchdowns, nine interceptions and is completing over 64 percent of his passes. Rodgers is a better athlete with a stronger arm, while Ryan shows more cool in the pocket. Ice, indeed.

But it’s more than the numbers or playing styles. Each player has reached the point where they have full command of their lockerrooms. No doubts remain as to who leads the way for their teams. Each has fully grown into the role of “Face of the Franchise” and each wears it well.

And if each continues on their own path, Rodgers versus Ryan could very well turn into a rivalry to watch for quite some time.

-Chris Lempesis

With the season just past the midway point – and the [...]]]> So, before the season started, Adam, Geno (we’re really liking this nickname for him) and I decided to hit y’all with a three-pack of predictions for the 2010 season. Not going to give you a link to those – otherwise, why would you read this?

With the season just past the midway point – and the Green Bay Packers on bye – we thought this a good time to look back and see what we said then. And how that looks now.

As usual, we nailed certain picks, were slightly off on others and, okay, completely bombed a few. Without further adieu, let’s get to them now, shall we?

(Finally, the record in parentheses is how each person thought that team would finish. Also, we agreed on a lot of the same teams. But we’re going to try to limit it to one team per person. So, if say, I thought Dallas would be good and so did the other two, only I will suffer the embarassment.) 

The Clay Matthews picks

Chris on the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5): “If you think I’m too high on this team, think again.”

Tennessee Titans (11-5): “I think the Titans are sneaky good and will surprise a lot of people this year.”

Oakland Raiders (8-8): “I have not lost my mind. The Raiders are better than you think.”

Detroit Lions (6-10): “Detroit’s still a year away, but it is getting a whole lot closer.”

Adam on the San Diego Chargers (10-6): “Not sold on this team at all.”

Atlanta Falcons (11-5): “Matt Ryan leads the Falcons back to the playoffs and proves that last year’s sophomore slump was an aberration.”

Buffalo Bills (2-14): “Jake Locker moves from one losing program to another. Feel a little bad for the guy.”

New Orleans Saints (10-6): “Every champion suffers a hangover, small or large. I think the Saints fall in the middle here, but Brees is at the point of his career that he won’t let the Saints miss the playoffs.”

Gene on the Arizona Cardinals (6-10): “What a spectacular fall for the 2008 NFC champions.”

Miami Dolphins (9-7): “I don’t trust Chad Henne enough to get them to the playoffs quite yet, though.”

Denver Broncos (5-11): “Josh McDaniels is presiding over a trainwreck in Denver, after taking over from Mike Shanahan’s legacy of competitive teams (and stunning egotism).”

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6): “Don’t write this team off because it has a new quarterback … I’m taking them to return to the playoffs.”

The “Jarrett Bush-as-defensive-back” picks

Chris on the Minnesota Vikings (11-5): “As much as I wanted to have the Vikings finishing with a worse record, it’s simply not possible. They have too much talent overall to warrant that.”

Kansas City Chiefs (6-10): “The Chiefs had a nice little offseason for themselves, particularly in the draft. In the years to come, that will pay dividends. This year, however, it only pays off in a small improvement.”

Dallas Cowboys (11-5): “Dallas finished 11-5 last year and basically brings back the same team so a similar result appears likely this year.”

Washington Redskins (3-13): “To some, it might seem inconceivable that a team ran by Mike Shanahan and led on the field by Donovan McNabb could finish so poorly. Not this guy, though.”

Bonus whiff on a certain mercurial wideout: “Randy Moss will be supremely motivated.”

Adam on the Houston Texans (10-6): “The Texans finally break through.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-13):  “All of this youth movement will pay off someday, right? Bucs fans hope so, there is nothing else for them to do.”

San Francisco 49ers (10-6): “I really like the team’s identity under Singletary and this team runs away with the worst division in football.”

Detroit Lions (9-7): “Yes I am shocking the world, the Detroit Lions in the playoffs.”

Gene on the St. Louis Rams (3-13): “They’re not going anywhere this year.”

Cincinnati Bengals (9-7): “I think they keep it together well enough to make another trip to the playoffs.”

New York Jets (9-7): “I’ve got to be honest: Everything about this team screams “overrated.”

The Steelers (8-8): “I’ve seen a few people picking these guys to go to the Super Bowl, and I don’t get it.”

Yeah, so those are our picks. Good times. Lastly, Gene had the Pack losing at New Orleans in the NFC Title Game. Adam had them losing to New England in the Super Bowl. I had them defeating Baltimore in the Super Bowl.

If I’m wrong on everything else, hopefully I’m at least right on that.

-Chris Lempesis, Adam Somers and Gene Bosling

Isn’t it nice to cheer for a team with a plan? You know, one that makes sound football moves in the [...]]]> I know we all rag on Ted Thompson sometimes for not making the sexy moves that everyone wants him to make, but out of the blue, apropos of nothing, I’d just like to say this:

Isn’t it nice to cheer for a team with a plan? You know, one that makes sound football moves in the best interest of its future and doesn’t bend to the whims of a diva QB who wants to bring in guys he likes, whatever the cost? One that doesn’t, after having ceded complete control of this team to said QB, trade for one of those players, watch him underperform for three weeks and cut him, essentially surrendering a third-round pick for nothing?

Just wanted to say that. Why? No reason, really.

–Gene Bosling

Why do trade rumors follow around Ted Thompson like Linus and his blanket when he has never had a history of making trades? [...]]]> There has been enough talk about Aaron Rodgers on this site in the past 24 hours and I have nothing left to add to about the Miami aftermath, so I’ll pose a question:

Why do trade rumors follow around Ted Thompson like Linus and his blanket when he has never had a history of making trades?

Jason Wilde mentioned yesterday that Chris Mortensen reported that the Packers and Cowboys have had talks about Marion Barber.  Makes sense on the peripherals. The Cowboys are going nowhere and are splitting carries among three backs. The Packers need a spark and a little more toughness on offense, Barber represents that.  Outside of that none of this makes sense.

We all know Thompson’s reluctancy to trade away draft picks, so we can start there. The Seahawks gave up a 4th and conditional 6th for Marshawn Lynch. If that is the market, I am going to go out and predict that it will take a conditional 5th that can be moved up to a 4th based on incentives and such.

Not a large asking price, but if Thompson didn’t land Lynch, who has a lot more tread on his tires and a history with Rodgers, why would he pull the trigger on Barber? They are different styled backs and Barber would complement Jackson better, but Lynch also carries a far lesser salary, which leads to us the next myth-buster.

Dallas would most likely pick up most of the remainder of Barber’s 2010 salary, so let’s look ahead to the rest of his deal. 2011: $4.25 million, 2012: $5.75 million, 2013: $6.25 million, 2014: $7 million (from: RotoWorld).  Barber is 27, so there is no way he sees the last two years of this contract, probably even the last three.  If Thompson surrenders a pick for Barber, it won’t be for a 10-game rental, so is $4.25 million next season worth it for a part-time back when Grant makes about the same and will be back healthy in 2011? Doubtful.

But let’s focus on this season, would Barber help the Packers in 2010? This one is harder to answer than you would think. As Chris tweeted earlier today, Barber would bring some needed toughness and grit to this offense. He also is great in third and short conversions, which has been a struggle this season for the Packers. As much as I love what John Kuhn has done this year, Barber is a far superior talent and would command more respect from defenses.

All that being said, who says McCarthy would even utilize Barber the way he should? McCarthy does not want to run the ball and it is obvious.  It is not because he doesn’t have the backs or a line, it is because of his stubbornness. Run blocking is far easier than pass blocking and in the past two games whenever Jackson seems to get going it seems that McCarthy says, “That’s enough, my run quota has been met.” Do we even know what we have with Jackson yet? He may be the answer in the running game, but how are we suppose to know if he only gets 10 carries a game?

To quote the great Chris Lempesis from Sunday, “Running backs are like cars in the winter time, you need to let them run a little bit to get them going.”

Based on that analogy if Jackson is a sedan, Barber is a mack truck. He would help on the goaline and in short yardage situations, but if he only gets a handful of carries a game what good will he do? If McCarthy showed any sign in giving the running game a chance, I would be more optimistic about Barber’s effectiveness. In this current scheme, he would be a more talented Kuhn and that’s it.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to give Barber a chance on this team. I saw firsthand as a fan and reporter what Barber did all through college when my alma mater Minnesota still had a football team earlier this decade. He was a beast and had great work ethic, traits he carried over in the NFL.

However, what proof is there that Thompson would make this trade like this? None. What proof is there that McCarthy would actually utilize Barber? None.

Thankfully the trade deadline is tomorrow, so we don’t have any more rumors to dispel.

-Adam Somers

After a few twists [...]]]> Since week one was such a smashing success in our weekly picks segment, we have decided to return for round two because we know you all enjoyed our Nostradamus-like predictions.  And Gene has decided to toss last’s week simple approach to offer more insight (not sure if this is good or bad).

After a few twists and turns in week one, Gene and Adam are tied at 9-7 and Chris is one game behind at 8-8.

(all times listed are Lambeau time)

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals, Noon, CBS

Gene – I’m going to go against the grain here; I like the Bengals, and think they can stretch the field a little bit on the Ravens’ beat-up secondary, as long as Carson Palmer gets time to throw. This will be a higher-scoring game than people anticipate. Bengals 31, Ravens 27.

Chris – Love the way Baltimore was able to gut out the ugly win against the Jets on Monday. That defense is for real. While the offense struggled, that shouldn’t be the case here. I just can’t shake this feeling that the Bungals were simply one-year wonders. Baltimore 27, Cincinnati 13.

Adam – I think the Bengals are better than they showed last week and I don’t like the feeling that this is the second tough road game in six days to start the season for the Ravens. If this was in Baltimore I would feel a lot more confident, but I don’t and am going with an upset. Cincinnati 24, Baltimore 20.am

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys, Noon, Fox

Gene – If the Cowboys lose this game, we can officially start throwing the ‘f’ word around: frauds. They had no business losing to the Redskins last week, save for a colossal boner before halftime, and they are immensely more talented than the Bears. A loss here would validate why I don’t think this team is cut out to go deep in the playoffs. But they’ll keep the ruse up for a few more weeks, at least. Dallas 31, Chicago 13.

Chris – Hopefully, the Bears sent the refs from last Sunday’s game a thank you card because they had no business winning that game. On the road against a Dallas team that stumbled, sputtered and stammered all the way through its loss to Washington, Chicago won’t be so lucky. Dallas 24, Chicago 13.

Adam – Dallas better not lay an egg in their home opener or Wade Phillips may be on the first train out of D-town. Luckily, the Cowboys draw Jay Cutler and the Bears. Cutler threw for a lot of yards, but made too many mistakes. He won’t be able to get away with that against a good defense. Dallas 27-14.

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions, Noon, Fox

Gene – Michael Vick gets the nod for the Eagles, and it will be interesting to see how the Lions’ improved defense handles Vick. I think the Eagles have too much perimeter speed for Detroit to handle, and despite the Lions’ improvements, they’re not good enough to win against a team like that yet. Philadelphia 26, Detroit 14.

Chris – The Michael Vick Experiment continues for the Eagles as Dog Killa No. 1 will start in place of Kevin Kolb (Clay’d!). Considering his counterpart will be Detroit’s Shaun Hill, you have to like his chances. Sorry Lions fans, without Matt Stafford, it’s heading that way again. Philadelphia 23, Detroit 14

Adam – Did I miss something, I thought Vick led the Eagles to victory last week? Oh wait, I watched too much ESPN. I would consider picking the underdog kitties at home, but not with Shaun Hill at QB. Without Stafford, my bold prediction for Detroit looks insane now. Philadelphia 26-13.

Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons, Noon, Fox

Gene – The Falcons lost a tough one in Pittsburgh last week, but they’re a cut above Arizona, and should be able to control the clock with their running game. Falcons 27, Cardinals 17.

Chris – The Falcons didn’t do much more than I did, offensively, last week. At home against a Cardinals team that had no business even beating the lowly Rams last week, you have to think that’ll change. Heaven help the Falcons if it doesn’t. Atlanta 28, Arizona 12

Adam – Atlanta didn’t open up the season as nicely as it had hoped to, but at least they didn’t almost lose to the Rams in week one. Derek Anderson targeted Fitzgerald 15 times last week and only completed three of those, not good. Atlanta rights the ship this week. Atlanta 27-9

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns, Noon, CBS

Gene – What will be higher: the number of points scored in this one, or the local ratings in either team’s city? Bad matchup, but the Chiefs are a shade more talented than the Browns. They’ll be able to run the ball effectively and get their second win of the season. Kansas City 23, Cleveland 13.

Chris – Really like the approach the Chiefs are taking. They don’t figure to be very good, so why not play most of their rookies? That formula led to an upset of San Diego on Monday night. It should work this week, as well. God help us – the Chiefs will be 2-0. Kansas City 20, Cleveland 7.

Adam – Outside of their respected cities, this has to be the least watched game of the weekend, right? Not sure if it is good or bad that Delhomme is out this week. Kansas City is young and raw, but talented and could be in first place after week two. Kansas City 17-14.

Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers, Noon, CBS

Gene – Even without Ryan Grant, the Packers are immensely more talented than the Bills, and should win their home opener handily. They have a tendency to doze off at the wheel when they get a big lead, but they’ll still cruise against a Bills team that just has no offensive weapons to keep them in this game. Green Bay 28, Buffalo 14.

Chris – If the Packers are the team everyone thinks they are, they blow Buffalo out. It’s that simple. Green Bay 34, Buffalo 10.

Adam – For the sake of their fans, I wish I could find any reason for Buffalo to put some kind of worry to the Packers in any aspect of the game and I can’t. Green Bay 38-13.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans, Noon, CBS

Gene – I was tempted to take the Titans at home, partially because of how overrated I think the Steelers are. But I think their defense is good enough to slow down Chris Johnson, at least somewhat and at least enough that the Steelers crank out another unsightly win. Pittsburgh 13, Tennessee 10.

Chris – The Steelers, behind an outstanding defensive effort, earned a crucial overtime win against Atlanta last week. Pittsburgh now needs to win just one of its next three to be in good shape for Nasty Ben’s return. Unfortunately for them, that win won’t come this week against a tough bunch of Titans. Tennessee 17, Pittsburgh 10.

Adam – I think the Steelers were lucky to get a win last week in a tough out against Atlanta. Another strong defensive effort will keep them in the game, but Chris Johnson is just too much, especially at home. Tennessee 17, Pittsburgh, 10.

Tampa Bay at Carolina, Noon, Fox

Gene – Here’s another gem for the ratings. This has Ron Pitts and John Lynch written all over it. Carolina wins, though; I like that team as a playoff sleeper in the NFC. Carolina 17, Tampa Bay 13.

Chris – I really can’t think of much to say about this one. Tampa won, but it was against the Brownies. The Panthers kept things interesting for a half or so on the road against the Giants. Something tells me Carolina’s better. Just a hunch. Carolina 21, Tampa Bay 20

Adam – Matt Moore is one shot away from Jimmy Clausen seeing the field. Not sure how I would feel about that if I am Panthers fan. Either way, that shot won’t come this week. Carolina 24, Tampa Bay 17.

Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings, Noon, CBS

Gene – Can’t see the Vikings losing two in a row to open the season, even if their offense has some serious issues and Brett Favre will be harassed all day by an aggressive Dolphins defense. Vikings win an ugly one – and that thud you’ll hear is their fans all hopping back on the bandwagon. Seriously, these people are awful, awful fans. Whoops — got carried away there. Vikings 20, Dolphins 14.

Chris – Did Favre look like a kid out there last week or what? Actually, no, he didn’t. Favre struggled throughout against the Saints, showing no chemistry with his wideouts. He also appeared to be seeing ghosts facing a Saints defense that didn’t blitz as much as expected. Call me a hater, but I think he’s spooked. Miami will continue to scare him with its tough defensive mindset. Miami 20, Minnesota 17.

Adam – Favre will hate this matchup because I have a feeling Miami will send the dogs for all four quarters and its secondary can handle a mediocre Vikings receiving corps right now. However, the Vikings defense actually played pretty well last week against the Saints and that will carry them over to a close victory at home. I will hope I am wrong though. Minnesota 17, Miami 16.

St. Louis Rams at Oakland Raiders, 3:05 pm, Fox.

Gene – Ah, the former Los Angeles teams face off in a memorable game that will surely have fans everywhere talking about how well off they are now that they’ve left LA. Wait, what’s that? They’re not? Oops. Anyway, the Raiders defense will harass Sam Bradford and they’ll get their first win of the year. Now hopefully Steven Jackson can get me some fantasy points. Oakland 19, St. Louis 7.

Chris – While he certainly was not great, Sam Bradford wasn’t too bad, either, almost leading the Rams to a win over the Cards. That’s nice, but there’s no way I’m jumping off the Raiders bandwagon yet. Al Davis might be dead, but his team isn’t. Oakland 20, St. Louis 16.

Adam – Think the Rams have something with Sam Bradford, but they don’t have much around him. Oakland isn’t as bad as it looked last week and I expect its defense to impose its will at home against a bad team with a rookie quarterback. Oakland 23, St. Louis 10.

Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos, 3:05 pm, Fox

Gene – Speaking of NFC sleepers, the Seahawks attracted some attention with what they did to the 49ers last week. They’re good enough to beat a terrible Denver team on the road and go to 2-0. Seattle 24, Denver 14.

Chris – Did anyone see Seattle’s blowout win over San Fran coming? I know I sure didn’t. Denver, meanwhile, didn’t look so good in losing to the Jags. Are the Pete Carroll-led ‘Hawks really going to be 2-0? How is this possible? Seattle 23, Denver 21.

Adam – I have nothing to say about this game, so I want to take this time to point out how crappy the Belichick coaching tree is: Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis, Josh McDaniels. Prove how much ol’ Bill runs the show in New England. Denver 23, Seattle 21.

Houston Texans at Washington Redskins, 3:15 pm, Fox

Gene – This is a bad recipe for the Redskins: Talented team, off to a hot start and loaded with weapons on offense, coming in to town with the ability to turn this game into the kind of shootout Washington can’t handle. The Redskins gave an inspired effort against the Cowboys last week, but they’re not good enough to sustain that against the Texans. Houston 34, Washington 17.

Chris – Both teams earned impressive upset victories last week. Houston’s win was just a bit more impressive. Okay, it was a lot more impressive. Something tells me Washington’s offense can’t keep up with these guys. Houston 28, Washington 14.

Adam – I don’t know, but this game smells like a big letdown game for the Texans. They literally came off the franchise’s greatest victory. Washington has a pretty good defense as they proved last week and I think they pull the upset of the weekend. Maybe I am just hoping the Redskins are respectable when OBOD makes their Packer roadtrip out to the capital next month. Washington 20, Houston 17.

New England Patriots at New York Jets, 3:15, CBS

Gene – A big test for Mr. Manboobs in Week 2 at home, as the Patriots come in with a chance to put the Jets in an 0-2 hole. And I think they will; the Ravens proved last week you CAN survive on Revis Island, and Mark Sanchez won’t be able to trade touchdowns with Tom Brady. New England 27, New York 13.

Chris – The Jets were who we thought they were in losing to the Ravens (i.e., all defense and a rotten Mark Sanchez). The Pats looked wicked sharp in blowing out the Bengals. On the road, it won’t be so easy, offensively, but Brady and the boys should be able to score enough. Jets fans are going to riot. New England 20, New York 13.

Adam – Rex Ryan may have proved last week his bark is louder than his bite. Could this ‘improved’ offense be worse than it was last year? Everyone is saying it, but with the way Brady looked last week there is no way Sanchez can hang in this game. New England 24, New York 10.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers, 3:15 pm, CBS.

Gene – Well, it looks like the Chargers are set on going through their early-season doldrums and making things more difficult than they need to be, as usual. For that reason, I could see them getting beat at home this week, perhaps by a better team. But I don’t think the Jaguars have it in them to go across the country and beat a good team. San Diego 24, Jacksonville 20.

Chris – A frantic late comeback almost ended in San Diego forcing overtime against the Chiefs. It was a subpar effort, to say the least, before that, though. At home against a mediocre Jags bunch, expect a much better effort this week. San Diego 30, Jacksonville 14.

Adam – It was the perfect storm last week for the Chargers. Thankfully, they are at home this week against a team that doesn’t travel well. Expect Rivers, Gates and the gang to get back on track. San Diego 31, Jacksonville 21.

New York Giants at Indianapolis Colts, 7:20 pm, NBC

Gene – A tough game, all of a sudden, for Peyton Manning and Co., as little brother Eli brings his team into Indianapolis. In a prime-time game with an overcooked storyline (the Manning brothers squaring off), who do you like better? Yeah, I’m taking Peyton, too. Indianapolis 27, New York 14.

Chris – The Manning Bowl II takes center stage on Sunday night. The loser doesn’t get to be Archie’s son anymore – or, at least, that’s what I thought I heard. The Giants looked pretty good in the second half last week. The Colts struggled for most of the day against Houston and the dreaded Super Bowl hangover is a real possibility. How real? This real. New York 27, Indianapolis 24.

Adam – I think the Colts are trending the wrong way, but I can’t imagine Peyton losing to his little brother and starting the season 0-2, I just can’t. It won’t be easy, but in a close game I trust big brother more. Fun side bet for the game: What will be more, camera shots of Archie or total touchdowns scored? Indianapolis 28, New York 24.

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers, 7:30 ESPN (Monday night)

Gene – The NFC West darlings got themselves into trouble last week with a loss to the Seahawks, and things don’t get any easier here. The 49ers defense could give Drew Brees and company some trouble, but I think the Saints get enough offensive mojo going to win at Candlestick, or whatever it’s called now. Saints 27, 49ers 17.

Chris – Could the Niners be a bunch of frauds? Is Mike Singletary just that overrated as a coach, capable of great quotes but not great production? Too soon to say, but last week’s effort has to be troubling, if you’re a Niners fan. They’ll be better at home in this one, but against the champs? It’s hard to see them improving enough to pull out the win. New Orleans 24, San Francisco 14

Adam – The Niners failure to show up last week could potentially put them in a hole they didn’t expect to start the season. They will play better at home and Singletary will drop articles of clothing if they don’t.  But if Seattle can throw on this team, Brees can and the NFC West favorites fall to 0-2. New Orleans 31, San Francisco 20.

-Adam Somers, Chris Lempesis, Gene Bosling.