Well, well, well – it looks as though there’s a little lover’s spat going on here [...]]]> (Please note: I was originally planning on writing my Christmas list for the Green Bay Packers as my usual lighthearted Tuesday post. But then Sunday night happened in Charlotte, North Carolina. And, well, that’s just too good to pass up.)

Well, well, well – it looks as though there’s a little lover’s spat going on here in Minneapolis, doesn’t there?

Seems Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Brad Childress and Judas aren’t getting along.

(No, you know what? Scratch that. It’s the holidays. I’m in a giving mood. For just this once, I’m going to refer to him as – gasp! – Brett Favre.)

Childress and Favre got into a verbal sparring match on the sidelines during Minnesota’s blowout loss to Carolina on Sunday night. Apparently, Childress wanted to bench Favre – who had been taking a pounding at the hands of the Panthers’ defense – even though the Vikings held just a 7-6 lead at that point. Favre, as per usual, was having none of that. He got his way, stayed in the game and continued to take a beating. The result? The second loss in three games for the previously 10-1 Vikings.

An argument between a coach and player – even one as massive as Favre – doesn’t make for much of a story. This is the NFL; things get heated.

Now, though, we’re finding out that Childress unleashed a “profanity-laced tirade” at Favre in private well after the game Sunday night and that Childress actually tried to bench Favre for changing a play call in the first game against our beloved Green Bay Packers on Oct. 5.

Now, we would seem to have a story…until you consider that what’s happening between the two was inevitable. Both men have massive egos and both have won their share of public battles in the past.

Childress first came to public knowledge when he, as offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, got into a heated argument with Terrell Owens after a practice in 2005. Philly head coach Andy Reid stood by Childress. The team de-activated Owens for the rest of the season, essentially ending his time in Philly.

Then, as one of his first acts as head coach in Minnesota, Childress got into a public war of words with then-star quarterback Daunte Culpepper over a multitude of factors. Childress again was victorious – Vikings’ ownership took his side – and Culpepper was pretty much done in purple.

We all know Favre’s history. In short, the man slayed everyone who dared stand in his path ever since Mike Holmgren bolted for Seattle. Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and Mark Murphy were the first to stand up to him in quite some time. Well, we all saw how Favre reacted there, didn’t we?

(But his behavior was, and still is, okay to some “Packers fans” because Favre plays the game like a little kid and he seems like someone they’d know.)

In other words, it was only a matter of time before the two turned on each other in some sort of weird, “Who has the biggest ego?” contest. The team was winning week-in and week-out and there was only going to be so much credit to go around.

In Childress’ mind, he likely can’t stand that Favre got ALL the praise for the Vikings’ great start. After all, Minnesota won a division title last season without Favre. Plus, if you look at the team’s progression with him as head coach, winning more than 10 games this year was a possibility, anyways (the Vikings have gone from six wins to eight wins to 10 wins in his three previous seasons heading into 2009).

And, hey, didn’t Childress just get a long-term contract extension from the team? Why would the team do that if the wins were all on Favre?

In Favre’s redneck noggin, it’s the same old song and dance. He makes this offense go. He allows them to score points in a way Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels could never dream of. He puts the defense in a spot to pin its ears back and rush the passer. It’s not about anyone else. It’s all about him. Hell, he probably believes that roughly half of Childress’ new money should go directly into his bank account.

Neither man is right, really. Both have acted like idiots, again and again. But if you’re asking the question of who is most to blame for things ending up this way, you have to point the finger directly at Childress. He’s the one who has repeatedly let Favre get away with pretty much whatever he wanted.

He set deadlines for a decision last summer. Repeatedly. Favre laughed those off. Repeatedly.

Favre said he was done. No comeback in purple. Childress said the door was closed. The team had moved on.

Favre changed his mind. He wanted in. Not only did Childress accept him with open arms – essentially throwing Jackson and Rosenfels under the bus in the most public of ways – he picked Favre up at the airport!

Before Favre had even taken a practice snap, he KNEW this organization was wrapped around his finger. And when Favre started winning games at an insane pace – causing every Vikings fan that had spent the previous 15 or so years cursing his name to run out and buy a purple No. 4 jersey – Childress really had no shot to reign him in.

That was never going to change, good times or bad. If Childress thought losing two of three would, all of a sudden, allow him the opportunity to get tough on a now struggling Favre, he was a fool. Favre is way sharper than he ever gets credit for, publicly. And in his mind, once he owns you, you’re there forever.

(Can’t you just see Childress screaming profanities at Favre as he sits there with a blank look on his face, Childress’ voice sounding similar to that of the teacher on “Charlie Brown” in Favre’s head?)

It’s not just Childress, either. The Minnesota Vikings are entirely Brett Favre’s team now. They’ll follow his lead – straight to hell or otherwise.

-Chris Lempesis

According to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette, the deal is likely close to the one given to [...]]]> Defensive lineman B.J. Raji (RAJI!) now sits alone as the last Green Bay Packer rookie to sign a contract as the team reached agreement with its other first round selection, outside linebacker Clay Matthews, Thursday evening.

According to Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazette, the deal is likely close to the one given to center Eric Wood,.a first round selection of the Buffalo Bills. Wood received a five-year, $13 million contract.

That Raji hasn’t yet signed should not come as a shock or worry to Packers fans. Top picks usually wait until the last minute – which is weird since they were drafted, oh, three months ago – to ink their contracts. Besides, Green Bay’s first practice isn’t until 2 p.m. Wisconsin time Saturday, so the team still has just under 48 hours to get something done.

Bet on a deal being finished before then, thus allowing the Packers to have a camp totally free of distractions. Unlike down in Mankato, where Brad Childress, Adrian Peterson, Hillbilly Jared (my new nickname for Jared Allen) and Steve Hutchinson are still trying to convice Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels that they weren’t hitting on that semi-hot MILF at the party and that they still think both are just as young and hot as ever.

“No, no, we still think you’re plenty cute. It’s just that we have a thing for cougars…look, you knew this when we met you…”

-Chris Lempesis

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush [...]]]> “You can’t lose what you don’t put in the middle…but you can’t win much either.”
-Mike McDermott, “Rounders”

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush to dish out the Vikings’ offseason review, so thank you for your paitence.)

That has been the story of the Vikings offseason, like it or not.  A team that is coming off their first division title since 2000 seemed to have most of the pieces in place to make another playoff run, maybe even a dark horse for a Super Bowl bid.  The only hole on the roster was and still is at at the most important position in the game.  They went all-in on the ultimate gamble with Judas and lost.  

They may be fine without him, but the coaching staff and front office obviously felt otherwise.  When you have a chance to go for it in the NFL, you do it.  So, they pushed their chips in the middle and now hope the repercussions do not derail their division title defense.
 

Where they were heading into the offseason:

Coming off a 10-6 season and their first division title in eight years, the Vikings sat in a nice position to build on last year’s success.  One of the league’s top defenses, ranked sixth overall and first against the run, returned almost their entire starting lineup, including  starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, who missed most of last season to injury. 

Couple that withthe league’s fifth-best rushing attack in 2008 and perhaps the NFL’s most dangerous player Adrian Peterson, it seemed like the Vikings were just a solid passing game away from being a serious contender in the NFC.

There was also the court decision on Kevin and Pat Williams’ suspension for testing positive to banned substances, which was delayed and now looks like they may not get suspended at all.

What happened in free agency:

As far as signings, there was nothing of any real significance.  They seriously flirted with T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who turned down the purple to sign withSeattle.  With Housh out of the picture, the biggest offseason acquisition in Minnesota was the trade for Sage Rosenfels.  In desperate need for some competition for incumbent Tavaris Jackson (before all of the Judas courting), the Vikings ship a 4th round pick to Houston for the 31-year-old quarterback.  Rosenfelsthen signed a two-year, $9 million deal after going 2-3 in five starts last season, throwing for 1,431 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  Not earth-shattering stats.

The biggest name to be signed took place just last week when Antoine Winfield ended his offseasonholdout, inked a new five-year deal worth $36 million and $16.1 million guaranteed.  Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance of his career last season Winfield,32, signed probably his last contract of his career.  Given his age, physical style of play and demanding position of cornerback, some have to question giving out a lengthy contract with a good chunk of guaranteed money.

 Perhaps the biggest storyline of the Vikings’ free agency was their departures.  Starting safety/relative of Judas/ former Packer Darren Sharper ended his stay in Minnesota after signing a deal with New Orleans.  Not a huge loss for Minnesota as it looked like Sharper lost a step last season.

The bigger loss though is on the offensive line and departure of long-time center Matt Birk to Baltimore.  Birk was the longest tenured Viking and at 32, still one of the better centers in the league.  The team had plenty of cap room to re-sign him, especially for the deal Baltimore gave or maybe they were saving the room for Judas and others?  Either way, the loss of Birk hurts in many areas, on-field and in the locker room.  Withuncertainty at quarterback, Birk could have been a stabilizing force.  Now the Vikings must turned to first-year starter John Sullivan, a fifth round pick in 2008.

What happened in the draft:

After missing out on the Houshmanzadeh sweepstakes, the Vikings focused their wide receiver needs on the draft.  Picking #20 overall, they took multi-faceted and talented Percy Harvin from Florida.  On paper, it is a great pick because they kid has tremendous talent and upside.  However, red flags caused him to drop in the draft.  Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, among other off-field concerns.  Seriously, how can you test positive at the combine.  You know they are testing everyone and it is the biggest job interview of your life!  I will never understand it.

I digress.  Harvin is a very unique talent that can bring different dimensions to the Vikings.  For starters he a dangerous return man.  He can also catch passes out the backfield and get open downfield.  There has been talk of Brad Childress installing a version of the Wildcat for Harvin.  It can be scary to think what he can do with Peterson in the backfield.

However, can he stay on the field and out of trouble?  Is he big enough?  Can the Vikings even get him the ball enough?

Those are all legitimate questions and concerns.  At best, he is Devin Hester with better offensive ability.  At worst, he can’t stay out of trouble and his size hinders him and is looking of work in three years.

Withtheir second-round choice, they drafted mammoth offensive tackle Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma.  A savvy choice by the team, especially after watching right tackle Ryan Cook struggle all through last season.  At 6-foot-8 and 343 lbs, Loadholt is expected to compete for a starting job right away with Cook.  Size doesn’t always matter, but Loadholt looks down to about anyone next to him.  I’m sure Peterson was happy on draft day.

Where they are now:

 Ironically, they are basically where they were the day after they lost to the Eagles in the playoffs.  Yes, they lost Birk and Sharper to free agency, but they also gain back Henderson on already stout defense. 

Does the acquisition for Rosenfels make this team any better than they were last year?  Jackson did get the team to the playoffs and then flopped.  So, maybe bringing in Rosenfels to compete pushes Jackson or provide a decent fall-back plan.

What it all comes down to is the courting of Judas.  For weeks, even months it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he was going to suit up for Minnesota.  The coaches believed it, most of the players did.  Even earlier this week when it started to leak that he was going to stay retired, guys like Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson were trying to convince him to return.

Now what do those guys and other players, who said it publicly or not do that Favre isn’t there.  Is there going to be a rift or second-guessing with Rosenfels and Jackson?  Teammates and coaches can say that they are behind those two until their faces turn blue, but how much is that true or just saving face?

Jackson and Rosenfels have both said they are ready to compete and have put this Favre saga behind them.  They say there is no ill will with their teammates and coaches, but how pissed off do you think they are? 

Imagine at your job, you are competing for a job promotion with an equally talented and experienced co-worker for a few months.  Things are going well and then your boss says we want to bring in another guy from a different company to take the position because we don’t think either of you can improve this company more than it already is, but he can.  He has a heck of resume and knows people inside the company, despite on the verge of retirement and less commitment we still would like to have him over you two who have a brighter future.  Almost all of your co-workers, especially the heavy-hitters and the ones who have been there the longest all agree.  He then says thanks for all your hard work and competition between you two, but you now are back to your old, lesser roles.

Then right before he is about to start, he decides to retire after all and your boss comes back and tries to sell that he still have faith in both of you to do a great job and improve this company. 

Wouldn’t your confidence be shot a little bit?  Wouldn’t you be pretty upset for: a) your boss and co-workers not having faithin you; b) having your dreams and hopes built up, then it taken only for it to be given it back when the other option failed; and c) everyone trying to pretend it’s no big deal, we had faith in you the whole time and it will be ok.

I know these guys are all pros and this is the real world, but if I’m Jackson or Rosenfels, I would be ‘WTF?  Before they didn’t think I was good enough, but now they do because Judas isn’t coming and they have no other option?’

And what about all the players who wanted Judas there?  What is going through their minds?  Is it going to be the same ol’ song and dance like the last few years are quarterback?

On the flip side, all of this could motivate Jackson and Rosenfels and the best man will win the job in training camp.  That is what the Vikings pray will happen.  We have seen it thousands of times, the whole ‘no one believed in us’ motivational tool.  Maybe it will happen here.

All of this has to be taken into consideration.  On paper, this team is built to win and built to win now.  Not a lot of personnelchanges were made and sometimes that is the best formula.  The coaching staff returns with the same game plan.  Their defense is one of the best and so is their running game.  Adding Harvin and Loadholt should help the offense and the sky is the limit for Peterson right now.

Now, the biggest question in maybe the entire NFL looms, can Brad Childress circle the troops after the affair with Judas? 

We won’t know that answer for some time, but the Vikings went all-in to win now.  Sometimes in the NFL that’s what you have to do.

Offseason Grade: C

What does this all mean?  Well, for starters may be ESPN can cover something [...]]]> By now everyone in the northern half of Siberia knows that Judas has decided to stay retired.  (I am really curious what the guys at JudasFavre think of the decision.  Like it or a little sad that the Judas saga MAY be over?)

What does this all mean?  Well, for starters may be ESPN can cover something else that may be more important in the world of sports.  The passing of longtime Eagles coordinator Jim Johnson, MLB trade deadline is near, Romo is kicking Jessica out of the house, and maybe most importantly the non-coverage of the charges surrounding Ben Roethlisberger.  Maybe I am off-base a bit, but isn’t this similar to what Kobe Bryant was charged with?  It almost destroyed Kobe’s career, while ESPN is basically ignoring Roethlisberger.  Now, I am not one to be over-concerned about the media coverage surrounding someone’s personal life, but I have a feeling this has to do with someone’s appearance on Shaq’s new show on ABC (which along with ESPN is owned by Disney).  Anyways, I’ll let Gene to handle any further Steeler-related content.

As for on the field, Judas not riding in on his white horse does weaken the defending NFC North Champions.  Already having a rock solid defense and one of the league’s best rushing attacks, it seemed like the Vikings were just about a competent quarterback away from taking the next step.  They went out and acquired Sage Rosenfels prior to the draft to compete with Tavaris Jackson. Then basically told him that he wasn’t good enough and decided to go after Judas.  Well, apparently that wasn’t what Rosenfels expected when he joined Minnesota. 

Now you can go on how coaches and players can say “we are behind both Sage and Tavaris 100%” and for some it may be legitimate.  But, if they are all behind their two current quarterbacks, why would the coaches even inquire about a 39-year-old quarterback coming off surgery and who has faded down the stretch over the past few years?  And why would star players such as Jared Allen, Adrian Peterson and Steve Hutchinson go out of their way to personally contact Judas to come and play in purple?  Doesn’t seem to all add up and may draw concern in terms of locker room chemistry.

What would have Judas brought to the table?  In my mind, not a whole lot.  His greatest asset would be garnering respect from opposing defenses, which would only help Peterson and the running game.  Other than that?  I can’t think of much.  He’s a proven winner, a hall-of-famer, but has really struggled late in the year the last few seasons.  He also has a penchant of doing way too much and getting his team in trouble, something that has been magnified as his career has been nearing the end.

Many Vikings fans have told me, “Well, Favre just needs to hand-off the ball and make a couple plays a game and we’re going to win, simple as that.”  I have always agreed that is not a bad game plan with how that offense is built and having a pretty good defense, but it’s a better plan for Rosenfels, NOT Judas.  Can you ever imagine Judas handing the ball off when the game was in question, instead of trying to win it on his own?  Judas as a conservative quarterback?  Never was going to happen and I honestly believe the Vikings may be better off without Judas .

That is neither here or there, as Judas is staying in Mississippi.  This thing may all blow up in the Vikings’ face and the damage may already be done according Jim Souhan of the Minneapolis Star Tribune.  Let’s just be glad that all the cameras are in Minnesota this summer, not Green Bay.

Does anyone believe that this is over?  Is Judas finally going to fade into the delta sunset?  I won’t believe he is over until 2014, when he is elected into the Hall of Fame.  Even then, he still may want to suit up.

As I write this, Ed Werder reports that Favre really liked his time at Oak Grove High School and would even consider helping out coaching this fall, but unsure  because of the time commitment.

Shocking.

-Adam Somers

Dear Brett,

First off, is it cool if I call you [...]]]> Before we begin, I just want to point out one thing. I absolutely did not want to write anything about any Brett Favre rumors. Really, I didn’t. But then I read a story on the New York Daily News’ website, from Saturday, which gave me no other choice.

Dear Brett,

First off, is it cool if I call you Brett? I know I should probably say “Mr. Favre,” but to us Packers fans, you’ve kind of always seemed like a family member (or at least a close friend).

Anyways, what’s been up with you lately? I heard you got your release from the New York Jets last week. Congratulations are in order. Now you can sign with any team you’d like.

But I’m sort of puzzled by the thought of that. After all, didn’t you say after this past season ended that you were officially retired? Done. Finito. I mean, I know you’d said that before, too, but this time you really meant it.

So, if that really was the case, why do you care so much about being a free agent?

Is it because you’re still hoping to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, the team you’ve wanted to be a part of since last July, when the Packers told you they’d moved on and weren’t interested in you coming back?

On that note, can you believe the Packers would do that to you? I can’t. I mean, how dare they tell you they’re not interested in having you and your selfish diva act back after you told them you quit? How dare they not throw promising young quarterback Aaron Rodgers under the bus for another year of you throwing crucial interceptions in big games? How dare they treat you like a man and hold you to your word that you really were done? Yeah, I can’t figure that one out, either.

I hope your picking up on my sarcasm by now, Brett, because I’m laying it on pretty thick.

Seriously Brett, cut the bull. We all know you want to sign with the Vikings. You’ve wanted to since the beginning of this drama. See, you always thought we were stupid and that we believed you when you told people, like your pal Greta Van Susteren, that the thought of playing there hadn’t even crossed your mind. But we’re not stupid, Brett. Not even close. We know you haven’t thought of playing in any place other than Minnesota.

You look at the Vikings as your ticket to a John Elway-esque ending. And why wouldn’t you? They have a very good defense, the reigning NFL rushing champion (Adrian Peterson) and a nice, warm, domed environment for you to play your playoff games in. After all, we all saw in the 2008 NFC Championship Game just how much you hate the cold. Funny – I thought you were a tough guy.

More than that, though, you look at the Vikings as your ticket to revenge. Pure, unadulterated revenge. You seeth at the thought of Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers moving on and having success without you. You want to get them back and your new team plays them twice next season. Two chances to stick it to the guys who said you were done. Sure, you could just grow up, be an adult and forget about it, but you play the game of football like a kid, so why not act like one, too, right?

And looking at the Vikings’ potential starting quarterbacks, I can see why they’d want you as well. Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson don’t exactly scream “Super Bowl!!” Plus, their head coach, Brad Childress, probably has to win the divison and at least one playoff game in order to save his job. If I were him, I’d rather have you than either one of those two stiffs. Hey, it sounds like he’s at least kind of interested.

But here’s the thing with you playing for the Vikes, Brett: It won’t work. You will fail.

Why?

Well, there’s a few reasons. First, you arm isn’t what it used to be. Some Packers fans like to gloss over this, but even in the miracle 2007 season, your arm wore down towards the end. Your numbers slipped (six touchdowns and seven intererceptions in the last five games of the season compared to 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the first 11). And that was before your NFC Title Game showing against the Giants, in which you were abysmal.

The same thing happened with the Jets last season. You were good, at first, but you wore down towards the end. You had an excuse for that, though. You had a torn biceps tendon. No shame in that, but if you’re going to give this thing one more go, you should probably have surgery on it. But you won’t for some reason. Thus, your arm will heal somewhat, but not enough to endure the full grind of an NFL season. That means you’ll likely fall apart at the end.

Also, the team you’re going to won’t be your team. It’s Adrian Peterson’s team. He’ll be the man. Not you. Can you handle playing second fiddle at this point? Remember, the eyes of the Twin Cities media won’t be on you after games, but rather him. Last I checked, divas – and you are a diva – don’t like sharing the spotlight much.

Want more reasons? How about these: your new head coach is a moron, your new defense still can’t really stop the pass and you’re too undisciplined in big games (see: a large chunk of your playoff performances from 2003 on).

Oh, and as for your revenge fantasy? Keep this in mind: McCarthy knows the ins-and-outs of your game. He knows what throws you can and can not make. He also knows what kind of pressure you can handle and what kind you can’t. Add to that a talented secondary – with players like cornerback Charles Woodson and free safety Nick Collins - and a new 3-4 defense that will emphasize putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and you get a scenario in which your old team might be getting its revenge on you. Can you imagine how embarrassing that’d be for you, Brett?

Not only that, but can you imagine having Packers fans boo you (and we will boo you if you play for the Vikings, trust me)? Can you imagine them cheering when you force that throw into double coverage, which you and I both know you will do, and Collins picks you off? No one wants to see that.

That’s why, in all seriousness, I’m asking you to do one thing: Stop. Think this over. I mean really think this over. Don’t listen to your agent, your wife or any of your other family members, all of whom seem to really stink at giving you advice. Heck, I’m not even really asking you to listen to me. I’m simply asking you to think things over by yourself because, remember, this is your legacy we’re talking about here.

You did some damage to it with your childish behavior last summer and your subpar showing with the Jets last season. But I’m willing to forget all that if you just stay down on the farm in Mississippi. If you do that, I’ll see you in Canton in five years having forgotten about everything that’s happened over the past 12 months. And I will be there, wearing one of two jerseys I own which have your name and number on the back.

After reading the last 1,200 words or so, you might think otherwise, but I’m actually a big fan. You and I even share a birthday.

Anyways, take care and I hope you make the right decision.

Sincerely,

Chris Lempesis

Here are some quick hits on the other high-profile [...]]]> Albert Haynesworth’s $100 million deal with the Redskins (who called that?  I can’t remember) and the Kansas City Chiefs’ acquisition of Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the New England Patriots are far from the only big transactions 43 hours into the NFL’s free agency signing period.

Here are some quick hits on the other high-profile moves made:

• Cleveland Browns trade tight end Kellen Winslow to Tampa Bay Buccaneers for second round pick in 2009 draft and fifth round pick in 2010 draft.

This is a good move for both teams. Tampa Bay picks up a proven playmaker who will benefit from a fresh start after never quite clicking in Cleveland, for various reasons (injuries, displeasure with management). Plus, now we know where some of that estimated $60 million of cap space will go. For the Browns, they get a first-day selection and rid themselves of problem child Winslow.

• New York Jets sign inside linebacker Bart Scott to six-year, $48 million contract.

I can’t remember who called this one, either. Great move by the Jets, who struggled in switching to a 3-4 defense last season. New York will run that same alignment this season under new head coach Rex Ryan and who better to help bolster it than Scott, who starred in the 3-4 under Ryan in Baltimore. The Jets also traded a fifth round pick this year and a conditional pick next year to Philadelphia for cornerback Lito Sheppard, so look for them to be much improved on defense this season.

• Denver Broncos sign free safety Brian Dawkins to five-year, $17 million contract.

Dawkins, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is nowhere near the player he was in his prime as he is now 35 years old. Still, Denver was an utter trainwreck defensively last season, finishing 26th in passing yards, 27th in rushing yards and 30th in average points allowed. Dawkins, for at least a year, should be able to help settle things down somewhat. But why did Denver give him five years?

Now, onto a some deals with NFC North implications:

• Minnesota Vikings send fourth round pick in 2009 draft to Houston Texans for quarterback Sage Rosenfels.

And the mediocre wheel of Vikings’ quarterbacks keeps on spinning. With an estimated $25 million of cap space and, basically, a quarterback away from being scary good, Minnesota decided against pursuing an actual signal caller (Kurt Warner, for example). Instead, the purple dealt for a 31-year old already on his fourth team. Then, the Vikings gave him a two-year, $9 million contract extension.

Thank you God.

Had the Vikes picked up Warner – or even, say, Derek Anderson or Jeff Garcia – they would be the clear-cut favorite to rule the division again. But they didn’t and now the division is wide-open.

• Detroit Lions sign running back Maurice Morris to three-year, $7 million contract and trade quarterback Jon Kitna to Dallas Cowboys for cornerback Anthony Henry.

The Morris signing gives the team someone to spell Kevin Smith. Don’t have much of a problem with that move or the Kitna trade (which finally gives the Cowboys a competent backup). Henry is a solid cornerback who will help the Lions improve on last season’s 27th-ranked pass defense. For a team looking to simply win a game, neither move will hurt that cause.

-Chris Lempesis