It’s over!  The most anticipated regular season games of the past few years are behind us. In the last month we’ve had both Vikes/Packers games.

For the most part they actually lived up to the hype!  The Silver Fox, as Jared Allen calls him, has delivered, and Aaron Rodgers did what he usually does: put up big numbers in the most unspectacular way possible. To be truthful, I feel for Rodgers. He doesn’t really stand a chance. This dude has all the charisma of a wet-fish handshake, and even when he does something great – like scrambling for 30 yards – it’s the most boring exciting play you can imagine. Is that combination even possible? It is now. You can tell he is trying to liven it up and throw in some fist pumps, yells, and the odd chest pounding, but man it looks awkward! There is just something missing. While it looks like they have their  QB of the future, the future doesn’t seem to be now. They were 11-5 Favre’s last year with the same lousy line and running game and are  10-13 since. That isn’t all on Rodgers because in fact he has been really good. But this does show the  gulf between the ability to put up stats and the ability to lead. It may work out in the long run for the Packers, but for now it sure seems like they underestimated Favre’s value. I hope as well that Rodgers grows into the role of leader even if it is only because the guy seems to be a class act. It would be hard to imagine anyone handling the Packer/Favre soap opera any better than he has. But I digress, the point I wanted to make is where do both teams go from here?

It seems like we have two teams going in different directions,.The risk Childress took in going after Favre has totally paid off (so far), and all that dissension we heard that was tearing the team apart in training camp is palpable when you watch them play, isn’t it? The guys who claimed Brett was incapable of managing a game, limiting mistakes, and had pre-wrote articles during training camp talking about his first four-pick game have to wait another week to hit the send button. Who knows what will happen the rest of the year, but it is very apparent that Favre wasn’t done, that he can manage a game, and does anyone look more comfortable or at ease managing the 2 minute offence? In short, the Vikings look good; maybe even great.

On the other hand where are the Packers going? The season is by no means over but the signing of Ahman Green to back up Grant and to return kicks smacks of desperation. Which genius thought that was a good idea? Rumour has it they are bringing in Dorsey Levens and Edgar Bennett for a looksee (maybe they should trade for Tavaris Jackson to return kicks). And while many were predicting an MVP type season from Rodgers, that just hasn’t transpired. He is a good QB but he just isn’t ready yet; the line is bad and he isn’t helping matters by hanging onto the ball for way too long. Whether the problem is the line or the running game, something has to improve, and quickly, if they are  to succeed this year.

Predictions:
The Vikings will win 12 or 13 with a chance of going all the way.
The Packers will probably win 8.

All right Packer fans, it’s time to start rooting for the Saints!

Necessary Roughness