Throwback Thursday: All - Time NFC North Team

The NFC North has been an NFL division since the league’s realignment in 2002. The division might be fairly new but the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions have been conference and division foes since the Vikings joined the NFL in 1961. Through all of the league’s merging and juggling, those four teams have always been grouped together. It’s a beautiful, geographically accurate thing. This is just the most recent iteration. Here's a look at the best players to play each position in the short history of the NFC North.

Offense

Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Running backs
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

Fullback
John Kuhn, Green Bay Packers

Receivers
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Randy Moss, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings 

Moss only played in the NFC North for three seasons (2010 doesn't count). That's enough for me. His three years were that fantastic.

Tackles
Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings

Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions

Guards
Steve Hutchinson, Minnesota Vikings
Kyle Long, Chicago Bears

Center
Matt Birk, Minnesota Vikings

Defense

Defensive ends 
Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings
Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears/Green Bay Packers

Defensive tackles
Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
Kevin Willaims, Minnesota Vikings

Linebackers
Anthony Barr, Minnesota Vikings 
Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Lance Briggs, Chicago Bears

Cornerbacks
Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers
Antoine Winfield, Minnesota Vikings

Safeties
Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Nick Collins, Green Bay Packers

Kicker
Ryan Longwell, Green Bay Packers/Minnesota Vikings 

Punter
Nick Harris, Detroit Lions

Returner
Devin Hester, Chicago Bears

NFL Trade Deadline

The NFL’s November 10 Trade Deadline is less than two weeks away. Perhaps to mimic their pro sport neighbors, the number of in-season trades seems to be increasing with each passing year. The NFL clearly loves the attention it brings. Fans absolutely love the activity and possibilities. I’ve always questioned football’s in-season trades and always will. A new player dropped into a new team in the middle of the season doesn’t work out very often. It takes too long to incorporate and coordinate a new player in football. It’s even more difficult when it’s in the heat of the regular season. There just isn’t enough practice time or hours in the day to properly incorporate a new player into a new football scheme. My thoughts on the matter have no impact on the reality of in-season trades being on the rise. So far this season, seven players have already been traded:

9/28: J.J. McCarthy, QB: Minnesota Vikings -> New York Giants

10/1: Broderick Jones, OT: Pittsburgh Steelers -> Dallas Cowboys

10/1: Joey Porter Jr., CB: Pittsburgh Steelers -> Dallas Cowboys

10/7: Cam Jurgens, C: Philadelphia Eagles -> Baltimore Ravens

10/12: Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals -> Houston Texans

10/27: Quenton Nelson, G: Indianapolis Colts -> Seattle Seahawks

10/27: DeForest Buckner, DT: Indianapolis Colts -> San Francisco 49ers

There was a time when seven in-season trades would be considered active. This year, the wheeling and dealing is just getting started. About this time last year, the Indianapolis Colts were an optimistic team and looking to buy. They sent two first-round picks to the New York Jets for corner Sauce Gardner. This year, they’re not so optimistic and looking to sell. They traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner yesterday. Topped by running back Jonathan Taylor, several more Colts players are rumored to be available. What a difference a year makes. 

A further indication that the NFL Trade Deadline has become a big deal is the Athletic putting together a 50-player NFL Trade Deadline Big Board. 50 players! The #3 (Quenton Nelson) and #4 (DeForest Buckner) players on the list have already been dealt. Here’s the Top 10 of the Athletic’s Big Board:

1.   Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans

2.   Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

3.   Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts

4.   Deforest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts

5.   Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

6.   Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

7.   Alex Highsmith, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers 

8.   Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

9.   Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts 

10. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings fans are clamoring for a deal for Jonathan Taylor. I’m a bit hesitant. I get going all in on a team off to a 6-0 start. I’m just not totally sold on spending what it takes to get Taylor when the team already has the productive combo of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. The team has raved all offseason and season about the potential of their two backs. Despite the undefeated start, offense has been the Vikings weak link so I get the Taylor hoopla. Mason and Jones are good and could be very good. Taylor is a difference-maker. 

Other than Jonathan Taylor, here are some players on the Athletic Big Board that catch my attention.

5.   Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers

8.   Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

11. Amani Hooker, S, Tennessee Titans

15. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals

16. Yaya Diaby, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

24. Landon Dickerson, G, Philadelphia Eagles

33. Ben Bredeson, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

37. Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins

48. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

The two edge players, Tuli Tuipulotu and Yaya Diaby, are more intriguing (greedy) than realistic. I liked both coming out of college and I’ve liked how each has played in the NFL. Edge rusher isn’t the Vikings biggest need right now but either one of those players opposite Dallas Turner in a few years is dreamy. Before this exercise, I didn’t consider safety as a particular Vikings need but adding Amani Hooker or Budda Baker to the defense would be real interesting. I really like the idea of adding Moro Ojomo to the Vikings young defensive line. I also like the idea of Elijah Williams being active on game day. The Vikings have enough young defensive linemen. If there’s a current need in that group it’s perhaps a veteran presence with some experience in a Brian Flores defense. There’s a player that fits that description perfectly in Zach Sieler. If there’s a player on the Big Board that could be dropped into the Vikings roster and hit the ground running, that player is Sieler. 

It’s easy to get excited about the variety of trade possibilities for the Vikings. It might be more important to be realistic. The Vikings have less than $5 million in cap space. There are ways to make more space. The draft pick cost of any deal is the real concern. It would be exciting to see the Vikings take a big swing at Jonathan Taylor. Perhaps it’s memories of the Herschel Walker trade that gives me pause on doing another blockbuster midseason deal for a talented back. The main pain of that horrible trade was the extreme number of high-end draft picks sent to the Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings would never do that again. They shouldn’t have done it the first time. With all that in mind, my idea of a dream trade deadline would bring the following players to Minnesota.

Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins

Ben Bredeson, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans

Zach Sieler feels like he’d be a seamless addition to the Vikings defensive line rotation. Ben Bredeson is a capable starter. Perhaps more important, and the reason for this deal, is the depth he’d provide. Plus, he’s the brother of fullback Max Bredeson. That would be a fun family reunion. Losing left guard Donovan Jackson for the regular season was a huge blow. He’s an emerging franchise player. Second-year Joe Huber stepped into Jackson’s left guard spot. I like his potential. Bredeson would be a nice option if Huber or right guard Will Fries struggles. The Vikings could take that big swing and add Jonathan Taylor. I’m not against it. I just question the need and the cost. I also really like Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. The problem moving forward with that duo is Jones currently playing on an injured knee. And he’s 31. Tony Pollard would supplement/compliment the duo rather than replace it. 

Two more weeks. 

Minnesota Vikings Week 7 Superlatives

On Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts 16-10. Though six games, the Vikings are 6-0. Here are some of the players that helped keep the record perfect. 

Offensive Player of the Game

Jordan Mason, RB

After missing the previous four games, it was great to see Jordan Mason back on the field. He had a modest 68 yards on 15 carries. It was an important 68 yards. His absence was forcing the Vikings to lean heavily on Aaron Jones Sr. Individually, Mason and Jones are very good backs. They are much, much better as a combo. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Blake Cashman, LB

Blake Cashman has been the best linebacker I’ve watched this season. He’s been outstanding. Rushing the passer, playing the run, coverage. He does everything. This season, he’s been excellent at doing everything. 

Against the Colts:

12 tackles

2 sacks

3 QB hits

4 passes defensed

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Cashman isn’t just the Vikings defensive MVP but the team’s MVP. 

Special Teams Player of the Game

Myles Price, Returner

This would go to kicker Will Reichard if it wasn’t for the 59-yard attempt he had blocked. It was his first missed kick in about a year. 

Instead, Myles Price gets the nod for his 46-yard kick return to start the game. It’s a damn shame that the Vikings offense responded to that excellent field position by going for it on fourth down, not getting it, and giving the Colts excellent field position. 

In his second season, Myles Price has emerged as arguably the best returner in the league. Like Percy Harvin and Cordarrelle Patterson before him, the Vikings have a returner that is a touchdown-threat every time he touches the ball. 

Vikings - Colts

The Minnesota Vikings won again. With the 16-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Vikings are undefeated at 6-0. 

As with the previous five wins, the difference in this win was the Vikings defense. It starts with limiting the Colts to only 10 points. The best sequence of the game for the Colts were the events that followed a nice start by the Vikings. Myles Price returned the opening kickoff 46 yards to the Colts 47-yard line. Excellent! Then came a 7-yard run by Aaron Jones Sr. Nice! Jones followed that with two yards on third down and no yards on fourth down. Not so nice. The Colts flipped that fourth down stop into a seven play, 61-yard touchdown drive. Jonathan Taylor burst through the Vikings defense for the final 38 yards for the touchdown. One moment, it looked like the Vikings were starting the game in fine fashion. The next, the Colts had an 7-0 early lead and had grabbed all of the early momentum. After that disappointing sequence of plays, the Vikings defense did this to the Colts offense the rest of the game.

Punt

Punt

Field Goal

Punt

Missed Field Goal

Punt 

Missed Field Goal

Interception

8 possessions and three points. 

218 total yards

3.7 yards/play

The Vikings pass rush harassed Colts quarterback Daniel Jones all game. Sacked him four times, hit him several times, and pressured him on nearly every one of his 22 attempts. The Colts had a robust 64 yards passing for the game. 

The Vikings defense was great. That Jonathan Taylor touchdown burst was really the only blemish. 

In today’s NFL, the only thing nearly all in the media, and most fans, care about is offense. Back in Week 5, the Vikings offense showed some rhythm. Quarterback Kyler Murray finally showed some comfort in the offense. It seems the Vikings might have lost some of that rhythm and comfort during their Week 6 bye. Murray was off on several passes against the Colts. He missed high on some, wide on a few others. If he had put the ball on his receivers hands a bit more consistently, the Vikings would’ve put up more than 30 points. The opportunities were there. With the Detroit Lions up next week, the Vikings offense must find the rhythm and Murray must regain the comfort that they were starting to show before the bye. There really aren’t any easy games, or days off, the rest of the way. 

I believe that the Vikings offense will get there. Against the Colts, this was the first game Murray had with all of his playmakers. Running back Jordan Mason was back. Receiver Jordan Addison was back. Tight end T.J. Hockenson was back. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw was back. With those returns, the optimistic expected an offensive explosion. It didn’t happen Colts. Hopefully, those fireworks are in the works. The Vikings defense could use a little help. The positive offensive developments of the game were probably the return of Mason and a couple impact catches from receiver Jauan Jennings. Mason gained a modest 68 yards on 15 carries. It was an important 68 yards. He’d been on injured reserve since a Week 1 thumb injury. Aaron Jones Jr. had carried the offensive load while Mason was out. At 31, carrying the running load over extended stretches of the season is a tough ask of Jones. It was great to see Mason back on the field. When he was signed in the spring, a lot was expected of Jennings as a third-receiver complement to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Through five games, Jennings hadn’t done much. Against the Colts, he had a 14-yarder and a 20-yarder. Each converted a first down and each was a critical play on a drive that ended with a field goal. The Vikings have the ingredients for an explosive, dominant offense. They have to start clicking together. 

The Vikings most highlight-worthy offensive play was a scintillating 35-yard scramble and run by Kyler Murray. The offense had six plays of more than 15 yards. The Murray run was the biggest in yardage and impact. It set up the only touchdown. The Vikings must take advantage of explosive plays. Against the Colts, and so far this season, they are isolated plays. The offense often stumbled after getting the Colts defense on their heels. Despite the stop-and-go nature of offense, it felt like the Vikings were in control throughout the game. That feeling must’ve been due to the dominance of the defense as the Vikings didn’t have a lead until the start of the fourth quarter. That fourth quarter lead was never more than six points. The Colts had opportunities to steal the game until Harrison Smith sealed the Vikings win with his 40th career interception with 1:15 to play. Congratulations on #40 and thank you Mr. Smith. 

Blake Cashman’s play must be mentioned. Honored even. Actually, it probably will be recognized with Defensive Player of the Week honors. Against the Colts, he might’ve had one of the best linebacker games I’ve ever seen. It was certainly one of the best in recent memory. His numbers: 

12 tackles

2 sacks

3 QB hits

4 passes defensed

That’s a nice stat sheet but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Numbers rarely do. Cashman’s play against the Colts had to be seen. He was everywhere. So much so that it felt like there were several #51s on the field. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones probably thought he was seeing too many Cashmans. 

The manner in which the Vikings have made their way to a 6-0 start often has me thinking about my early days with football. In the 1970s, winning games was the only thing that mattered. How a team won a game was celebrated rather than questioned. In today’s NFL, the only wins that seem to matter are those that come as a result of explosive offenses. Are an excess of points really more important than enough points? It sure appears so. If the offense wins the game, it counts. If the defense wins the game, “what’s wrong with the offense?” Last I checked, all wins count the same. 

The Vikings are 6-0. Up next is a visit to the Detroit Lions. 

Flea Flicker Week 7 Predictions

The Minnesota Vikings are finally back on the field! An NFL week is always better when the Vikings are playing. Here are some guesses at the Week 7 games. 

Byes: Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars

Indianapolis Colts @ Minnesota Vikings

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings remain undefeated. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Steelers

The NFL jams another game into Europe. This one is in France. These international games are all about NFL greed. The league’s greed is insatiable. 

San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons

Pick: Falcons

Geography be damned, there 49ers and Falcons were once division foes. In those days, the plucky Falcons somehow gave the powerhouse 49ers fits. This upset prediction is a callback to those days. 

Cleveland Browns @ Tennessee Titans

Pick: Titans

The Titans are on a winning streak!

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Pick: Dolphins

The Dolphins finally win a game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers in a classic NFC South battle. 

Cincinnati Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Bengals

Without Lamar Jackson, it’s the Bengals. 

New York Giants @ Houston Texans

Pick: Texans

J.J. McCarthy gets his first start with the Giants. The Texans win it in the end. 

Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals

I simply can’t pick a Sean Payton-led team. That clown is just so annoying. 

Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Tie

I wish both teams could lose. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Rams

The Rams finally manage a win.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Seattle Seahawks

Pick: Chiefs

The defending champs haven’t looked the part. The Chiefs do enough to remain undefeated.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Cowboys

Neither team is very interesting right now. 

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts All - Time Team

The Minnesota Vikings host the Indianapolis Colts tomorrow. The Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts have a great and fun NFL history. Johnny Unitas, Jim Parker, Gino Marchetti, Lenny Moore, Raymond Berry, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Dwight Freeney. So many great, fun players. So many great, fun teams. It would’ve been an even better history if the team hadn’t moved to Indianapolis. No offense to the fine city of Indianapolis but the Colts will always be more associated with Baltimore for me. On the eve of their big game with the Vikings, here’s a look at some of the best players in the great, fun history of the Indianapolis/Baltimore Colts. 

Offense

Quarterback

Johnny Unitas

Running Back

Lenny Moore

Fullback

Alan Ameche

Wide Receivers

Raymond Berry

Marvin Harrison

Tight End

John Mackey

Offensive Tackles

Jim Parker

Chris Hinton

Offensive Guards

Jim Parker

Quenton Nelson

Jim Parker is one of the few players in league history that is an all-time great at two positions. He’s probably the only player in league history that’s an all-time great at two positions on the same side of the ball. 

                               

Center

Jeff Saturday

Defense

Defensive Ends

Gino Marchetti

Dwight Freeney

Defensive Tackles

Art Donovan

Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb

Linebackers

Shaquille Leonard

Mike Curtis

Bill Pellington

Cornerbacks

Bobby Boyd

Milt Davis

Safeties

Bob Sanders

Rick Volk

Special Teams

Kicker 

Adam Vinatieri

Punter

Pat McAfee

Kick Returner

Terrence Wilkins

Punt Returner

Clarence Verdin

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Coming off a Week 6 bye, the Minnesota Vikings roster is in decent shape for a 12-week run to the playoffs. Before the break, offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw, receiver Jordan Addison, and tight end T.J. Hockenson were dealing with ailments. Running back Jordan Mason was on short-term injured reserve. All four of those critical offensive players practiced in full this week and appear ready to return for Week 7. Other than left guard Donovan Jackson and tight end Josh Oliver being out for the regular season, the Vikings roster is in fine shape. Here is a look at the roster in advance of hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. 

Minnesota Vikings Roster

Offense (24)

Quarterback (3)

Kyler Murray

Carson Wentz

Max Brosmer

Running Back (3)

Aaron Jones

DeeJay Dallas

Demond Claiborne

Fullback (1)

Max Bredeson

Wide Receiver (5)

Justin Jefferson

Jordan Addison

Jauan Jennings

Tai Felton

Myles Price

Tight End (3)

T.J. Hockenson

Gavin Bartholomew

Ben Yurosek

Offensive Line (9)

Christian Darrisaw

Joe Huber

Blake Brandel

Will Fries

Brian O’Neill

Ryan Van Demark

Caleb Tiernan

Michael Jurgens

Trevor Keegan

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

Jalen Redmond

Levi Drake Rodriguez

Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins

Caleb Banks

Domonique Orange

Elijah Williams

Outside Linebacker (5)

Andrew Van Ginkel

Dallas Turner

Kyle Van Noy

Bo Richter

Chaz Chambliss

Linebacker (4)

Blake Cashman

Eric Wilson

Ivan Pace Jr.

Jake Golday

Cornerback (5)

Byron Murphy Jr.

Isaiah Rodgers

James Pierre

Chuck Demmings

Zemaiah Vaughn

Safety (6)

Harrison Smith

Josh Metellus

Jay Ward

Theo Jackson

Jacob Thomas

Jakobe Thomas

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

Will Reichard

Punter (1)

Brett Thorson

Long Snapper (1)

Andrew DePaola

Practice Squad

Da’Veawn Armstead, CB

Keshawn Banks, LB

Odell Beckham Jr., WR

Dillon Bell, WR

Michael Briscoe, WR

Natrone Brooks, CB

Henry Byrd, G

Kenny Dyson, OLB

Cam Grandy, TE

Jeshaun Jones, WR

Bengally Kamara, LB

Jack Nelson, OL

Josh Priebe, G

Jahvaree Ritzie, DL

Tavierre Thomas, S

Jihad Ward, OLB

It still feels a little to see Odell Beckham Jr. on the Vikings practice squad. A quarter of the practice squad is receivers. That feels like a lot.