Kings of the North (continued)

It is definitely fair to say that Austin and I have taken very different paths since high school. Back then, we were the only two Packer fans in very passionate Vikings territory. I personally was very unhappy with the Packer's decision to trade Brett Favre. I felt this decision was wrong and was a slap in the face to #4 himself.

Saying that, I have always been a Packers fan since although I have remained a die-hard Favre fan. I can't help but love the way he plays the game and I always want him to win. This last season was very interesting for me because obviously he was no longer playing in the AFC. I still rooted for the Packers and was just as passionate during their games as ever. Then came Week 4. And YES, I was very happy to see Brett stick it to the Packers (both times).

While I understand I have alienated myself from most true Packer fans, I didn't really feel like I had a choice. It wasn't a decision for me, it was just how things worked out. So, I have sold my soul to cheer for the Vikings as long as #4 is under center in hopes of seeing him raise the Lombardi Trophy one more time.



Blah, Blah Blah. Moving on. I think it is pretty much a forgone conclusion that he will be back for 2010. I also think it is a forgone conclusion that if he does come back, the Vikings WILL be the team to beat in the NFC North and possibly even the NFC.

Starting with the offensive skill positions, the Packers are the only team that compares, but I give the edge to the Vikings with AP, Visante Shincoe, #4, B-Twice, Sidney Rice, and Percy Harvin. With the addition of 2nd round draft pick Toby Gerhart and possibly Brian Westbrook to fill the gaping hole left by Chester Taylor, the Vikings will again have a very solid, balanced offense (also the case with the Packers).

The offensive line, which is lead by All-Pro Center Steve Hutchinson, will definitely need to be in top form this year not only to protect their soon to be 41 year old and grandpa QB, but also to keep AP from so many negative runs this year (most of that is his own damn fault).

The defense will have some work to do to be as good as the Green and Gold, but the addition of CB Chris Cook from Virginia and a healthy Antoine Winfield, the Vikings suspect secondary should receive a nice boost. It goes without saying that the front line of the defense is one of the best in the NFL (unless Jared Allen's shaved Mullet comes back to bite him -- BAD KARMA) and the linebackers are young and athletic, anchored by native South Dakotan Chad Greenway.

Either way, the 2010 season will be one that I will remember forever (unless he doesn't come back). So let's get it started!

Z