After Brett Favre's "Pants on the Ground" rendition last weekend, I figured there wasn't anything else that could make me root for the Saints more. Well that was until this morning, and the release of Prince's new Viking Fight Song "Purple and Gold". Via FOX 9 in Minnesota....

Purple and Gold Lyrics

the veil of the sky draws open
the roar of the chariots touch down
we r the ones who have now come again
and walk upon water like solid ground
as we approach the throne we won't bow down
this time we won't b denied

raise every voice and let it b known
in the name of the purple and gold

we come in the name of the purple and gold
all of the odds r in r favor
no prediction 2 bold
we r the truth if the truth can b told
long reign the purple and gold

the eyes say ready 4 battle
no need 4 sword in hand
we r all amped up like a rock n roll band
ready 2 celebrate every score
ready 2 fight the elegant war
ready 2 hear the crowd roar

that's what we came 4
and so much more
in the name of the purple and gold

r spirits may b tired
r bodies may b worn
but since this day is r destiny
r history – that's y we must b
4ever strong as the wind that blows the Vikings' horn
in the name of the purple and gold

I have no words. I mean, it sounds like the Uzbekistan National Anthem more than a fight song. Good lord that was terrible. Geaux Saints!

Prince Releases 'Purple and Gold' Vikings Song (FOX 9)

Rooting against the Cowboys was easy, but today it was tough because had to come at the expense of my Favre hatred. Obviously the game wasn't close, and not only did Favre throw a 4th down TD (up 27-3 with 3 minutes left) to rub it in, but he also did this after the game....

Don't know about you, but I'd like to know if the Saints are still accepting people on their bandwagon. Ugh.

While ESPN was prattling on about Brett Favre's performance in a random game from 1992, local Minnesota coverage was asking the important questions. Like who would you rather have at quarterback, Brett Favre or Fran Tarkenton? But most people missed that stellar convo, because of one opportunistic fan in the background. Take a look see....

I couldn't tell if that said "F**k Green Bay" or "F**k Green Day", but the middle foam finger was very impressive.

Tonight's game is supposed to set all sorts of cable ratings records, and we'll be live blogging all of the action here and at 12SD tonight. Below are the particulars, and the ratings from ESPN's largest Monday night broadcasts. Get your predictions in and I'll see you at 8:30 for the game!

Eagles-Cowboys (9/15/08): 18,608,000
Patriots-Ravens (12/03/07): 17,522,000
Giants-Cowboys (10/23/06): 16,028,000
Panthers-Cowboys (09/28/09): 15,705,000
Falcons-Saints (09/25/06): 14,999,000

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings (ESPN, 8:30pm)- Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden
Line: MINNESOTA -5, O/U 46

And thanks to Bodog, we even have some awesome prop bets for the game as well....

- How many times will Brett Favre’s wife Deanna be shown on TV during the Broadcast of Monday Night Football Week 4 of the 2009 NFL Regular Season? (Over/Under: 1.5)
- Brett Favre – Total Passing Yards Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over/Under: 205.5)
- Brett Favre – Total TD Passes Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over 1.5: +110/Under 1.5: -150)
- Brett Favre – Total Interceptions Yards Week 4 vs. the Green Bay Packers (Over/Under: 1)

The MLB season is coming to an end, and with the AL Central race as close as ever, Bud Selig is planning for the off chance of a one game playoff. The Tigers would have to travel to Minnesota on the Monday after the season ends, but good ole Brett Favre is playing his former team in the Metrodome that night.

MLB has asked the NFL about the possibility of a swap, but Roger Goodell doesn't even seem to be considering it. Via CBS Sports....

The NFL said Monday it will not swap sites for this season's Green Bay Packers-Minnesota Vikings games in case the baseball playoffs get in the way at the Metrodome.

Green Bay plays at Minnesota on Monday night, Oct. 5, pitting Brett Favre against his old team in front of a national TV audience.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins trail the Detroit Tigers by three games in the AL Central with 13 games left to play. If the two teams finish tied for first place, the Twins will host a tiebreaker game if they beat the Tigers in the overall season series. Minnesota leads 9-5, with four games remaining in Detroit next week.

The Twins and White Sox needed a 163rd game to decide the division last year, a game that was played in Chicago. Major League Baseball typically schedules tiebreaker games for the Monday right after the regular season because playoff series begin that week.

NFL spokesman Dan Masonson said the Packers-Vikings game next month will not be moved, however. Green Bay later hosts Minnesota on Nov. 1.

"There is no swap under consideration," Masonson said in an e-mail to the Associated Press. "We are closely monitoring the situation."

I guess that the NFL game could be moved to the University of Minnesota, but that's a lot to ask of a league. Hopefully there isn't a tie, but this could become a bigger issue as we get closer to October.

NFL: No plans for Packers-Vikes site swap to accommodate MLB (CBS Sports)

ESPN has run-ins with athletes and coaches all the time (see: Sutcliffe, Rick), and you can add another one to the list. A week ago, ESPN ran with a report from two "sources" that said the Vikings had given Brett Favre a deadline to announce his intentions, but according to Childress....someone made it up.

If the Minnesota Vikings have given Brett Favre a deadline to come back, it's news to team's head coach.

"Absolutely not," Brad Childress told radio station KFAN in Minneapolis when asked about ESPN's report that the team had given Favre a deadline of this week to decide on his return. "Maybe by Deanna (Favre) or somebody like that, but certainly not from me. Not even — not even close. (I) don't know where that dropped out of the sky from. ...

"I don't know how you guys in that industry go about your sourcing," Childress added. "'A source that a source said.' I don't know. It's questionable. Very questionable."

ESPN reported the deadline on Monday, citing two unidentified sources.

Childress also said he's spoken with quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels about the situation and that he's not concerned the Favre saga will distract them.

While it appears that ESPN made up the deadline, they're not the only ones making things up. Rosenfels and Jackson have to be distracted by this, and if Childress and the Vikings don't give Favre a deadline, it could be the beginning of the end for the Vikings in 2009.

Oh and one more thing. It was definitely a great idea to hire Adam Schefter, because maybe now someone can get a report right (*ahem* Mortensen *cough*)

Childress blasts ESPN's report of Favre deadline (FOX)

Chris Mortensen has stated that he has not spoken to Favre himself, or his agent since last week, but that isn't stopping the ESPN reporter from shooting down a report from one of his co-workers. Trent Dilfer said the other day that Favre texted him with an unequivocal "NO", when asked about his return to the NFL. But according to Mort, his buddy Favre was responding to something else.

Mortensen was on Mike & Mike this morning, and when the subject of Favre and Dilfer came up, he stated that he believed Brett to be answering the question of whether he had hired a personal trainer. Here's the audio....

While Mortensen could certainly be right (and lord knows Greenberg is, about everyone being sick of this), but completely disregarding a colleague's report about the situation is pretty messed up. It's not like that is a first for Mort though.

Mort Tries To Explain Favre's Text Message To Dilfer (Pro Football Talk)

Had no idea Brian Westbrook was the equestrian type.

Hicks gets upended by Kyle Eckel after a 15-yard return. T-Jack hits Kleinsasser, who heads out past the 30 for a first down. No gain for AP's first carry of the half. 2 yards on the pitch to Taylor. Another big pass to Kleinsasser, 17 yards and past midfield.

Both RBs exchange getting stopped up after an offsides call on Trent Cole; 3rd and 5. Eagles blitz, knock the ball away from Jackson, but he falls on it. Loses 12 yards, fourth down. Kluwe to punt to DeSean Jackson, not much on the return -- but a flag, and it'll back up the Eagles even more for holding.

McNabb hits for a first down after two rushes that get nowhere, Avant brings in the catch at the 11. Donny Mac is hitting passes in stride; latest receiver is Brent Celek, who's got another first down at midfield. 2nd and 3 pass gets knocked down. McNabb throws behind Avant, but he catches it for five and a first down. Gain of two on a running play. 3rd down...McNabb gets off a pass....but they call it a sack, as his forward progress had been stopped. Punt to Bobby Wade at the 10.

Taylor gets six, AP three, and the drive comes up short. Punt, and DeSean Jackson returns it all the way back deep into Minnesota territory.

That was quick. Minnesota gets the ball right back after Jared Allen knocks the ball out of Donovan McNabb's hand as he was throwing.

Incomplete on first down from Jackson. AP up to the 49 on the next play, and that ends the third quarter. No fun at all, with the lack of scoring. 3rd down is incomplete to Berrian, with good coverage from Mikell. DeSean Jackson is back, lets the punt go, and the ball could either be downed at the 4, or it's a touchback -- and they say it's a touchback because his foot was still in the end zone.....it's reviewed, and overturned. Ball at the 4 yard line. An actual good challenge by Childress. Amazing.

Westbrook runs to the right -- and gets stoned at the line of scrimmage. 2nd and 9 to Avant -- leans out for the first down, much needed, too. McNabb then goes to Reggie Brown over the middle for nine yards. Westbrook gets three yards for the first down. Kevin Curtis is wide open at the 43 for another completion. Nothing for Westbrook there, followed by a false start. McNabb to Curtis for 8 on 2nd down and 15. 3rd down -- the rush is on, Brian Robison hits McNabb's arm as he's throwing, and it comes down incomplete.

Sav Rocca's punt goes out of bounds. Vikes start at the 20. AP gets five yards on the carry. Jackson to Rice for 14 yards, out at about the 37, and I'm really getting sick of that damn horn they play in the Metrodome every Viking first down. Handoff to AP for one, stopped up by Chris Gocong. False start flag on Berrian makes it 2nd and 14. Sheldon Brown almost ripped that pass for a pick -- he stepped right into Berrian's route. Eagles bring the blitz on 3rd and 13, and Jackson throws it away from Shiancoe.

Kluwe's punt is only 36 yards, the Eagles will start with decent field position. Handoff to Westbrook....blocks up front, and he's in full gear! Brian Westbrook, 71 yards for the EAGLES TOUCHDOWN! Akers' extra point is good, 23-14.

Hicks' return is out to the 25. Three incomplete passes by Jackson later (and a near pick by Dawkins), Kluwe will punt again. DeSean gets three yards on the return at the Iggles' 24.

Hey, an actual screen pass for Westbrook, something Reid talked about but never did up until that point, and it got a touchdown!!!! In other news, Andy has discovered fire. - SSR
Andy Reid the only man that can hold Westbrook under 100 yds - JG
Before that TD, Westbrook went into the locker room to put on his Darren Sproles underwear. - Anon @ 7:22

Westbrook for a couple on the carry. 2nd and 7 loses yardage, as McNabb throws a screen to Celek, who gets whacked by Madieu Williams. Westbrook gets 11, but is short of the first down -- ugh, punt again....Yawn.

Vikes start at their own 15, incomplete to Wade. Jackson throws out of the reach of Shiancoe. Another incomplete, but a Philly linebacker gets called for roughing the passer with hands to the helmet, and an automatic first down. Jackson breaks the pocket, and rushes it all the way out to midfield. Low snap, fumbled, and recovered by Philly!

Westbrook for five or six. McNabb hits Celek again for a first down, forcing Minny to blow another time out. Rush by Westbrook, called back on holding, but declined by Minny. 2 minute warning and fourth down. Akers comes out and drills a fourth FG, 26-14, Eagles.

Just waiting for the clock to run out, guys...false start penalty. Another Taylor rush. Dawkins breaks up a pass. Another penalty, and eight seconds left. The game will end with a Philly win, 26-14. They're headed to the Meadowlands next week to play their division rivals, the Giants, and Arizona's headed to Charlotte to play Carolina.

Game: NFC Wild Card Playoff #2
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1, 2nd place, NFC East) vs. Minnesota Vikings (10-6, NFC North Champs)
Location: Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
Start Time: 4:30 PM EST
Announcers and Network: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Pam Oliver, Fox
Miscellany: Teacher vs. student at the coaching positions, how many boneheaded decisions either Andy Reid or Brad Childress make involving play-calling or clock management. Tarvaris Jackson's in a playoff game for the first time, Donovan McNabb and his battle with the naysayers in Philly. All valid narrative points for Buckbot, Jr. and Troy.
Favorite: Philly (-3)
S2N's Pick: Eagles, on the premise that Reid will screw up less than Childress, as well as the first-time playoff QB factor.

It's the Mormon Walrus vs. Coach Major Dad in the Metrodome, folks! Marvel at the specter of bad clock management and play calls designed not to the benefit of the skills of the quarterbacks running both offenses!

Does Chris Myers really need all this work? Seriously? CBS seems to survive with no sideline reporters for Nantz and Simms, why both Oliver and Myers?

Quinton Demps brings the return out to the 11, and Donovan McNabb will start with the ball. McNabb overthrows DeSean Jackson, but mostly because a lineman was about to knock the crap out of him. Westbrook gets his first carry, and loses yardage on it. McNabb hits Kevin Curtis right in the numbers on 3rd down, getting out past the 20 for a first down. Westbrook goes inside for two yards on the carry.

Andy Reid hasn't shaved his beard. He looks like Michael Moore gone football coach. Donny Mac overthrows Greg Lewis, going for the deep strike. 3rd down pass to TE Brent Celek, and he's very, very close to a first down. It's short, and here comes the punt team after Troy made an exceptionally dumb comment about Celek needing to know where the marker is -- one, it was a quick out and two, he was trying to make the move to get the extra yard.

Bernard Berrian returns Sav Rocca's punt to the 10 yard line, but that's it. Tarvaris Jackson throws it away just in time to avoid the sack. Adrian Peterson loses a yard on his first carry. Chester Taylor gets a first down on his first touch in the game. AP brought down for another loss, followed by a screen to the left for Taylor again for 8 yards. Taylor will be short on third down, despite Buckbot saying it depends on the spot.

Chris Kluwe's punt goes to Jackson, who dodges one side of the Vikes' special teams, gets to the outside, and runs all the way to the Minnesota 34.

Does Andy Reid have an ammo belt on holding up his pants? - 49er16
@49er - that belt is Reid's utility belt. It is where he keeps everything he needs to get through the game: a box of twinkies, a selection of proven to be ineffective short yardage plays, and the phone number for his kids' parole officer.- Mal

Westbrook gets two yards on the carry. McNabb scrambles back to the line of scrimmage, away from Jared Allen. After another failed play, David Akers nails a 44-yard FG. 3-0, Philly.

Hicks returns to the 22. AP for two yards, and he took a bit of time to get up. Five for Taylor, and a quick strike from Jackson to Berrian gains a first down. Quinton Mikell nearly picks off Jackson on the next play. Taylor gains seven on his next carry, getting whacked by Brian Dawkins. Jackson hits Bobby Wade for 19 yards. Peterson picks up 2 as he comes back in, ball at the Philly 40. A couple of incompletions after that, and Kluwe comes back on to punt; the kick goes out of bounds at the 16.

Well, now it's marked at the 25 after an official conference. Donny Mac throws to Hank Baskett for the first time today -- gain of 7. (Kendra must be happy.) Correll Buckhalter gets the carry, busts through a hole and then cuts to the right sideline for 26 yards on the run. Buckhalter gets a yard on the next rush. McNabb hits Reggie Brown for 8 yards on 2nd down; 3rd and 1 coming. Vikings call time.

The pass to Westbrook is incomplete, and Akers will try a 51-yard FG. Perfect kick, 6-0, Philly.

Maurice Hicks returns the kickoff to the 22. No yards for AP on the first carry, but an offsides penalty makes it 1st and 5. Jackson throws it away with a defender chasing him. Taylor's tackled for a loss by Mikell. Jackson steps up and hits Sidney Rice at the 38. He follows that up with a pass to Visanthe Shiancoe on first down. Jackson goes downfield for Berrian -- and Brian Dawkins had a better angle on that than Berrian did. Sheldon Brown breaks up the 3rd down pass to Andre Ellison -- but there's a PI flag on Brown. That was kind of ticky-tack.

First down toss to AP gets outside to the right for 6. Injury time out as Asante Samuel collapses in a heap on his leg.

"3rd down and a long 2....", sayeth Buckbot, as Purple Jesus takes the handoff and makes that long 2 a short memory all the way to the end zone. TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS! Ryan Longwell adds the XP, 7-6, Vikings.

Demps takes the kick up to about the 28. McNabb to Curtis on a great throw for 11 yards. Antoine Winfield knocks the next pass away from DeSean Jackson. And there's another time out blown by the Vikings' D.

The "G" campaign for Gatorade is entirely useless. No ad campaign should fail to tell the viewer what it's actually trying to sell.

McNabb to Jason Avant for five yards on 2nd down after the TO. He then goes deep for DeSean Jackson, who brings it in and is out of bounds at the Vikings' 21. Westbrook gets three yards on first down. He gets five on his next rush, 3rd and 2...blitz on....McNabb's pass incomplete for Kevin Curtis; Akers coming on for another FG try -- up and good, 9-7, Philly retakes the lead.

Hicks makes a 25 yard return on the kickoff. AP for 6, 2nd down pass incomplete to Kleinsasser. Jackson throws.....and Asante Samuel picks it off! Samuel rushes down the sideline, and he's in the end zone for the Eagles TOUCHDOWN! Akers kick is up and good, 16-7, Eagles.

They'll add a 15 yard penalty for celebration on the kickoff (dumbest rule ever, really.)

I guess Asante Samuel has his Ed Reed underwear on for the game. - Anon @ 5:49

How much bad news can the Vikes get on one play? Interception. Eagles TD. Tavaris hurt on the play. Frerotte warming up on the sideline. The only thing missing was Mike Tice scalping tickets in the parking lot. - Mal

Ed Reed would've scored on that play and tackled Jackson at the same time. - SSR

Jackson pitches to AP on first down, and it's a loss of a yard. AP picks up five on the next carry, and another 3rd and 6 for the Vikes. In other news, I'm going to start selling Ed Reed Underoos for some extra spending cash. Bernard Berrian brings in the third down pass and heads all the way to the Philly 31. Bobby Wade uses his hops to get another first down at the 21 on the catch. Taylor up the middle for 8 yards; he follows it up by busting through to the 6 for a first and goal. Two minute warning.

Can we get a damn translator for Troy. Some one to spit would what he's trying to say in less than three minutes. - Lord Nero
@Nero - and it's all in one - three minute long - sentence. That guy abuses conjunctions the way Ed Reed abuses quarterbacks. - Gibbon Jockey

I now just ignore Troy whenever Joe asks him to explain something. Taylor rushes to the 3.

Goddamnit, Fox. Don't show me that graphic with Norv Turner being 13-1 in December and January. I CANNOT DEAL WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF HIM BEING A GOOD COACH.

Anyway, AP gets the ball, runs off tackle left, and that's TOUCHDOWN, VIKES. Longwell's kick is up and good, 16-14, Eagles.

Kickoff out to the 25. Pass to Avant for 13 yards.

"I'm about as much of a doctor as Dr. Phil, but I believe he's [Darren Sharper] is questionable for the rest of the game with the pain he's in." - Chris Myers

3rd and 1, and a bizarre play call -- aired out for Kevin Curtis and Cedric Griffin comes down with the pick. Why call that when the Vikes' defense isn't set at all? Andy Reid brain-fart, ahoy!

Bunch of running plays has the Minnesota crowd booing like crazy. Now, they punt after a horrid pass play call on third down (ka-ching, Major Dad!) DeSean Jackson returns the punt for 18 yards. Pass to Westbrook, who gets out of bounds after nine yards. Another pass to Westbrook on 3rd down with 8 seconds left -- he gets the first down, but time runs out. 16-14, Eagles at halftime.

"Be vewwy, vewwy quiet. I'm huntin' quartahbacks."

Per Andrea, Lovie Smith claims the Bears dominated the first half. I'd like some of the drugs he's smoking. Orton starts with a nine yard completion, Forte gets the first down at the 39 yard line for the Bears. Orton aims downfield for Rashied Davis, who drops it -- it's a few feet ahead of him. Orton then underthrows Hester, with Antoine Winfield putting a hand on it. Hester didn't look like he was ready for it, though. Orton hits Davis over the middle, throwing it just as Chad Greenaway nails him.

First down at the Minny 44 will be first and five at the 39 after encroachment on the Vikings. Coach Major Dad is pissed. Forte gets knocked back a few yards, and now we've got 3rd and 7. Allen the Hunter clips Orton first on the play, and another Minny lineman finishes him off. Maynard to punt to Berrian, who fair catches at the 11.

Purple Jesus picks up three yards on the carry, and he's looking a little gimpy. Quick sling to the fullback for a couple to make it a 3rd and 4. Frerotte throws into double coverage and it's picked off by Kevin Payne! He goes all the way across the field and then gets to the Vikings' 4 yard line before stepping out of bounds.

First and goal, Bears.

"I guarantee they're not gonna hand it to the fullback up the middle." - John

No, but they go to Forte for two yards to the 2 yard line. Forte splits out wide on Chad Greenaway, and Orton hits him in the end zone. TOUCHDOWN, BEARS!

Gould's extra point is good, and that cuts the Vikes' lead to 17-14.

The Vikes' rookie kick returner brings it out 48 yards, and they'll be starting in good position. This song with the LeBron James ad -- that "Candyman" song -- I can't remember who did this song. Can anyone help me out?

PJ takes the screen pass but Urlacher sniffs it out for a 2 yard loss. Peterson takes the next carry and gets seven yards on the outside. The 3rd down pass by Frerotte is tipped by Ogunleye, so the defense holds against the good field position. They need Hester to get something back in terms of yardage on this punt. It bounces into the end zone again; Chicago will start on the 20.

Orton goes deep and pulls a Rex Grossman by aiming it right into the arms of Darren Sharper, who picks it at the 46. Peterson grabs six yards on two carries, 3rd and 4. Frerotte hits Sidney Rice on the side for a first down. Peterson to the 22. In comes Chester Taylor, and he busts it down the sideline on an outside run to the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS. Longwell's kick is up and good, 24-14, Vikings.

Forte gets nothing on the first carry from the 18. Four yards on a catch from Devin Hester. Orton's 3rd and 7 pass is incomplete to Greg Olsen, it's right behind him. Maynard's punt goes out of bounds near midfield, and Frerotte starts by throwing to Berrian for a ccuple of yards.

"At the end of every tackle, they're trying to strip the ball out. So they're very good strippers. They know where to go." - John
"Yeah, right to the Love Boat." - Al

Hiyo! 3rd and 3. Frerotte rolls to his right, tries to hit Shiancoe, but overthrows him by just a little bit. Another punt for Kluwe. Hester fair catches it at the 6.

Forte starts by heading right through the middle for 25 yards, giving the offense some breathing room. He catches the next pass for a few after topping 1,000 rushing yards for the season. Forte heads up to the 39, and it'll be 3rd and 2 when the fourth quarter starts.

Late in posting this gem, but it happened a couple drives ago:

"You knew that something good wasn't going to happen on that drive because the Bears have never scored on a drive that started at the 20 and that drive started at that 20." - John Madden (via JFein)

Astonishingly dumb.

3rd down pass to Davis is incomplete, punt time (again!) Berrian gets hit at the 14 after receiving Maynard's punt. Two plays of not much make a 3rd and 8, and John is talking about Frerotte's original "go home on Monday and Tuesday" arrangement as the back-up. Not enough on 3rd down, as Frerotte checks down to Taylor. Hester takes the line-drive punt at the 44 and loses a couple after being hit.

Hester gets three yards on the end around. Orton is promptly picked off by Ben Lieber, he runs the other way, and Greg Olsen stripped him while tackling. The call gives the Bears the ball back, but this will be challenged to see if the ball goes out of bounds.

Childress wins his challenge -- because that ball did go out of bounds. Minny ball at the Chicago 22. Peterson gets a yard on the carry. Chester Taylor barrels through for about seven yards. Taylor then goes to the five on the next rush. He's still short two plays later. 3rd and goal, and here comes Peterson back in.

Peterson walks in for another Vikings TOUCHDOWN, even with 12 Bears on the field. Longwell's kick is good, 31-14.

Hester finally makes a kickoff return, and we get more Prince. Orton is promptly picked by Benny Sapp, completing the Sexy Rexy-like performance -- and Brandon Lloyd gets called for a horse-collar tackle, adding on 15 more yards.

First and 10 at the Chicago 20, and Peterson gets about three yards. Four more on the next carry, and it's 3rd and 3. He runs to the 7 and it's first and goal. The next few efforts to get in the end zone don't fly, and Longwell comes on to kick a field goal. His FG is up and good, 34-14, Vikings.

Danyel Manning brings the kick out to about the 30, but it's getting pushed back thanks to a holding flag. The Bears get bunk on the next couple plays, and will punt again, basically ceding the game now. Now we have to wait out a few minutes. Berrian fair catches with 2:38 left to play.

"When Jared Allen gets a sack he ropes a calf." - John (via Mal)

"He's gonna drink this all in." - Al, on Allen (seems like an odd choice, Allen being an alcoholic who's been through the 12-step)

The Vikes are running out the clock by using Chester Taylor, and Kluwe will punt with about 30 seconds left. Earl Bennett takes it out to the 32. Garrett Wolfe takes the carry, and that's it: Vikings win 34-14 and take the lead in the NFC North at 7-5. See you all next week for the college football conference championships and another week of NFL action!

It's not a live-blog of a Bears game without a photo of Kyle Orton out on the town, really. Blog law, y'know.

Al just referred to the "friendly confines of Soldier Field" when referring to the rest of the Bears' schedule. NO. MAKE IT STOP.

The Vikings are wearing the old purple uniforms without all that silly piping and sheen. Why not go back to those, Minnesota? Peterson is smashed at the line by the Bears on 2nd down. 3rd down pass is incomplete, looked like it was going to Shancoe and Urlacher was covering him. Kluwe to punt to Hester, it bounces, and the Vikings down it inside the 1.

Brad Childress, the fierce urgency of now really would dictate having a better quarterback than Gus Frerotte. I would have to vote for Childress as the NFC's Peter Principle Coach. (The AFC's? Norv Turner, of course!)

Robbie Gould will kick off and it goes all the way into the end zone for a touchback. Frerotte completes his first pass to Bernard Berrian across the 30 for a first down right off the bat. Adrian Peterson busts through to the 38 on his first carry. Swing pass on 2nd to Jeff Dugan for another first down. 2nd and 11 is another Peterson run up the middle, and Frerotte's going to have to throw again for a first....and Alex Brown sacks him on 3rd down.

"Brad Childress says that he's a violent runner." - John Madden (via JFein), on Adrian Peterson

Chicago will start at its own 20 thanks to a punt trickling into the end zone.

Orton throws two passes out of the gun to start, both are incomplete to Des Clark and Greg Olsen, respectively. 3rd and 10. Orton's sacked, but it's due to an offsides on Minny. So, now we get 3rd and 5 thanks to the most penalized team in the league. Doesn't matter though, as Orton's 3rd down pass is tipped and nearly picked off. Brad Maynard punts to Berrian, who gets knocked back on the return 3 yards.

Peterson gets a couple, up at the 32. He gets the carry on 2nd down for 2 more. Tommie Harris comes in and smothers Frerotte on 3rd down. Chris Kluwe punts to Devin Hester, fair catch. No one said it was going to be a pretty game offensively, but this is not a good sign.

I am glad to see Brandon Lloyd dropping passes for a team other than the Niners. - 49er16

Redskins fans would also like to affirm that statement.

"You can choose your own cameras; channel your inner Drew Esocoff." - Al Michaels on being able to go to nbc.com and watch the games by choosing your own cameras, etc. (via JFein)

Matt Forte finally gets his first carry for 3 yards. Oh, sheeeit.....Orton to Hester and two dudes completely missed him. Hester makes like EPMD and is housin'. TOUCHDOWN, BEARS!

Gould's XP is good, 7-0, da Bears.

Earl Bennett wails on the Minny kickoff returner at the 16.

"Hester made him look like he'd never played before." - John, on safety Darren Sharper.

Peterson only gets a yard or two on the carry on first down. Frerotte fires a rocket to Visanthe Shincoe for 20 yards at the 38. Next pass is incomplete to Bobby Wade past midfield. Peterson gets stuffed again, the third down pass is incomplete. Vikes punt and down it inside the Bears' 1, but Lovie Smith is challenging, saying the Viking player was in the end zone when he touched the ball.

Smith wins the challenge, and Matt Forte busts out for 18 to the 38 yard line after the Bears start at the 20. False start flagged, then the next pass to Hester is incomplete. Screen to Hester on 2nd and 15 gets nothing. Brandon Lloyd hauls in the 3rd and 15 on the sidelines, and the Bears are in Vikings territory.

1st and 10 on the 43, and Forte gets nailed in the backfield. Another 2nd and long coming up. Orton overthrows Hester on the sideline. Another pass to Hester on 3rd down, and he can't bring it in. Maynard will be punting again after a good defensive play by Winfield at defensive back. The Bears down it at about the 4 yard line.

That is why Adrian Peterson is Purple Jesus: he dragged six or seven Bears with him for 10 yards and a first down on that carry. But then, Mike Brown gets him in the backfield on the next play. 2nd and 12 is over Berrian's head. Screen to Chester Taylor gets up to the 20, but it's still short. Kluwe's punt is caught by Hester, but he can't get anywhere before being tackled.

"His family still lives in St. Louis. So that's a problem. But he loves the paycheck." - John on Frerotte
"Don't we all these days, with this economy!" - Al, laughing

Forte gets two yards on the first carry, as Andrea talks about the StarCaps deal with Kevin and Pat Williams as the first quarter ends. It does sound like a raw deal -- I mean, there's a banned substance, but the NFL didn't tell the Players' Association about it?

Mike Brown, jubilant for actually making a play for the first time since 2001, proceeds to tear his ACL and MCL and is out for the season. - SSReporters

Ha. Jared Allen savages Orton like a bouncer throwing a drunk out after he's been 86ed from the bar on 3rd down. Berrian fair catches Maynard's punt at the Vikings' 35.

Holy crap, AP is good. He bounced off the end for what seemed like 4 yards, and then got sprung down the sideline, Charles Tillman saved a touchdown (for now) by tackling him at the Bears' 5 yard line. Frerotte is nearly picked on 2nd and goal, as it's tipped and almost retrieved by Urlacher. 3rd down is going to Bobby Wade, and it's incomplete -- and Frerotte is on the ground, hurt.

Al: "Gus Frerotte - the modern day 'Suitcase Simpson'". Whatever the heck that means. - Mal

Well, the Bears handle luggage kind of rough, even if you put "Fragile" stickers on it. Ryan Longwell's FG attempt is up and good, 7-3, Bears.

Generally, I'm of the opinion that too many late hits on QBs in the pros and college are overreactions over split seconds, but Adewale Ogunleye is going to be hearing from Lord Rog on that later this week -- in the form of a fine -- for that one on Frerotte that didn't get called.

Danyel Manning takes the kickoff and gets all the way to the Bears' 47 for great field position. 3rd and 2 is caught by Rashied Davis, but he might be short, and there's a flag, too. Illegal formation and that actually cancels the first down.

"It's the first cousin to a false start." - Al, on illegal formation. Forte gets six of the seven needed for a first down, and the Bears will punt on 4th and 1. Maynard's kick rolls out of bounds at the Minny 4.

Finally, a Prince bump! "I Would Die 4 U." Nice choice. Now, NBC, give us some Husker Du and Lifter Puller. Maybe some Replacements while you're at it. Peterson gets knocked for a couple for a loss on the first down carry. More stops, and Chester Taylor only gets up to the 7 on third down. Kluwe will punt again. Hester takes the return out of bounds at the Minny 46.

And we get the Heidi Klum Guitar Hero ad. Frankly, I'm disappointed that they didn't use the director's cut version:



So the Bears' direct-snap is "Cajun" if it's Matt Forte back there and "Cane" if Devin Hester is back. 3rd and long has Orton sacked, but another offsides penalty. 3rd and 4 gets stuffed by one of the Williams linemen. Flag in the secondary -- personal foul on the Vikes, and a 1st down for the Bears. Nice cheap shot, Benny Sapp.

And Forte makes 'em pay by getting around the corner and running all the way to the Vikes' 4 yard line. 1st and goal. Orton throws it out of the end zone since everyone's covered.

"Benny Sapp, feeling like one now." Al, after that awful penalty he committed (via Yet Another Idiot With a Music Blog)

Forte is stuffed on 2nd down just shy of the goal line. Fullback Jason Davis tries to ram it in on 3rd and goal and he's stopped too. Bears are going for it, and Jared Allen comes up to make the stop! Turnover on downs, and Benny Sapp just got bailed out big time.

Lovie Smith and Ron Turner need to have their heads examined for not even bothering to change the play call. How about some play action, guys? Frerotte hits Bernard Berrian, and he's going 99 yards for the score. TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS!

"Frerotte bounced back rather quickly, didn't he?" - John
"I'll say!" - Al

Longwell's kick is up and good, 10-7, Vikings.

Forte is out to about the 38 after a carry and picks up the first down on the next play.

"Unless they come with 50,000 dollars, they're not getting a date." - John, quoting Pat Williams' stance on boys wanting to date his daughters.

The Mortal Adrian Peterson gets a carry for the Bears for a few yards to set up a 3rd and 5. That has to suck, sharing a name with a superstar. You almost feel like you have to change it, even though you've been in the league longer. Mortal Adrian Peterson drops the pass for the Bears. Maynard punts and it goes out of bounds at the 14.

Purple Jesus gets a yard on the carry. They're driving and have two timeouts at the two minute warning, looking to tack on three or seven more.

PJ gets 16 more and is up to the 41 now. Bobby Wade catches a pass from Frerotte and brings it up to the Chicago 44. Berrian gets tackled after a short pass, and there will be 15 more yards thanks to a horse collar tackle by Charles Tillman. 22 yards total on the pass and the penalty.

"That's a horse collar's horse collar." - John
"Even Roy Williams would admit that that's a penalty." - Al
"You could look that up as the definition of a horse-collar tackle." - John
"It's a Clydesdale." - Al

Frerotte over the middle to Jim Kleinsaucer in the end zone -- and it's TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS! This is being reviewed by the booth, and it's being reversed. Kleinsaucer was down at the "quarter-yard" line.

"Let me get this straight now: that would be the nine-inch line." - Al, following it with a drop of "Nine Inch Nails."

Al just referenced Nine Inch Nails? Dear God... Al's head would probably explode if he heard the entirety of a Trent Renzor song. - Yet Another Idiot With a Music Blog

Al's got a head like a hole.

Frerotte on the QB sneak on first and goal, and we have our TOUCHDOWN, VIKINGS, followed by a kind of goofy looking spike.

"That's a man's spike." - John
"That one's for Kleinsaucer." - Al

Longwell's PAT is good, 17-7, Vikings.

Is Andy Reid coaching for the Bears? how else to explain that goal line stance and the play calling. As an Eagles fan, I know I've seen that sequence before. - walnuts

The mention of that fat walrus' name pisses me off right now. I'm sorry, but after four weeks of forgetting that Brian Westbrook exists, he then goes back to him for four touchdowns and I've gotten sick of it, so I benched him.

FUCK YOU, FAT ANDY.

The Bears run out the clock to let the half expire. 17-7, Vikes at the half. See you in the second half thread. But first, a musical break featuring Al's new favorite artist for you. (I would embed it but Trent Reznor or his record company do not like embedding and have disabled it on YouTube.)

That's Adrian Peterson, Brian Urlacher, 50 Cent, Dwight Howard, and David Ortiz in an ad for Vitamin Water. The first two are featured in tonight's action on NBC.

But first, catching up with the late slate:

• The Steelers are opening the can up on the Patriots in Foxborough. Two TD passes from Big Ben and three Jeff Reed FGs have them up 23-10. Pitt's defense has brought Matt Cassel back to earth this week.
  
• Jay Cutler has thrown for 300+ yards and the third quarter isn't quite done in New Jersey. Broncos have a 10-point lead on the Jets, thanks to a fumble recovery for a score and touchdowns from Peyton Hillis and Eddie Royal. Thomas Jones has hit paydirt twice for the Jets.
• Atlanta is up 6 on San Diego thanks to 2 TD throws by Matt Ryan, two FGs, and a safety. An Eric Weddle fumble recovery for a score has SD still in the game, and they're about to get the ball back with 3:15 left in the 4th.
• Another fumble recovery for a touchdown has spurred the Chiefs to a lead in the Cripple Fight in Oakland. The Raiders actually got worse from the first half to the second half. Chiefs up 20-10.

Live-blog starts between 8 and 8:15 EST, of course.

Ed [Hochuli] sounds like my 5 year old daughter in a spelling contest...shaky voice and wet pants...wow... (Via Anon)

An absolute cluster**** of a 1st half in terms of decisions by the refs and teams....and yet, I'm entertained. (Via SS)

I agree wholeheartedly.

Score: Vikings 20 - Saints 10
Total Net Yards: Vikings 120 - Saints 251

10:35- Vikings ball to start and they'll get it at the 20. Jaws continues the praise of the Saints and we're underway with half two. Peterson for five and Berrian follows with 12 and a first down.

Frerotte runs for a solid gain of five, but a screen to Berrian goes for just one. 3rd and four....incomplete. And the Vikings will punt to Reggie Bush....who runs backwards to his own five. Dumb idea there.

After some of the comments by the crew in the first half, I think the Madden cruiser dropped some Johnny Walker off on the way to SD. (Via JG)

Bush for a few on first down, another play to him on second for nowhere and it's 3rd and 7....Brees hits Moore....first down. McAllister for two.....Brees deep to Henderson! Terrible pass into double coverage. Vikings blitz on third down....incomplete. Saints punt and we're slowing down now.

saints should go shotgun, 5 wide and just throw the damn...put bush in the slot..fuck... (Via Anon)

Did anyone else catch Chris Berman say the Red Sox were up 22-0? (Via SS)

No...dammit.

10:49- Taylor picks up a chunk and Wade gets the first. That's five catches for Wade. Peterson for three, incomplete on second and incomplete on third. Vikings punt.....Bush back again....close but he's knocked out.

Tex on first, Masterson coming in (Via Anon)

Let's switch over then, shall we? Vlad up, 2-0 Boston, runner on first, Top of the eighth. 0-2 quickly and the Sox fans are into it....1-2 on a slider outside....2-2 Fastball up....3-2 high again with the fastball....Walk. Tying runs are on base....Torii Hunter up.

Strike one, strike two on a foul ball.....WILD PITCH! Masterson crossed up Tek and that's not good. Runners move up and both are in scoring position.

(Saints driving in Vikings territory)

Fouled off. 1-2 still...2 outs....2 in scoring position. 2-2...high. SINGLE!!!!!! One in.....Vlad in! We're tied.

"Listen to the deafening silence in Boston."- Chip Caray

Okay enough of that nonsense. Back to Football....Saints are punting and we have a timeout. 3:25 left in the third and we're back to Baseball....

1-2 to Napoli....pop up and that's the inning. Onto the bottom of the eighth...2-2

And we're back. Vikes ball at their own 22. Peterson loses about five and he isn't doing anything tonight. Frerotte incomplete and it'll be 3rd and 14....Gus hits Wade but he's well short. Vikings to punt to Reggie Bush once again....

GONE! Bush to the house and there was an f'ing ridiculous block to spring him down the right side!!!!!

20-17 Vikings. WOW! Dunbar just destroyed Henderson. That'll be up shortly.

SEE!.. YOU!.. LATER!... was Tirico stealing Bob Carpenter's homerun call? (Via Anon)

Hahahaha good catch. I was too busy yelling to hear it.

11:09- Hicks out to the 30 and the Vikings will takeover from there. Play action....incomplete. FUMBLE! Vikes get it back. 3rd and 8.....Frerotte sacked! Wait, no play....false start. It's loud as hell in the Superdome. 3rd and 13....timeout Vikings.

"They not making no moves offensively."- Tony Kornheiser on the Vikings

Frerotte to Taylor and he's well short! P.I. on the offense is declined and Minnesota is punting....Bush back there again....

NO! Not again!!! Okay....wow. Bush trips at the 50, but still another great return.

Reggie Bush to the critics: Eat this BEE-YOTCH! (Via SS)

Okay....one punt return TD doesn't make up for still being down 3 to the Vikings, 29 yards on 9 carries and 2 fumbles (1 lost). But yes....very entertaining.

"It's only been 30 years since a crowd chanted Reggie...Reggie. You know Mr. October."- Mike Tirico

Oh and the third quarter ended somewhere in there as well. Brees to Henderson for a first, but Bush loses a yard on the next first. Allen bats down the pass on second down and it'll be third and long....

Almost picked off! Incomplete and the Saints will be attempting a 53 yarder with Gramatica?!?!?! Ummm....

WOW! He killed that one....that would have been good from 60....

20-20 Tie.

Angels try a squeeze and Varitek tags Willits, but loses the ball. He's called out and the Angels are arguing. Good call though....the ground caused the fumble on that one. Going to the bottom of the ninth tied at two.

11:23- Vikings ball from their own 28. Gus and A.P. get mixed up but the back still picks up seven. False start. And another one....2nd and 13 now. Incomplete after being pressured and it's 3rd and 13....

Dropped by Berrian over the middle and here comes Reggie Bush again....

SERIOUSLY?!?!?! Gone again! 27-20 Saints....why are they even kicking to him?!?!?!?

SOX WIN! Lowry singles in Jason Bay and you're ALCS is Boston and Tampa!!!!

11:31- Wow...that was a crazy ten minutes of Sports there wasn't it? Okay...let's settle back into this game. Screen to Peterson for nine, he gets none on second and it's 3rd and one....

"I know you're critical of Sports Radio but that's the topic tomorrow. Why would you kick to Bush a third time."- Tony Kornheiser
"I would ask the same question."- Ron Jaworski
"I'll give you the call-in number."- Tony Kornheiser

Frerotte deep to Berrian and he has it in Saints' territory! Gus is hurt and he looks to be in a ton of pain.

They have speed guns on the ball carrier? Weird. (Via Esse)

Yeah there was no way that Reggie Bush was running 20mph+ while jogging into the endzone. Jackson is in at QB and the Vikings run it of course....for nothing. He loses some yardage actually. 2nd and 13 from the 30. Jackson over the middle for a few and it's 3rd and 7. Make that Frerotte...he's back in...

First down Allison, but there's a flag on the play....OFFENSIVE P.I.! On Allison again. That was pretty blatant there. 3rd and 17 now....

Frerotte hit again but somehow he hits Berrian in the endzone for six!!! He even ran into Allison on the catch. Insane....

27-27 with 7:10 left.

Tonight is just weird. Reggie Bush is going to return a punt in overtime to win it. Calling it now. (Via Anon)

11:42- Seriously. The Saints should really just put Reggie Bush back for the kick. They don't and Pierre Thomas is SMACKED at the fifteen. Bush loses two on first down and a false start puts it at 2nd and 17. Brees hits Meachem for ten and it'll be third and seven....

Brees to Miller for a huge gain.....OHHHHHHHH! Ced Griffin destroys him downfield and I have no idea how Miller hung onto that ball.

"There are millions of moms out there saying you're not playing Football."- Tony Kornheiser

Whoooo man that was huge. Deuce for six on first down in Vikings territory and Bush picks up another two.....4 minutes left. 3rd and 1 here, the crowd is yelling for Deuce and he's in....he looks to have fallen forward past the mark....and he'll have it.

Deuce up the middle and he picks up one....under three minutes now. Second and nine....timeout Saints. After the stoppage, Brees throws incomplete and it'll be third and eight....

Blitz! Henderson doesn't come back and that's incomplete. Gramatica back out for a 46 yarder....

NO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And that's the two minute warning!

Vikings ball at their own 37....Peterson for two and the clock is running. Wade gets a few and it's 3rd and 3. Frerotte deep to Berrian!!!! Pass interference on the Saints and that one takes it all the way down to the Saints' 14! Amazing. Going bold....

Peterson up the middle for two and the Saints call timeout. One left for New Orleans with 1:05 left. Peterson loses a yard and the Saints call their last timeout with 1 minute even to go. Peterson up the middle to the 12 again and it looks like there will be about 15 seconds left on the clock after a Longwell FG attempt.....

Make that 16 seconds and the attempt will be a 30-yarder....BANG! Right down the middle....13 seconds left....30-27 Vikings. Reggie Bush goes back and there's no way that they're kicking this to him. Stecker downs it at the 24 yard line and that should do it.

Brees deep, picked....and that will do it. What an unbelievable and ridiculous game. I think I hit record about 40 times tonight, so I'm going to go through all of those and try to get a video up for those who were watching Baseball. Thanks for hanging around tonight.

Final: Vikings 30 - Saints 27

"We got to get Jaws to a cold tub because he's completely exhausted" - Tony Kornheiser (Via JFein)

Me too.

Another Monday.....another live-blog. Tonight we get a seemingly explosive matchup between two NFC teams that are looking for their first signature win of the season. The Vikings need a win badly and beating the Saints in N.O. would be huge. The Saints need to hold serve to keep up with the other teams in the NFC South. It should be a good one.....see you around 8:15pm or so.

"I look for Adrian Peterson to either bust open this defense, wide open, for a big 200 yard day, or the Saints are really going to slow him down."- Emmitt Smith

Way to go out on a limb there Emmitt. Here's my prediction for the night....either the Vikings will win....or they won't.

"You look at the Washington Redskins. They haven't turned the ball over....on offense....yet this year."- Keyshawn Johnson

As opposed to the elusive, defensive turnover? Ooooh we get that new Kanye song as our bumper music tonight. Interesting.

Bryant McKinnie being back + the Saints rotten defense = Vikings start their winning streak (Via GMoney)

I may be one of the few that sees this game going lobsided for New Orleans. Brees and the Saints will get off to a big lead early and the Vikes won't be able to keep up in a shoot out. (J Fein)

Uh oh, we've got some dissension in our ranks. I'm pretty sure I've seen this Adrian Peterson "Unmasked" thing about eight times now. It's not bad, but you can only hear about someone's "Diesel" tattoo so many times.

"Diesel fuel is expensive, but that's worth it."- Chris Berman

"Heath Shuler is a congressman and Gus Frerotte is still playing Football! It's phenomenal!!!"- Tony Kornheiser

"Very few want to come back inside and take that blow."- Emmitt Smith

And that came from a former Cowboy.....I kid. Looks like the Rays have their Series wrapped up, so that's exciting. Griffey up, Griffey down, and complete with sweatshirts on....the Rays celebrate their first postseason series win in franchise history! Onto the ALCS for Tampa Bay.

"When we come back we will pick the game. Who will be jazzed tonight in Nawlins?"- Chris Berman

Picks:

Ditka- Vikings
Key- Saints
Cris- Saints
TJ- Saints
Boomer- Saints
Steve- Saints
Emmitt- Saints
Stuart- Saints

"Maybe he should have dated supermodels?"- Tony Kornheiser after comparing Drew Brees to Brady and Manning

Pretty sure that means the Vikings will win. Kickoff coming shortly and whoa Drew Brees is a pretty good motivator before the game. His whole "THIS IS NEW ORLEANS" thing gave me goosebumps.

Was I the only one disturbed by the dancing of those production guys? Um...party time is generally after the game... (Via JFein)

Haha....that was special.
____________________________

"That was great video of Drew Brees hyping up his team. It looked like he went to Ray Lewis Summercamp."- Tony Kornheiser

8:41- Kind of funny. Saints ball first and a huuuuuge hole for Pierre Thomas and he's into Minnesota territory on the kickoff. Great start. A reverse to Devery Henderson picks up seven on first down and Brees hits Bush for a first down.

"He could find you and me if he had to."- Tony Kornheiser to Jaws

He's probably right. Brees to Miller for six, Deuce up the middle for five and it's 3rd and one....Brees runs it and slides for the first. Incomplete though on first and second down and it's 3rd and 10 for the Saints....

"There's a rule that pertains to foot tangling?"- Tony Kornheiser
"No footsies."- Mike Tirico

Brees to Henderson. And it's six just like that for the Saints and boy was that easy.

7-0 New Orleans

When Tony says "you just can't overstate this" that means he will overstate it all night long. (Via Mal)

The Vikings: I'm so excited! I'm so...so scared. (Via SS Reporters)

Never gets old. Time to see if Frerotte is Fr'real and Tirico and Tony freak out about a lady sticking her hand into the mouth of a gator. Vikes ball at their own 33.

"She is about to perform animal dentistry and take the wisdom tooth out of the crocodile"- Tony Kornheier (Via Esse Quam Videri)

8:53- Peterson up the middle for two. Gus then hits Shiancoe over the middle for a first down. Good time there....McKinnie already helping out. Play action, and Berrian makes a nice grab and goes into Saints' territory. 1st down....

Incomplete on first down, Peterson for three on second down and it'll be third and six.....incomplete. Vikings to punt. Into the endzone and a touchback.

8:59- BREES TO HENDERSON! And that's a quick 50 yards to start a drive. All the way to the Vikings' 28. Brees tries Henderson again....incomplete. Reggie Bush off tackle for about nine and it'll be third and short....Bush outside and he'll get the first....flag....holding. Great run though by Bush. It'll be third and 11 after a Saints' timeout.

With all the gushing over Brees, can a Favre comparison be far away? (Via Mal)

Tony will do one out of spite.

"There are quarterbacks who can't do that against air"- Ron Jaworski talking about Drew's 30+ yards 72.7% completion average (Via Esse Quam Videri)

Interesting choice of words there. 3rd and 11....Brees with the pump and go to Meachem....he drops it. FG attempt for Gramatica....

BLOCKED! Wow....and Antoine Winfield is going to take it to the house. How about that for a change of momentum....

7-7.

"So far what we've seen from Reggie Bush is warning track power. At USC he was a home run hitter all the time. If he does that in the pros, he is a star of stars"- Tony Kornheiser

AA - Can we just save time typing and put Tony's comments from the game transcript on line, call it absurd and avoid carpal tunnel. (Via Mal)

I would love to be able to buy a transcript from ESPN each week. That would be fun to read through.

9:09- Thomas again to the 50 on the kickoff!

"Penetrate and get the arms up!"- Ron Jaworski

Sure thing Ronnie! Brees to Campbell for nine and then back to him again for the first. It's a tight end party as Billy Miller grabs a screen....how many TEs do the Saints have? 2nd and 3....Bush goes for 17. First down at the Vikes' 16.

Incomplete to Moore on first and Winfield nails Stecker on a second down screen for no gain. Third and long....Brees to Moore! Knocked away by Gordon!!! Great D there....Gramatica again....

Good! 10-7 Saints...three minutes to go.

ONSIDE KICK ATTEMPT! Vikings keep it. Wow that was tricky.

"This could be three or seven."- Tony Kornheiser on a FG attempt (Via 49er16)

Or two with a safety, Tony.

9:17- Vikings ball at the Saints' 40. A holding penalty on first down will put that at the 35, and Tony is giving us the Gus Frerotte "running into the wall" recap. I still laugh everytime I see it.

Peterson goes nowhere and the Saints D actually looks pretty good so far. That can't last. 3rd and 11....timeout Saints. Incomplete pass and Longwell will attempt a 53 yarder....

Nails it! We're back to even....10-10.

9:23- Vikings ball at their own 19 and Reggie Bush picks up three on first down.

Anyone else notice Tony is awfully easy with the "love" word. If MNF were Pee-Wee's Playhouse and the word of the day was "love" there would be crazy shit going on every five minutes. (Via Esse Quam Videri)

Hahahaha....Chairry's arm rests would be flailing all over the place.

That's the end of the first....10-10.

"That's 5,000 pounds of Williams' on the front line" - Tony Kornheiser (Via SS)

And what a way to start the second! Winfield just grabs the ball away from Drew Brees and it'll be Vikings' ball! Brees is shaking his hand a bit. Wow. Another momentum swing. 1st and goal from the five....

Eddie Gunz actually let the play go this time!!! (Via JFein)

Chester Taylor loses yards on a draw. Horrible play call there.

"Well under the average inside the redzone."- Ron Jaworski
"They're last!"- Tony Kornheiser

Hahahahaha. Got you!

3rd and goal now....incomplete but Will Smith was offsides. 3rd and Goal again from the 4 yard line....

Chester Taylor to Shiancoe?!?!?! Umm okay? It's still six though....

17-10 Vikings

9:33- And Pierre Thomas again to almost midfield! Just kick it out of bounds....jeez. Brees first down pass is batted down, but hits Moore for a first on second. Fumble....Brees gets it back. 2nd and 10 from the Vikings' 41....

"In some countries these guys are picking out furniture."- Tony Kornheiser on Brees and Sean Payton

That's something Tony might be apologizing for later in the game.

"Brees' relationship to Sean Payton has been described by everyone as perfect" - Tony Kornheiser

You know you're an awful announcer when you're analysis reads more like soft core porn than actual football analysis. (Via JFein)

Bush for another first and the Saints are moving it once again......

FUMBLE!!!! Bush drops the ball but he was taken down with a facemask! The Vikings picked it up and it will be their ball. Amazing that there was no call there and Sean Payton is flipping the hell out. As would I and Ed Hochuli is having yet another bad night.

9:44- Hoch and Co. miss another call and Sean Payton challenges it, but I'm sure Ed is hearing about the previous play more than this one. 2nd and 10 for the Vikings....and a screen is knocked down. 3rd and long....

Offsides on the Saints. We'll redo it at 3rd and 5....Berrian with the nice catch and that's a first down in Saints' territory.

"He [Hochuli] drops in my fantasy referee draft."- Tony Kornheiser

Ugh. Peterson gets his sixth carry and gets two yards and Wade drops an easy one. 3rd and long....incomplete. Vikings to punt and justice is somewhat served. Although I do lose 3pts in a fantasy league.

Ed Hochuli and crew badly blow yet another call... gee, what a shock. On Tuesday from his office he might as well already start writing an apology letter to all Saints fans; Ed, references to Bourbon Street and gumbo can only help. (Via Anon)

"You gotta take shots while the box is being loaded." - Ron Jaworski (Via SS)

9:52- Nice crotch shot of some guy dressed up like a luchador. And Jared Allen is hurt. Not Good....Brees hits Campbell over the middle for 22. Bush with another five and the Saints are at midfield in a hurry....8 minute to go. Brees throws incomplete on second down and it's 3rd and five....false start....3rd and 10....

Brees to Bush for a first....FUMBLE! Oh man....bounces right to the Saints. What a lucky mofo. 1st and 10 at the 41....

"They were dooing for Deuce McAllister."- Mike Tirico
"Dooing?"- Tony Kornheiser
"Deucing."- Mike Tirico

Hahahahaha. Deucing doesn't make that line better. 2nd and 10 for the Saints....Screen to Lance Moore but there's a hold on the play. 2nd and 20 now with 6 minutes to go. Brees to Bush and he's going backwards for a loss of four. 3rd and 22....Brees hits Meachem over the middle and he is juuuuuuust short of the mark. And Payton is obviously going for it....

Brees to Reggie Bush on play action and that was just too easy. 1st and goal at the nine. Vikings call timeout. Winfield takes out McAllister on first down.....

Interception! Moore hands the ball to Lieber and Minnesota takes over. Good lord....the Saints are killing themselves tonight.

10:05- Peterson for two on first down but Wade picks up a hard fought first on second. 251-48 yards for New Orleans and Minnesota is leading by seven. Insane. That's the 2-minute warning.

"They were in position to score a million times." - Tony Kornheiser

Hyperbole personified. Frerotte gets nailed but hits a wide open Bobby Wade for 17. Draw to A.P. and he gets a few, but Wade gets a first....or not. Terrible spot and it'll be third and one right at midfield.

Peterson up the middle and he just gets crushed by Vilma and fumbles! RULED DOWN!!! No way and the Saints are going to get screwed again here.....and now the fans see it. Wait...that's actually kind of close. He loses it...gets it back and then it goes out. Here comes the review....

Still the Vikings ball. Hochuli says that Peterson's hand was still under the ball and the Saints' fans are pissssssed.

"The strong hand wins the contest."- Ron Jaworski

Is that a bible quote I'm not aware of? Chester Taylor up the middle for five and Frerotte hits Wade for a first. The Vikings are playing for a FG and didn't they learn their lesson against the Colts??? Bad move....

Or not. Gus hits Allison for another first and he's out of bounds at the 19. And here's a run with Taylor up the middle and if I was a Vikings fan, I'd be losing my mind right now. :18 seconds left and no timeouts for Minnesota....

Gus to Berrian in the endzone....out of bounds. 3rd and 6....incomplete and almost picked off. Well at least they tried right? Here comes Longwell for another FG attempt....

Good and that'll make it 20-10 Vikings with :04 left in the half, which will for all intents and purposes. I'm going to catch up on some Baseball and see you in a new thread shortly.

I got a little behind there at the end of the half let's do a little rapid fire commenting and show you that Peterson truck stick on Al Harris....

Kornheiser sounds like Bill Swerski tonight. I'm surprised he hasn't asked retorically what the score would be if Brett Farve played the Vikings by himself. (Via Anon)

Anybody else think of "To Catch a Predator" the way Jaws said that LOVES young quarterbacks. (Via Anon)

What's with the band on the sideline? although it does go perfect with the high school caliber football we're seeing. (Via Anon)

Someone should tell ESPN that there are other Metallica songs than Fuel. (Via The Brain)

Hi, I'm Tony Korniheiser, with Mike Tirico. Welcome to "Monday Night Favreball" (Via PM)

8:43- So let me get this straight? ESPN replaced "Jacked Up" with something called "Sunday Thunder" that featured two highlights and one was of the Bears defense making boring tackles? FAIL. Second half is getting underway shortly....

AA, you've failed to realize that simply making a tackle has become a spectacular feat for my Bears. (Via PM)

Touche'.

"I'm going to put a Favre moratorium on the Second Half. You only get five mentions!"- Mike Tirico

Liar. Vikings ball to start the half. There goes Jackson again....gain of eighteen on a scramble. He follows it up with a nice pass in rhythm to Berrian who almost breaks it. Woodson gets him by the shoelaces. Another Jackson completion and this is a drive. Oh wow! Berrian had the ball tipped to him in the back of the endzone but he can only get one foot down.

Vikings get a FG and it's 10-6 now.

8:55- "Our cheese curds are saltier than your cheese curds."- Tony Kornheiser

Go away please. Packers ball and Rodgers opens up the drive with a strike to Driver, but there's a penalty. 3rd and 9....complete but short. The Pack will punt. Allison goes for six yards and it will be Vikes ball near their own 20. Let's here "Fuel" again by Metallica! Commercial.

"Driver! He got Winfield to bite, and says 'good night!'" - Mike Tirico (Via Jay and JFein)

"Tries to get it to his fullback, Thomas Tapeh but Collin Jenkins was knocking him on his bottom."- Mike Tirico

Great pass to from Jackson to Sianicoe and he is blasted! Fumble...wait, incomplete. Wait again, it was a catch and the ground caused the fumble. Either way...it's a challenged and it's incomplete. Sorry I dosed off there for a second.

9:10- Great! A Michael Phelps mention!!! Keep it up guys....you're doing great. Jackson on a third and long hits Chester Taylor and he picks up the first.

Michael Phelps' performance in the Olympics was Favre-esque. (Via PM)

The drive stalls out and Kluwe punts again. Blackmon gets loose!

"Cutting back, he needs two more blocks. He got one.......he got the other one! Touchdown Green Bay!"- Mike Tirico

Great call on that one by Tirico and a great return. 17-6 Packers with 6 minutes left.

"He was too pooped to leap."- Tony Kornheiser

9:19- Those are pretty boring cheerleader uniforms. Is this a BYU game or something? (Via Mal)

I'm pretty sure the Packers don't have official cheerleaders anymore and that they use local highschool kids. I could be wrong though.

"And the Packers saying to the Jets if you trade him at all you lose you first born for fifty three years or something like that."- Tony Kornheiser

Why did we just get a picture of the 0-0, 1st Quarter scoreboard at the bottom for about 15 seconds? (Via Bazooka Jones) Good question, but here's the picture....


So unfunny. Jackson is crushed with a blindside sack but KGB was offsides on the play. 3rd and 6 for the Vikings and Jackson gets another scrambling first down. The Vikes are out to the 40 now. Nice little drive. Another first down as Peterson goes over 100 yards and Minny is in GB territory.

Jackson picks up some more yards and it'll be 3rd and 1 to start the 4th quarter. 17-6 Packers after three.

9:31- Vikings come up short on third down and it'll be 4th and 1. They're going for it.....Jackson throws....

Sidney Rice is wide open for six! They go for two and...no good. 17-12 now.

Great play by Jackson and it happened right as Tirico and Jaws were saying they would have kicked the Field Goal. They were right, but hopefully it shuts them up a bit.

"Way to second guess yourself after they score the touchdown. That's twice you've done that tonight."- Tony Kornheiser

Blackmon brings it out past the twenty and here comes Aaron Rodgers again. Tavaris J. is now a stellar 8 for 21 passing and the Packers defense seems to be running out of gas. Rodgers to Humphrey for about seven and Grant picks up the rest for a first down while Tony waxes ecstatic about Tennis celebrations. Great play by the Vikings defense and the Packers lose four. A short pass is picked up as well and it'll be 3rd and long....Driver catches it but well short. Packers to punt.

The lack of a down and distance on screen has been annoying, and the worst part is that it's not like they don't have room. There's plenty of room on each side. (Via Bazooka)

I know we've covered it, but it needs to be said again so it gets fixed. Just a tiny spot on below the game clock would be fine, but it should be on there.

9:43- When Stu calls the Broncos-Raiders game "Old School" is that code for "shitty"? Peterson picks up about seven yards on first down with a nice run but....another flag.

"This is a big drive for the Vikings here."- Ron Jaworski

Thanks Ron....great analysis. Jackson to Peterson and we get a little skirmish after the play. Timeout Vikings....8:51 left. 3rd and 1 and it's incomplete...Wade was held but no call. Another punt and it's all the way to the Packers twenty.

"Lollipop yes, Lazer no."- Mike Tirico

I'm not really sure why Tirico turned into a 5-year old kid when describing that punt, but it was highly entertaining. And there's penalty number seventeen as the Vikings encroach.....

RYAN GRANT BREAKS ONE! Oh man what a cut back near the goal line and he gets all the way to the two. 1st and Goal Packers. And another penalty! Good lord. Rodgers keeps it on first down...no go. Second down....

TOUCHDOWN! Rodgers on the sneak and he goes into the crowd with a Lambeau Leap. Great spike too. 24-12 Packers.

9:57- Great here comes the Favre-Rodgers comparison. Tirico finally says what everyone is thinking when he says....

"It's a great storyline, it's a great point, but let's not do this week after week."- Mike Tirico

Amen. 5 minutes to go and a pass interference gets the Vikings out to midfield. Jackson again with the scramble and he adds another 18 yards. He decides to then follow up those two good plays with a near interception. He's inconsistent to say the least.

3rd and long....tipped but Shiancoe grabs it about a yard short of the marker. 4th down....Jackson sneaks....got it! That was a long yard. Incomplete on first down but Mills grabs a pass for another first on second down. Great pass under pressure there. 1st and Goal. Jackson scrambling yet again and he pulls off some great moves to pick up a yard or two. Another penalty....defensive holding. 1st and Goal again....

TOUCHDOWN! A.P. goes up the middle for six. 24-19 with 2:39 to play. And the Vikings will get another 15 yards on their kickoff because of a leaping/leverage penalty.

10:08- Onside kick....Ohhhh! Nothing....out of bounds. Great attempt though. The Vikings have one timeout left and the 2 minute warning, so they might get another shot here. Jackson for nothing and Minnesota calls timeout. Jackson again for nothing and another penalty. Holding! The Vikings decline it but the clock is stopped because of the penalty. The booth doesn't seem to understand that but that's not surprising. Timeout and the Vikes will get the ball with 2 minutes left.

Has ESPN moved Wendi Nix to Boston yet, and have her camp out in the parking lot of the Patriots facility ? So we can get 24 / 7 Brady. (Via JG)

Not yet. She was in Green Bay all day today at her other condo. Allison takes the punt out to the thirty and here we go. First down....Jackson to Berrian for seven but he's in bounds. Second down....Jackson to Peterson for the first down over the middle. And Tavaris spikes it with 1:08 left. Second down....

Interception! Game over. And Mike Tirico gives Atari Bigby the business for not just going down after the pick. There was no one even close to make a play on that ball....terrible pass.

"We get the Packers twice more on Monday night."- Tony Kornheiser

Kill me now because that was just dreadful. If you're not trashed from playing the "Brett Favre Mention" Drinking Game, see me in yet another thread for our second game of the year sure to be even better with the Three Mikes on the call!

Final: Packers 24 - Vikings 19

Who: Vikings at Packers
Where: Lambeau Field
Spreads: Packers -2, O/U 37.5 and Broncos -3 O/U 41
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski and Tony Kornheiser

Well MNF is finally back on-air and I couldn't be happier to be bringing you yet another season of live-blogs. Comment early and comment often because this is a full interactive website. Say something that makes us laugh or provide me with some announcer quotes and you'll say your name in this space. It's that easy!

The kickoff is coming up and we'll get things going with the Vikings and Packers soon....

"Brett Favre number four, he was a three time MVP, the only one in the league. How about this? Four times three equals twelve, Aaron Rodgers number."- Stu Scott
"Well you gotta remember what I used to see sixteen minus eight equals zero."- Steve Young

AA, I hope you got that exchange on Count Down b/w Stu, Steve and Emmitt. It started out with Stu talking about Tarvais Jackson "between the ears". It was a strange segment. (Via Anon)

I have it recorded, so it very well might be the MNF Video of the Day tomorrow. I can't wait to see it though.

"Steve, I couldn't agree, uh, I couldn't disagree with you if I wanted to."- Emmitt who then immediately disagrees with him

"Hi Brett, Hi Diana."- Mike Tirico

Emmitt is already in midseason form! (Via Anon)

Seriously. Those thoughts just don't seem to put themselves together in the right order do they?

7:08- Whooo! It appears the new Metallica album is our bumper music for the night and that couldn't make me happier. The first three songs released are pretty badass.

Hank Williams wants you "really" ready for Monday Night Football. So demanding...geesh. Here comes the kickoff. Packers get the ball first and we'll get to see Aaron Rodgers right away. Jordy Nelson brings it out to the 28 and we're underway...

Oh great a Sara Palin reference (
Via Anon)

"I call this the great gamble of the 2008 season. It's like John McCain picking Sarah Palin."- Tony Kornheiser

Ugh...here we go. Rodgers completes a few passes and the Pack is already approaching midfield and right on cue there's a holding penalty on Clifton. I really really like the no graphics at the top of the screen, but it's going to take awhile getting used to.

Jared Allen with a Family Guy reference...nice. FUMBLE! Rodgers drops the snap but gets it back. Oh man...on the next play Rodgers gets drilled into the ground after the whistle but no flag. That drive stalled out quickly and hey....a Derrick Frost sighting! That leads us to our first commercial break.

Hey, get ready to see this damn Brett Farve Wrangler Jeans commercial ALL night tonight. You could make up a drinking game off it and be plastered by halftime. (Via Lammy742)

The O/U is officially set at 14.

7:19- Man it's loud at Lambeau tonight. Peterson picks up 3 on his first carry which is followed by a Jackson scramble for two. Back to the graphics. I'd really appreciate a down and distance somewhere other than on the field, ESPN....thanks! Jackson runs again and picks up a first.

"I like to see a quarterback take a run option when nothing else is available."- Ron Jaworski
"That's because you couldn't run."- Tony Kornheiser

First, what the heck is Jared Allen wearing on his head? Second, did he just intro one of his teammates as "Ray 'When I'm Not Playing, I'm Enjoying a Bubble Bath' Edwards"? File that under Too Much Information. (Via Mal)

Nick Barnett follows him with the longest lineup intro ever and while he's doing that Chester Taylor gets another Vikings first down.

"Last year he was the Rookie of the Year and he went over a million yards like nine times."- Tony Kornheiser channeling his inner 12-year old girl

Jackson goes down on a sack from Aaron Kampman and Guitar Hero star Chris Kluwe punts it back to the Packers. Timeout.

7:29- "He sits and listen when people like me talk about him."- Tony Kornheiser
"Especially you talking about him."- Ron Jaworski
"I know nothing!"- Tony Kornheiser

Fumble! Jackson loses the ball butt it bounces directly to Greg Jennings who gets a first down. The Umpire gets rundown and there's a 12-men in the huddle penalty on the Packers to boot. That was fun. 1st and 25 now. No wait....another penalty on the Packers. Make that 1st and 33 after a hold.

"If they go any further back they'll be in Michigan."- Tony Kornheiser

After a run and a great play by Ced Griffin on a WR Screen and it's only 3rd and 28 now. And there goes the drive. Another punt.

You should keep a tally of how many times Brett Favre is mentioned tonight. Just including the game (not pregame), I think I've heard about 4 references to him. (Perhaps another idea for a drinking game?) (Via Jay)

Approved!

OK - if the Three Stooges keep thinking about What Would Favre Do (WWFD) on every play, then should we wonder what call Cosell or Michels would make? Give it a rest fellas. (Via Mal)

Also approved.

7:38- PETERSON JUST DESTROYS AL HARRIS ON A RUN!!! Whoooo and he gets to the corner on the next play! 35 yarder!!! Man he is fun to watch. Taylor gets another chance and even more yardage gained on the Packers via the ground.

And that's the end of the first quarter.....0-0.

And Jacobs just flattens Carlos Rogers again....oh wait, it's AP over Al Harris. (Via SS)

Haha. Thanks for reminding me...a-hole! Tirico talks about his radio show, which is slowly becoming a weekly feature, and here's a FG attempt for the Vikings....

Good. 3-0 Vikings, 13:35 to go in the 2nd.

7:50- Green Bay ball on the 30 to start the drive. Brett Favre tribute.....DRINK!

RODGERS GOING DEEP! Jennings got it!!! 56 yarder down to the Vikings' six. That was a heck of a throw young man and of course the booth immediately says it was Favre'esqe. Apparently "Less is More" actually means "Hammer Stories To Death". 2nd and goal and Rodgers is dropped for a sack....wait flag....defensive holding.

1st and goal now from the one. Grant goes nowhere and we've got another flag. Offsides and man does that ref have one hell of a lisp. More Jaws and Tony bantering and Grant gets blasted again. Hey Packers, breaking news....the Vikings are pretty good up the middle, or so I've been told. Another run, this time to the right and Grant almost gets in. 3rd and Goal....Rodgers scrambles....

Touchdown Packers! Rodgers to Hall on a fadeaway. 7-3 Packers, 10 minutes left to go.

"That's exactly the kind of pass Favre would have thrown. Does it remind you of him at all?"- Tony Kornheiser
"Yes, but you've got to let it go, Tony."- Ron Jaworski

Seriously. He's really driving me crazy and I think he's doing it on purpose.

7:59- What's with all the flags? Does Donaghy have the under on this game or something? (Via Mal)
I didn't see this many flags at the Olympics. (Via Anon)

It's really out of control tonight. That's five for each team so far.

"Gonna throw down here...Oh boy....TOUCHDOWN! COREY HALL!" - Mike Tirico

That's the 1st time I heard "oh boy" as a quarterback is scrambling. (Via J Fein)

Good catch. He was out of his seat on that call. Vikings ball at their own 20 and Jackson throws it away on first down. A run for a yard and it's 3rd and 9. Jackson to Berrian deep....incomplete, but there's more laundry on the field. Pass interference and the ball goes all the way out to the 50. Jackson up to again! Incomplete though.

He's just Favring it all over the field tonight. Sorry, I was channeling my inner-Kornheiser. Vikings getting ready to punt again after a nice play from Bigby.

"It's all about penetration." - Ron Jaworski (Via SS Reporters)

Damn straight it is, Ron! Wait.....so there's ANOTHER game tonight??? Why didn't anyone tell me?!?

8:09- Ryan Grant breaks one for twenty and Ron Jaworski promptly discusses the Rodgers throw from fifteen minutes ago. I'm pretty sure someone told Tony to cool it with the Favre stuff because he's been silent for about 5 minutes now.

Wait, sorry....back to the "gamble" speech again about Rodgers. Driver gets a nice pass from #12 and the Packers are rolling now. Tony and Ron start arguing about the Favre decision by reciting their script from the preseason.

Crosby hits a 42-yarder and it's 10-3 with 3 minutes to play.

8:19- Are these ten-minute commercial breaks the way for ESPN to make up for not turning a football game into Oprah in the 3rd quarter? (Via Hollywood Wags)

Yeah they do seem longer this year. Jackson throwing deep to Berrian again and wow....Berrian got mugged and no call. 3rd and short and the Vikings don't pick it up. I'd go for it, but they're punting....2 minute warning hits first though.

Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre, Brett Favre and Brett Favre.

Rodgers and the Packers go on the attack again. Incomplete on first down, nowhere on second but a first down on third down. Rodgers hits Jennings again and calls timeout. Ball at the Minnesota 36. Rodgers scrambles for twenty one and the place goes crazy. Great decision there. 1st down and Rodgers throws the ball away....well no....it's caught somehow but out of bounds. There's a penalty anyway.

"He looks like Jack Black, only bigger."- Tony Kornheiser

His pop culture knowledge knows no bounds! Green Bay throws a screen and then wussilly lets the clock rundown for a FG which is subsequently blocked by the Vikings.

10-3 Vikings at the Half and I'll see you momentarily in a new thread.