My top five thoughts by the end of the Packers' 42-34 victory over the Saints last night:
1, The Vikings have to play these two quarterbacks THREE times this year. At least two of the games are at the Metrodome, which will help the Vikings' pass rush. But now you know why coach Leslie Frazier is pleading with the football gods that Cedric Griffin and Chris Cook stay healthy.
2, That big advantage we all thought the Packers might have because of the 4 1/2-month lockout is actually hopelessly enormous for teams in transition that had to set idle all offseason. Rodgers goes 14-for15 with three touchdowns in the first quarter. Without an offseason, he looks like the Super Bowl was played the day before. The only difference: The Packers' offense was better with speedy second-round draft pick Randall Cobb at receiver. Packers GM Ted Thompson adding another receiver in the second round? That's why he's the best at what he does right now.
3, The cliche "You can never have enough corners" has never sounded more true. Hats off to the Eagles, who brought together Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Asante Samuel.
4, On a positive note, at least the Vikings' defense and special teams coverage units don't have to play Darren Sproles on Sunday. The former Charger and current Saint has to be the best player at his size in NFL history. San Diego will miss him, which is good for the Vikings on Sunday.
5, Packers NT B.J. Raji looks like he's reached a new level. It began late last season and continued last night. If the Vikings can't move him off the ball better than the Saints did -- and the Saints have the best guard combo in the league -- running the ball and controlling the clock will be difficult against the Packers.
Prediction time
Sunday's game: Chargers 28, Vikings 17.
