"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Robert from Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Minshew got it done in crunch time. I don't really have any question to ask, I'm just really happy the Jaguars got that win.
I am, too. He impressed me. He's an accurate passer who has a knack for finding the open receiver and completing high-percentage throws. He has a Drew Brees arm and plays to the over and under throws, as Brees does.

Mike from Bridgeport, CT
At the quarter pole, we suddenly have a four-way tie in the AFC South. Considering the Jaguars situation 10 minutes into their season, you can sign me up for that. I'll embrace Minshew mania until the gas runs out.
Happiness is not a constant. When you have it, enjoy it. When you don't have it, be patient and wait for it to return.

Derek from Eau Claire, WI
What do you make of Kirk Cousins this season?
What's happened to his arm? It looks old and tired. I got the sense yesterday that if the NFC North is a three-team race, the Vikings aren't one of those teams.

John from Kirkland, WA
What and who are your top surprises after one-quarter of the season?
The Texans are falling apart. DeShaun Watson isn't who I thought he was.

Sarah from Louisville, KY
Vic, what did you make of LaFleur’s response to not running on any of the fourth-quarter, goal-line attempts? “That’s a good question” sounded to me like a pretty clear, if subvert, calling out of Rodgers' play-call choices in the moment. Am I reading too much into it?
I don't think you're reading too much into it. As I've written, coaches don't call plays, they call a game plan, and I have a hard time believing Matt LaFleur's game plan was to throw the ball 53 times and four times from the one-yard line. I believe a quarterback who's been given the right to change plays at the line of scrimmage must be respectful of the game plan. I get the sense this is an issue that won't go away and we're headed for a confrontation.

Mike from McFarland, WI
This is going to be bigger than Watergate.
Ukrainegate or audiblegate?

Bruce from Washburn, WI
Your thoughts on Jimmy Graham?
His best football is behind him.

Patrick from Ashland, WI
I share your feelings on college football but I have a small sample size as I usually only watch some Big Ten games. It seems the flow of the college game is better than the NFL game because there are fewer flags. Am I way off or is there a reason for fewer penalties?
I don't get the sense there are fewer penalties in college football, certainly not fewer pass interference penalties. They call every little thing. Your "flow of the game" reference caused me to chuckle. The flow of the college game is one team hammers the other one. In the six Big Ten games this past weekend, the combined score was 261-84. It was 107-7 in the two prime-time games; 76-0 at halftime. Flow? You can't have flow with that kind of domination. College football is hammer time. It's a terrible example of athletic competition and the TV ratings are proof of it. The people who attend college football games must have some kind of states rights thing going on. Why else would all of those people dressed in red travel across the prairie to see Nebraska get hammered by Ohio State? Why choose to be sad?

Aaron from White Hall, AR
Vic, what would prevent a team such as Miami to "rent out" a player to a playoff contender. For example, they trade player A for a second-round pick to a team that thinks they need him, then come offseason that team trades player A back to Miami for a fourth-round pick?
The commissioner wouldn't permit it. Bowie Kuhn and Charles O. Finely got involved in something along those lines a long time ago.

Ken from Stafford, VA
"I judge a man by the shape of his nose and the shine of his shoes." Has the condition of his lawn fallen out of favor?
There are no lawns where I live, only a cover of rotted vegetation from which the love bugs emerge and retreat twice a year. I use my lawnmower as a chopping machine. After Dorian passed, I raked the blow-down into piles and ran the lawnmower over them.

Nate from Plymouth, MN
I was thinking the other day, with all this talk about the Steelers trading picks and the Bears missing on Trubisky, the Dolphins have amassed a lot of premium picks over the next couple of years, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. What if all their picks are busts?
Then they stay where they are in the draft and keep picking from the top. What if they hit on their picks? They might go on a long playoff run. I think the Dolphins are poised to become the new power in the AFC East. I love what they're doing.

Gerald from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, truth be told, Rashean Mathis made more game-changing plays. I don’t get the Jalen Ramsey hype. He’s a legend in his own mind and in the minds of national media. Where was he Week 1 against KC? The Jaguars should take what the Ravens offered. Ramsey’s best days, including 2017, are behind him.
Mathis is one of the most underrated players I ever covered. Packers fans might remember Mathis for making the game-clinching interception in the end zone against Brett Favre in the Jaguars' 2004 upset win at Lambeau Field. Ramsey? Two ones or he remains a Jaguar.

Jared from Sugar City, ID
Vic, I feel stopping the run (and being able to run) are what keeps a team playing into January. With the talent the Packers have on the line, at outside linebacker and in the secondary, what keeps them from being able to stop the run?
They're called run fits and they assign a gap to every player in the run defense scheme. Those gaps weren't being secured. Why? I can't help but recall one of Coach Noll's memorable responses to that question: "Because he was being blocked." Pass rushers have to also be run stuffers or they'll stop getting the chance to rush the passer.

Craig from Cedarburg, WI
We watched the Vikings and Eagles gash the Green Bay defense with the run. It seems Blake Martinez is constantly crashing down on the line, creating huge cutback lanes. Is he doing his job or is he out of position?
Watching the Eagles game, I got the sense Martinez was the only Packers linebacker manning his gap.

Sam from Nashville, TN
On to the Cowboys. As you always say, September football is the new preseason. Does the baloney stop in Dallas? I think this is when we learn the identity of this year's team.
This is a big game, for reasons beyond  a win or a loss. If the Packers get gashed by Zeke Elliott, then what was new disappears and the Packers revert to old ways.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
Why can't the Packers run the ball?
It requires a commitment and 53 passes suggest a commitment hasn't been made. That's No. 1. No. 2, this hard-count stuff has to stop. It got to the point of ridiculousness in the Eagles game. TV's microphone picked up everything and I began hearing what sounded like yodeling. I couldn't help but laugh. Hey, if you wanna run the ball, it's hand on the ground, hut-hut and go. You don't want your linemen being forced to hold their stance for 20 seconds.

Tom from Menominee, WI
The answer is easy, Vic. Add one more player on offense and defense. Twenty-four players on the field will definitely slow the game down. Also, the roster size can be increased. Isn't this what the NFL wants and needs?
The NFL doesn't want more players, the NFLPA wants more players. Here's my solution to making the game safer: All defenders within five yards of the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball. It will effectively eliminate the safety position, which is the position of danger. Moving everyone up to the line of scrimmage will encourage more deep passes, which means defenders running with the receivers instead of toward them. Also, defenses will be forced to commit more defensive backs to the coverage scheme and that'll invite the run.

Phil from Las Vegas, NV
Vic, maybe I'm an older man stuck in my ways but I hope the Packers keep the lights on when a touchdown is scored from now on. Let the game cause excitement, not flickering lights.
Flickering lights? I used the term "will-o-the-wisp" in Friday's column. Nobody asked about it so maybe everybody is familiar with its meaning. It was one of Coach Noll's favorite references for teams that start fast and then fade. I was not familiar with it the first time I heard him speak it. "Will-o-the-wisp is an atmospheric ghost light seen by travelers at night, especially over bogs, swamps or marshes. It resembles a flickering lamp and is said to recede if approached, drawing travelers from the safe paths." Are we being drawn from safe paths? September is behind us. Soon, our true path will be known.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Vincent from Seattle, WA
Vic, what did you think of the fourth-quarter first and goal by the Packers offense? I saw an offense that tried to gimmick its way to a score.
Bad play-calling? Audibles?

Dave from Seattle, WA
That was pass interference on Rodgers' interception. Wasn’t that what the new rules from the New Orleans vs. Rams game meant to resolve?
I hate the Saints.

Joe from Chicago, IL
No ejection for Barnett after his totally unnecessary helmet-to-helmet hit on Jamaal Williams tells me the NFL isn't serious about player safety. Watching young men being carted off the field isn't my form of entertainment. I'm one step closer to being done with football.
It's about more than changing the culture. The NFL has created a more dangerous game with rules that opened the field and invited the pass. The game needs to be slower and tighter for it to be safer. It might be impossible to reverse the trend.

Brian from Stafford, VA
A poor run defense, poor special teams play and two killer turnovers by the quarterback is a sure way to lose. First and goal from the one and not a single run sure doesn't speak well for your confidence in running the ball.
Will-o-the-wisp.

Jon from Omaha, NE
What a hard fought game. I'm proud of the Packers. That was some good competition, especially for a Thursday night.
America loved that game. Up and down the field, 61 points, 80 passes (53 by the Packers), 827 yards of offense. That's the kind of football fans want to see and TV wants to show, but it's not the kind of football that wins championships. Can't run, can't stop the run is bad for the soul.

Patrick from Ashland, WI
Nose bloodied? I caught that. Nothing new for Pete. You always said a guy with a nose like that must be tough. I will never forget that comment. I use it.
I judge a man by the shape of his nose and the shine of his shoes.

Sean-Luc from Boston, MA
Rumor is the Ravens offered a first, second and TE Hayden Hurst in exchange for Jalen Ramsey. Jags turned it down. Mistake?
What did I say before this began? We'll start the bidding at two ones, right? I haven't changed my stance. It's two ones or no deal. If Ramsey wants to fake it the rest of the season, so be it, but I get two ones or he remains with the Jaguars.

Sean from Brighton, MI
Do you remember what Tony Pauline’s pre-draft analysis was on Mitchell Trubisky compared to Patrick Mahomes?
I don't because I never asked for it; quarterback was not on this column's radar in 2017. So, yesterday I asked Tony to tell me what his analysis was on the two quarterbacks. This is what he said: "Trubisky -- good athlete but very raw. Small body of work on the college level and needed time. Mahomes -- Bigger body of work with greater physical skills. Needed time and I had some concerns, but got with the right coach and sitting a year was of immense help."

Ian from Texas
I don't watch college football so I'm struggling to understand how teams miss so badly on an ultra-talent like Mahomes. I get it when a player develops over time, but when a player like Mahomes comes in and almost immediately lights up the league; what was missing on his college tape to make that impact so unpredictable? Any insights?
The league didn't miss on Mahomes. He was the 10th pick of the draft. I think the Bears missed on Trubisky. I think he was a reach at No. 2 overall. How far would Trubisky have fallen had the Bears picked Mahomes? I think that's the more appropriate question. It's another example of how fragile the draft can be. One pick can change everything. That's why I love the draft.

Todd from Prairie Du Chien, WI
Finally, we see energy and effort on the field. Football is all about that. Mr. McCarthy, we lost that with your teams the last few years. Granted, it's not all on the coach to create the vibe, but you have got to cast the shadow to get it started. Energy equals youth, fun, winning! Can the Packers continue with the effort the next 12-13 games and will they, Vic?
I thought the energy was real good last night, but it didn't equal winning. 

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
Vic, what are your thoughts on the offense through four games?
Aaron Rodgers wants to throw the ball. I think we're going to see more of what we saw last night.

​Kale from London, Canada
What do you think about the Steelers trading away three draft picks in the last week?
They traded four picks. In return, they got Minkah Fitzpatrick and two picks, one of which is higher than one of the picks they traded, and tight end Nick Vannett. Kevin Colbert has been one of the top GM types for two decades, so I am forcing myself to see these deals from his perspective, out of respect for him. Fitzpatrick is a top safety. He addresses a major need, he's a huge cap savings and he's only in the second year of his career, so the Steelers have him on his rookie contract for three more years. Vannett is just a guy, but he's scheduled to be a UFA next spring so he'll help return the fifth-round pick in comp pick consideration. When you look at each trade individually, they make sense, but I'm a big picture guy and that's why I don't like trading picks for players. I hate trading picks for players; it's just not in my football DNA. If I was Art Rooney, I would've forbid making these trades. In my mind, when you trade future picks, you anger the gods of football fate. I think time will prove me right. I hope I'm wrong.

Jared from Sugar City, ID
Vic, looking at different team's records so far, I feel there are a lot of 1-2 teams that are good teams, some 2-1 teams that are not that great, and some 0-3 teams that could surprise us. At what point during a season can you look at a team and say they are who we thought they were?
The masks come off right after Halloween.

Nicholas from Superior, WI
Never stop being new, Vic. What caused the difference in play styles between the AFL and NFL?
The AFL gave the fans what they wanted, wide-open offense, and that made the AFL popular enough to force a merger with the NFL. The AFL taught the NFL a lesson it's never forgotten. The fans want offense and the NFL continues to shape the game to give the fans what they want. I think that's become a problem.

Jason from Austin, TX
I was thinking about what you said about Jacksonville's stadium putting the opposing team on the side of the field the sun is shining on. Are teams allowed to bring a cover or shade on the sidelines to minimize the impact?
Not only are visiting teams on the sun sideline, they're on the sideline across the field from the locker rooms, so the visiting teams can't sneak their players into the locker room to get out of the sun and into the air-conditioning, as the Jaguars can. This didn't happen by chance. Teams are not permitted to affix awnings to shade their players on the sideline, but they may hand-hold awnings over their players, which is what they do.

Barry from Hayward, WI
Bills over Pats?
I don't think the Bills are ready to win this type of game, but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

​Gregory from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, tremendous column. How can the NFL consider the "Immaculate Reception" to be the No. 1 greatest play of all time? The Steelers went on to lose their next playoff game. I understand the game was a springboard for future Steelers success, but surely there are more deserving plays that led to an actual Super Bowl win.
In my opinion, Dec. 23, 1972, is the most important date in NFL history. Why? Because that's the day professional football became America's national pastime. On that day, the "Immaculate Reception" was the one o'clock playoff game and the Cowboys' dramatic comeback in San Francisco was the four o'clock game. It was a long Christmas weekend and we were a captive audience. The NFL had America all to its self and everywhere you went people were talking about those two playoff games. All of that weekend's playoff games had one thing in common: They were blacked out in the markets in which they were played, and that caused an uproar when congressmen and senators in Washington weren't able to watch the Redskins beat the Packers the following day. Eight months later, Congress passed an act that ended home blackouts. Simply put, when Congress passes a law forcing a professional sport to televise its games, it says something about that sport. What it said is the NFL is No. 1. The "Immaculate Reception" is the identity of that shift from baseball to football. The "Ice Bowl?" You could certainly make a point for it being the greatest play of all time, but it was pre-merger and I think that hurts it. Plus, it was a quarterback sneak. I don't deny its significance and drama -- it's one of the most memorable moments of my life -- but as a play it gained one yard. The "Immaculate Reception" was a wild and controversial play. TV lost the ball. People watching on TV didn't understand why Franco Harris was running with the ball; they thought the play was over. Then came the real drama. Referee Fred Swearingen froze. He asked a groundskeeper if there was a phone from which he could talk to NFL director of officiating Art McNally, who was in the press box and was seeing the play run over and over on replay. Swearingen was taken to the first base dugout, where he was connected to McNally. At that point, as far as I'm concerned, replay review was used for the first time in NFL history. After several agonizing minutes of waiting for Swearingen to emerge from the dugout, the moment arrived. Swearingen began his walk to the center of the field. There was silence. Everybody knew the moment was at hand. Swearingen would either wave his arms to signal incomplete pass, or raise his arms skyward to signal touchdown. Ol' Freddie played it perfectly. He stopped, turned toward the press box, paused for dramatic effect, then raised his arms, causing an explosive cheer. It's the most dramatic thing I have ever seen in sports. Every time I listen to today's referees explain their ruling, I can't help but wonder what Swearingen would've said. I'm so glad he said nothing. Touchdown!

 "Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Packers are forging a new identity
You know what the old identity was: Score 30, give up 29. That's changed. Through the first three games of this season, the Packers have scored an average of 19 points per game and allowed a mere 12 points a game. The Packers are now a team that beats you with defense.
I expect that trend to continue tomorrow night against the Eagles. Philadelphia is struggling on the offensive side of the ball, where it's also nursing injuries.
A win over the Eagles will set the stage for a big Week-5 game in Dallas. Get ready for the TV hype for that one.

Did the Steelers trade away a top 10 pick?
Pittsburgh is 0-3 and its prospects for the remainder of the season are not promising, which begs the question: In trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick, did the Steelers trade away what will amount to a top 10 pick?
It's possible, but let's not forget Fitzpatrick was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 draft, and the cap advantages he brings to the Steelers are really strong. By the way, in his first game with the Steelers, he intercepted a pass and forced a fumble.
Steelers fans' concern is in trading away what might amount to a top 10 pick, the Steelers might have traded away a chance to draft their quarterback of the future. Relax, fans of my hometown team, a scout told me the quarterback crop in next spring's draft, as it stands right now, is weak and unlikely to yield a franchise-type quarterback where the Steelers would've been drafting. At the moment, there appears to be a gap between Tua and the next group of passers, all of whom might qualify as reaches in the first round.
My analysis of the Steelers' quarterback situation goes like this: Mason Rudolph is auditioning for the long-term job. If his performance this season is less than convincing, Ben Roethlisberger is likely to return for one more season, after which he will be an easy dead money burden to shoulder. At that point, the Steelers will have to decide on their future at quarterback.

Go ahead, get excited, Jags fans
You sure haven't been given much to cheer in recent years, so I'm not going to throw water on your Minshew mustache party. Who knows? Maybe Gardner Minshew is the real deal.
He grossly out-played Marcus Mariota, a No. 2 overall pick. That has to say something about Minshew. The Titans have a good defense and Minshew whipped them.

After watching several young quarterbacks last weekend
⦁  Shame on the Bears for drafting Mitchell Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes. How could they miss on a talent as extreme and obvious as Mahomes? Imagine the Bears with Mahomes.
⦁  Lamar Jackson is a sensational athlete. He's at his best when he's running. Vic to teams on the Ravens' schedule: Make him be a passer.
⦁  Kyler Murray throws a tight spiral. His passes are crisp and accurate. He moves with grace and purpose. Here's the problem: I don't see anything special about his game. To me, he looks like a bubble screen college quarterback. He was dramatically out-played by the Panthers' Kyle Allen. I look forward to seeing more of Murray. Maybe the offense is holding him back.
⦁  Baker Mayfield does special things. He needs to do ordinary things more often.

Here are the Week 4 "Ask Vic" all-important power rankings:
1. Patriots -- Showdown in Buffalo.
2. Chiefs -- Defense not fixed.
3. Rams -- Goff looks ordinary.
4. Packers -- Defense is their calling card.
5. Cowboys -- Tester in New Orleans.
6. Saints -- Can Bridgewater beat the Cowboys?
7. Bills -- Not ready for this.
8. Colts -- Reich leader for coach of the year.
9. Bears -- Defense in control.
10. Vikings -- Much on the line in Chicago.
11. Ravens -- Harbaugh should be embarrassed.
12. 49ers -- Weak kind of 3-0.
13. Lions -- Building momentum.
14. Texans -- Show me something big.
15. Seahawks -- Got their nose bloodied.
16. Eagles -- Nothing special about Philly.
17. Chargers -- Do they really have to go all the way to Miami?
18. Browns -- Not worthy of the hype.
19. Giants -- Barkley is a big loss.
20. Panthers -- Newton wasn't missed.
21. Cardinals -- They should be in the Big 12.
22. Falcons -- They're in big trouble.
23. Bucs -- Found a way to lose.
24. Jaguars -- Ramsey getting the last laugh?
25. Titans -- One position ruining their season.
26. Raiders -- They still stink.
27. Washington -- Play the kid.
28. Bengals -- Calm down, coach.
29. Broncos -- Much worse than their record.
30. Steelers -- The hunted is now the hunter.
31. Jets -- Was it worth it, Le'Veon?
32. Dolphins -- Is Tua worth tanking?

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Greg from Danbury, CT
Green Bay holds on for another win, despite Denver holding a nine-minute TOP advantage. Not having watched the game, here's what I got from the stats: Running game stuck in neutral, passing game in first gear, defense in second gear when it needs to be. What did your eyes tell you?
Big plays were the difference. The Packers are making plays that win games.

Scott from Alaska
Do you think there is a large enough sample size to conclude play-calling wasn't the problem?
If you're talking about last season, play-calling wasn't the problem. The defense was in the first stage of rebuilding and the offense was struggling with a new receiving corps. Last year was about roster change.

Bob from The Netherlands
Are the Packers for real or do they look good because of bad quarterbacks they faced?
The Packers are for real, and I have no doubt their play will improve as the year goes on. In my mind, the issue now is real simple: Keep Aaron Rodgers healthy.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, are Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggling because they feel devalued and have the perception the defense will win games for them?
I don't know what that means. The high picks and big-money free agents are on the defensive side of the ball. Other than for Rodgers, the talent on the offensive side of the ball isn't that strong. That's the perception and the reality.

Bob from Australia
Vic, other than revisiting the somewhat worn-out gripe about the weakness of the division in which the Patriots play, what can we read into the entire NFC North being unbeaten against all outsiders so far?
All of those outsiders have losing records. I wouldn't attach too much meaning to anything at this point. The Packers' arrow is pointing up. I'm sure of that. I'll stop there.

Brent from Dubuque, IA
Vic, with the current player safety rules, how does a coach teach his players to make a tackle?
I'm not sure today's players are coachable. If they were coachable, we wouldn't have a penalty on nearly every down, right? I saw a Ravens player, Judon, get flagged for hands to the face at a critical point in the game. When they showed the replay, I thought to myself, "He shouldn't be called for hands to the face, he should be penalized 30 yards for attempted strangulation." The penalties are bewildering me, but it's not the officials' fault; the violations are being committed. By the way, John Harbaugh turned in possibly the worst job of bench coaching I have ever witnessed. Does being aggressive mean having to be stupid? I love pro football, but I didn't love yesterday's games.

Rey from Milwaukee, WI
“Omaha” or “Nationwide is on your side?"
Peyton Manning is a carnival barker, and the State Farm commercials are punishing. I hope the two agents shoot each other.

Aiden from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, can you educate us on the differences between the NFL and the AFL? Obviously, the NFL prevailed and the AFL merged.
The NFL ran the ball, the AFL threw the ball. The NFL was defense and low scoring, the AFL was wide-open offense and high scoring. The NFL did not prevail. The AFL forced a merger of the two leagues. The AFL won, and it's never been more obvious than it is today because what you watched on Sunday was AFL-style football.

Chris from Winston-Salem, NC
Is Antonio Brown a cautionary tale? In my experience, when you cater to individuals and don’t hold folks accountable, behavior only gets worse. Why do college and professional organizations not seem to understand this?
Vic to NFL: Please, help him. He was a great receiver who gave us years of entertainment. I fear this is not going to end well.

Connor from Greenville, SC
Is there anything on the slot receiver tree?
The draft was the time to get a receiver. Kansas City has a rookie named Hardman, Baltimore a rookie named Brown, Pittsburgh a rookie named Johnson. You might remember me writing I was surprised the Packers didn't dip into the receiver pool when the run began on receivers in last spring's draft. Hey, you can't draft everybody, right?

Kevin from Solon Spring, WI
I’m listening to the postgame shows. Why can’t Packers fans enjoy an 11-point win?
Packers fans like to celebrate offense and complain about defense. This is new to them.

Sean from Brighton, MI
What are your thoughts on Wisconsin’s blowout win over Michigan?
Michigan was as woeful as Wisconsin was powerful. Wisconsin is headed for two showdowns with Ohio State. Michigan is headed for change.

John from Green Bay, WI
Vic, help me understand the Trevor Davis trade. Trevor looked unstoppable in the preseason and caught several long passes where he used his speed to just run right by defenders. Are they that high on Shepherd they could let him go?
The Raiders have the worst case of wide receiver fever since Matt Millen was the personnel boss for the Lions. Davis is just a guy. The Packers got a draft pick they can use to maneuver within the draft, or spend on the next Trevor Davis. Dime a dozen.

Justin from Canton, NC
Vic, I love your line, "What's the rush?" Everyone wants to anoint some of these newer guys already and I'm sitting over here saying until I see them win outside in December, I'm not buying on anyone. One good game and fans want to fire or line up and worship. What's the rush? I want to see you win in the cold, on the road, down by five with two minutes left and a strong wind in your face before I sing praises.
Fans are quick to celebrate because they're bored. They need a constant entertainment fix. They need celebrities.

Nathan from New York
Vic, why don't the Ravens share the history of the old Browns?
Art Modell respectfully and wisely left the Browns' name and history in Cleveland, where it belonged. Baltimore didn't want the Browns, it wanted the Colts' name and history back, so Modell gave Baltimore fans the identity of the Colts and their history by arranging to have Johnny Unitas stand on the sideline during Ravens games. There he was, the god of all Baltimore football gods, standing on the Ravens sideline for all to see. It was the stamp of approval the franchise needed. It effectively made the Ravens the reincarnation of the Unitas Colts. It was as though Berry and Ameche and Marchetti and all of the old Colts were standing on the sideline next to Unitas. It was genius.

Pat from Cumming, GA
Did you watch any of Georgia vs. Notre Dame on Saturday evening? I found it to be a tight, enjoyable game. Many fans seem to disagree. Is a close game of college football no longer a good game?
College football fans are a different sort. They like blowouts because the winner can chortle and the loser can demand the coach be fired. There's no in between for college football fans. I watched the game and I enjoyed it. At one point Saturday afternoon, I sent this text to my friend: "The three games I'm watching have a combined score of 80-6." The game that saved the weekend for me was the UCF-Pitt game. It was sensational; 35-34 with the game-winning play a fourth-and-goal beauty that included a direct snap to the running back, a lateral to the wide receiver and a pass to the quarterback. It is one of the hardest-hitting, fiercely contested and dramatic football games I've ever seen. It lasted nearly four hours, included a ridiculous roughing-the-passer penalty in which the offender never touched the quarterback, and ended with my appreciation for the entertainment it provided me. Maybe my expectations are too great. Maybe I need to heed my own advice.

Kyle from Phoenix, AZ
Aaron Donald is the best player you’ve seen since who?
Donald is the best defensive football player I have ever seen. Not even Lawrence Taylor dominated as Donald does. Last night's performance was amazing.

​Kirk from Grafton, WI
I came across this interview quote from FOX sports. It's in reference to the retirement of Gronk and Luck. Bradshaw said: “Our coaches all tell us, you have to plan your life after football, you’ve got to get on with your life’s work." I just smiled to myself and said thanks, Vic, because of you I have a bit more context than most who will read this.
Maybe I need to get on with my life's work.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Eric from Hudson, WI
Why is the AFC so weak except for one team?
I think there are at least three top teams in the AFC: Patriots, Chiefs and Ravens. I'm waiting for the Texans to make it four. Much of the rest of the AFC is in quarterback flux. The Steelers lost Roethlisberger, the Jaguars lost Foles and the Colts lost Luck. Young quarterbacks such as Mayfield, Allen and Darnold are on the way up, and older quarterbacks such as Rivers and Flacco are holding on. Quarterbacks define a conference. The AFC is in quarterback chaos right now. Let's revisit this situation late in the season.

Rob from Rockford, IL
When the schedule was released back in April, you said the Packers "could explode out of the blocks." It seems you're right again, Vic. Can they keep this up?
Yes, I think they can. The schedule is favorable to go into December on a roll and with the NFC North lead. The last three games on the schedule will define the Packers' regular season. Bears, at Vikings, at Lions will validate or violate what the Packers accomplish up to that point.

Josh from Silverton, CO
Vic, I'm sure you'll get quite a few variations of this question, and I'm not jumping to any conclusions yet, but if Minshew continues to look capable at QB in his rookie season, even with some lumps, what do you think happens when Foles is healthy again?
The first sensible out for the Jaguars is 2021, when Foles' dead money would drop from $34 million to $12.5 million. Regardless of what Minshew does the rest of this year, I think Foles is with the Jaguars next year.

Jon from Jacksonville, FL
You growing that Minshew mustache yet?
Yeah, just started.

Robert from Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Run the ball, rush the passer remains a recipe for success, but what the heck happened to running the ball in the Jaguars game? Both offenses were anemic in that regard.
Each team's defensive game plan was to stop the run and make the quarterback beat you with the pass. I counted nine Titans in the box on several occasions. Gardner Minshew made the Titans pay for that strategy.

Justin from Layton, UT
Any difference in opinion after two surprising performances by Gardner Minshew?
What's the rush?

Brad from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, Minshew was again composed and consistent. His throws were accurate, he threw receivers open, he protected the ball. His footwork and release are impressive. If he keeps up this progression, Jacksonville will have a $50 million backup QB. Is that a stretch?
No, I like your analysis. I would add this: Minshew's best throws were slants underneath the coverage and lobs over the top of the coverage. That's a good combination, but future opponents are likely to force Minshew to play outside the numbers. They'll force him to hit the honey hole. Does he have the arm strength to do it?

Wendell from Porto Alegre, Brazil
Will Eli Manning go into the Hall of Fame? Do you think he deserves it?
I think he'll get in, but I wouldn't vote for him. I love the two Super Bowl wins, but I just don't think he was a special quarterback.

Mike from Boscobel, WI
Coach Marrone, by all appearance, seems like a good guy. Do you think he can right the ship in Jacksonville? Feels like this may be his last season with this franchise. Funny thing is I'm not as happy about that as some Jaguars fans seem to be.
I was a young reporter covering the Steelers when Doug Marrone was an undrafted free agent in the Steelers' training camp. He's a football man who's dedicated his life to the sport. Two years ago, he took the Jaguars to the verge of winning the AFC title. It's remarkable how it crumbled so quickly. His biggest problem in fixing the Jaguars is he'll have to do it with a rookie quarterback. Or maybe Minshew can buy Marrone some understanding and patience.

Dain from Columbus, WI
I get the idea of putting some talent around Aaron Rodgers before he declines with age, but how much are we crippling the future team with all the free agents this year and last? Or, simply stated, how healthy is the Packers' cap under the new regime?
The Packers are on the edge of their financing, so to speak, but they won't go over the edge, as the Vikings have. It's just not in the Packers' DNA to do that.

Jonathan from Southern Pines, NC
What if Mason Rudolph turns out to be really good this season and the Steelers don't have a terrible season like you think? Then what happens when Roethlisberger wants to come back next season?
If Rudolph wins the job, I think Roethlisberger would be given the opportunity to seek a trade or retire. I would expect him to retire. Cap-wise, it's doable.

Min from Seoul, South Korea
What does Mike McCarthy think to himself after Week 2?
He's probably thinking he wishes he had a defense like that.

Alex from Orlando, FL
Vic, what should the Jags do with Fournette after his rookie contract expires? In my opinion, he’s no better than an average back in the league. I can’t imagine they will be picking up his fifth-year option.
Here's the bigger question: Will the Jaguars have new leadership after this season? The answer to that question will determine what the Jaguars do with players such as Leonard Fournette.

Craig from Cedarburg, WI
Are the Lions a threat to challenge for the NFC North crown?
The next four games are the meat of the Lions' schedule: at Eagles, Chiefs, at Packers, Vikings. What the Lions do in those four games will answer your question.

Mike from Rochester, MN
Why are players salaries made public? Was it always that way?
It's always been that way because leaking a player's compensation to the media was good advertising for an agent that just got his client a favorable contract. Since the advent of the salary cap, compensation information isn't about agent advertising as much as it is about a need to know. For example, in analyzing the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade, you need to know the Dolphins paid him a signing bonus of a little over $10 million. What's left of the amortization of that money stays on the Dolphins' cap, which means the Steelers get Fitzpatrick at a big cap savings. The savings is money the Steelers can spend, say, on a free agent, so you could say the Steelers traded a 2020 first-round pick for Fitzpatrick and an unrestricted free agent to be named later, in addition to the swap of mid-round picks. In the salary cap era, fans absolutely must know the financials involving player acquisition to fully understand and appreciate the game.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

I expect the Packers to be undefeated heading to Dallas
That would mean the Packers would be 4-0. Why not? The Packers are playing top-notch defense and they're beginning to run the ball. The only part of their game that's lagging is a bulky passing attack. Imagine that!
The Broncos will be road kill in Lambeau this week.

Time to be new in Pittsburgh
The run is over for the Steelers. I expected as much, but sadly it's a season-ending injury to Ben Roethlisberger that's punctuating the Steelers' demise.
Life starts anew! This season will determine whether Mason Rudolph is the future at quarterback for the Steelers.
It's gonna get bad for the Steelers. I expect them to lose in San Francisco. More than any other, this is a season that'll define Mike Tomlin as a coach.

Jaguars on display tomorrow night
Will they rally against the Titans? Or  might Jalen Ramsey further embarrass the franchise?
It's a national TV game and it will be the worst of times for the Jaguars if the Titans do to the Jaguars as the Titans did to the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football a year ago.

I don't want to waste good questions
Here are a few to whet your appetite for Friday's column.

Daniel from Johnston, IA
Can the Saints stay alive with Bridgewater? They might get Brees back before they have to play Atlanta.
The Saints are toast.

Don from Richmond, KY
If Shad Khan asked for your advice, what would you tell him to do with Jaguars personnel?
I would tell him to forbid any move to be made without his approval. No more giving away draft picks for stop-gap scrap.

Sean from Chaska, MN
Would GM Vic have paid Kirk Cousins $84 million guaranteed?
No, because my father, too, also a frugal man. Be that as it may, I gave the Vikings credit for knowing they needed an upgrade from Case Keenum. The Jaguars deluded themselves. The Vikings didn't.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, if the Giants are willing to trade Eli and he's still willing to play, which team would be the best fit for him?
As Coach Noll would say, it's time for Manning to get on with his life's work.

Tim from Lancaster, PA
What are the Steelers trying to accomplish trading away a possible top 10 pick in a rebuilding year?
I didn't like the trade, either, but Kevin Colbert is an esteemed personnel man so I spent time yesterday trying to look at the trade from his perspective. First of all, the trade is a desperate move to fix that defense. The Steelers have lost their identity and they desperately need to get it back. The trade for Fitzpatrick isn't about salvaging this season or rebuilding for the future. It's about fixing that defense and becoming the Steelers again. Beyond that, it might suggest Colbert thinks Rudolph is the future at QB. Remember, Colbert traded up for him. I talked to a long-time NFL scout on Tuesday. He told me he had an especially high grade on Fitzpatrick coming out of Alabama. The scout said he thought Fitzpatrick was special as a draft prospect. Look at the whole deal. Colbert was dogged in negotiating it. The Steelers gave a one, a five and a six; they got Fitzpatrick, a four and a six. Numerically, the four waters down the one. The Steelers get a former first-round pick who's about to come into the prime years of his career. His signing bonus stays in Miami which makes Fitzpatrick cap friendly. Maybe Colbert thinks next year's draft is weak at the top but strong in the middle. This is intriguing. So why were the Dolphins willing to trade him? That's what would trouble me. Coach Noll said you need to "resist the temptation" to trade picks for players.

Jason from Austin, TX
"When all is said and done, this might be the game that costs Mike Zimmer his job." Really? I didn't know Zimmer was even on the hot seat. I think he's a great coach. If he gets fired, I bet he won't be without a job for long. Do you consider Mike Zimmer a good coach?
Zimmer is an outstanding coach, but the big free-agent spending put him on a short leash because teams that spend big in free agency are on a short leash.

Mark from Regina, SK
I totally agree with you, Vic, the Week 2 performance likely sealed Coach Zimmer's fate. The burning question now is does Coach McCarthy start buying purple and gold? Or should he wait until it's closer to spring?
He won't have to buy it.

Josh from Madison, WI
What do you figure led to the Vikings' sluggish defensive start? Maybe they didn't eat the whole Week 1 pizza, just a slice, and the antacid kicked in by the second quarter?
No, they ate the whole pizza.

David from Madison, WI
"Singing into a can" is what I meant to have written in my previous question.
OK.

Samuel from Jacksonville, FL
Have you ever wondered if it's just been one person asking you questions under different aliases?
It doesn't matter. Who do you want to be?

Jack from Chicago, IL
Vic, I understand you have great admiration for Bill Belichick as an evaluator of talent. What do you know about Ernie Adams and his role in Bill's success?
I'm sorry, I lost communication with you in mid-sentence. Ernie who?

Here are the Week 3 "Ask Vic" all-important power rankings:
1. Patriots -- Greatest franchise ever?
2. Chiefs -- The real deal.
3. Rams -- I guess they taught them a little bit of a lesson.
4. Ravens -- Great, but they've beaten nobody.
5. Cowboys -- They look good.
6. Packers -- Making the big plays.
7. Seahawks -- Wilson's scrambling wins.
8. 49ers -- They're moving on up.
9. Bills -- They own New Jersey.
10. Colts -- They own the Titans.
11. Titans -- Mariota is their weakness.
12. Vikings -- They don't get it done.
13. Saints -- Put a fork in them.
14. Eagles -- Play hard, but something lacking.
15. Lions -- Gut check win against the Chargers.
16. Texans -- Doing less with more.
17. Chargers -- Rivers also showing some age.
18. Bears -- I'm not impressed.
19. Browns -- Wow, they beat the Jets.
20. Cardinals -- Young QB gives them hope.
21. Falcons -- Schedule is favorable.
22. Bucs -- Arians needs time.
23. Raiders -- Hammer time in Minnesota.
24. Washington -- Soft and cheesy.
25. Bengals -- Not Burfict's kind of team.
26. Broncos -- But they won a Super Bowl.
27. Jets -- Adam Gase, really?
28. Giants -- Now it begins.
29. Panthers -- What was Newton wearing on his head?
30. Steelers -- They're all gone.
31. Jaguars -- Ramsey must go.
32. Dolphins -- Last drafts first.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the football season.

Ethan from Ontario, Canada
What did your eyes tell you was the biggest cause of the point drought during the game?
I don't want this to become a recurring theme, especially after a win.  A win needs to be good enough. The Packers are 2-0 and the road to the NFC North title goes through Green Bay. OK, here are the obvious choices for an answer to your question: 1) The play-calling became conservative and protective. 2) The Vikings decided to play defense. 3) Aaron Rodgers just isn't the quarterback he was in his prime. 4) The Packers offense is a work in progress under a new coach. In my opinion, the best approach is to lower these ridiculous expectations that the way it was is the way it must always be.

Mark from Bettendorf, IA
Are we seeing an Aaron Rodgers that isn't comfortable yet?
I think we're seeing a quarterback for whom expectations are too high.

Scott from Madison, WI
Vic, I don't want to overeact or withold due credit through two games, so please provide some perspective on what we should think about the 2-0 Packers so far?
They're making plays that win games, and they have a very favorable schedule ahead of them. Go ahead, get excited.

Brad from Yulee, FL
Vic, despite some horrid coaching decisions and a lackluster game by Gardener Minshew until the end, Minshew turned a switch at crunch time. What did we just see at the end of that game?
What happened is good. We'll watch for more on Thursday. The Steelers are in the same situation. Mason Rudolph looked good in his surprise debut. Can Minshew and Rudolph do it again?

Brad from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, you’ve gotta trade Ramsey. He can’t physically push the head coach. Who’s in charge of this team?
His trade value declined with that display. The longer the Jaguars wait, the worse it'll get.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
Can you hear a horn in the distance?
When all is said and done, this might be the game that costs Mike Zimmer his job. A missed field goal attempt, a missed extra point attempt, an interception in goal to go with the game on the line, a hundred yards in penalties and damaging incidents of undisciplined behavior, all contributing to a devastating division loss on a day the Vikings rushed for 198 yards. On top of all of that, Zimmer didn't have his defense ready to play. Yeah, I can hear a horn in the distance.

Jerry from Savannah, GA
Vic, do you think Howard Cosell could have envisioned former coaches such as Urban Meyer being pregame analysts who constantly refer to their former teams as we?
Cosell saw it coming and he created terminology for it: the jockocracy. If you go back to the days of Paul Christman, the former players and coaches in the booth were names of lesser renown. They weren't capitalizing as much on their fame as they were their knowledge of the inner workings of the game. Monday Night Football gave us celebrity-type former players, such as Frank Gifford, Don Meredith and Alex Karras. That's when the explosion of former jocks in the booth began and it's now to the point it's a prerequisite for getting a booth analyst or studio gig. I don't watch pregame shows, and I turn off the sound on any analyst who can't detach himself from his team allegiances.

Josh from Madison, WI
Is Cam on the fast track to an early exit, ala Luck?
Anybody who's had rotator cuff surgery knew and knows his career is in jeopardy.

Nathan from San Diego, CA
With all this defense talk, I realized my knowledge of Packers history is overwhelmingly focused on offense. I’m embarrassed to say I can't even tell you what Lombardi’s defenses were known for outside of the names of some of the players. How would you describe Lombardi’s defenses?
They were a typical read-and-react front whose tackles were assigned the task of keeping the blockers off the middle linebacker so he could run to the ball and make the tackle. That's how defense was played in the run-the-ball era. You didn't see a lot of exotic looks in the passing game -- I don't remember seeing five-wide until the mid-nineties -- so pass coverage was basic: cornerbacks on the two wide receivers, strong safety on the tight end and the free safety playing centerfield over the top. That was defense in the Lombardi era. Taking the tight end off the field and bringing on a third wide receiver on passing downs began the age of specialization; that's when defenses began to evolve in exotic ways. Three wide receivers introduced nickel and dime coverages and pass-rush specialists.

Eric from Las Vegas, NV
Vegas boards have the combined spread of those four games at 89 points, so I'll take the under on your total. I have a feeling the Big Ten games are closer than you think.
The combined points differential in Saturday's four featured games was 107 points. I set the over/under at 120. Congratulations, you've won a free subscription to "Ask Vic."

Eric from Hudson, WI
I suppose you’re going to start giving Mike McCarthy credit for these wins just like you did Jeff Fisher a couple of years ago. Draft and develop was cute until the drafting went south. What’s the rush in paying Rodgers? Weeks one and two are your answers. He tilts the field; your words. Did New England need AB? Nope. Bill Belichick picked him up in spite of Vic Ketchman. If receivers are a dime a dozen, coaches are a nickel.
OK.

Jim from Hunterton, IN
Well, Vic, we made it six quarters into the season before Rodgers and LaFleur had a sideline spat.
I'm not sure what to make of that.

Timothy from Ocala, FL
I think the call to go for two was the right call for the Jags versus Houston, but the actual play dialed up was terrible. They hadn't gotten any yards up the middle all day! Why not keep the ball in Minshew's hands?
I thought they should've kicked and gone to overtime. All of the pressure was on Houston. The Jags' arrow was pointing up. Lengthen the game.

Kyle from Osceola, WI
Paul Hornung (recently placed) the first legal sports bet in the state of Indiana. Commissioner Rozelle is rolling in his grave?
I hope Hornung got a lot of money for the promotion.

​Mark from Eau Claire, WI
I know it's premature, but what are your first impressions of Matt LaFleur?
He's had his team ready to play in both games. That's job one for a coach.

I'm posting Friday's column a day early because we've lost Internet service on Edisto and I suspect that could continue. Let's call today's column "Day Early Ask Vic."

Kelvin from Kenilworth, UK
Vic, do you think the Dolphins apparently trading good players for picks is wise? After all, the draft is a crystal ball business and if you have a young and good left tackle, why trade him for uncertainty? I understand you need "The Man," but why blow everything up until you get him?
Sometimes that's what you have to do to get "The Man," and by the time you develop him and he truly is "The Man," that good young tackle might be bad and old. You don't want the back end getting old before the front end "arrives." I'm talking about talent on your roster. It's all got to happen quickly or you'll have a short run. I understand what the Dolphins are doing and I'd do the same thing if I was running the show.

Nathan from New York, NY
I was watching highlights of the Colts-Chargers game and I noticed the Colts only rushed one man on the final play of regulation. Will we eventually see the "Ketchman prevent defense" or will teams copy the Colts instead?
Why bother rushing one? Get another pass defender in there. I don't care if the quarterback uses all of the time left on the clock to find an open receiver. That's what you want, right?

Patrick from Indianapolis, IN
Vic, Aaron Rodgers' performance has not been the same for several years now (a bit understandably, given age and the injuries). Do you still consider him an elite QB capable of carrying a team? If so, what do you see as his best remaining skill/asset?
I'm getting a lot of this type of question and it's chafing me because I think it's unfair. Two years ago, I said the Packers should consider drafting a quarterback early, if one is at the top of their board when it's time to pick. I was soundly rebuked by my readership. Then last year, on the subject of signing Rodgers to a new contract, I said "What's the rush?" and I was even more harshly rebuked. Now I'm being asked if I think Rodgers is still an elite quarterback. That's baloney.

Charlie from Waukesha, WI
Can/would the league punish the Dolphins for not fielding a competitive team? For example, take away draft picks? If so, should the league punish the Dolphins?
I don't think the league would or should. The Dolphins are trying to take care of their future. They're trying to become what they aren't. They stink and they want to stop stinking, and the best way to do that is to accumulate a lot of high draft picks. I think the Jaguars should do the same thing. It bothers me they traded a fifth-round pick for Josh Dobbs.

Josh from Madison, WI
For newer readers (and those of us with suspect memories), could you explain how your mistrust for the Patriots organization developed?
It began with the headset stuff. It became a leaguewide joke. As I've written, Jack Del Rio and I once jokingly made a friendly wager on what quarter the headsets would go out for the Jaguars-Patriots game in New England that week. The Colts were piping in crowd noise and the Patriots were turning off the visiting teams' headsets. They were the top two teams in the AFC. It was a disgrace. Then came Spygate, which is when I put the asterisk next to the Patriots' name in my power rankings: "Cheated in one game." Hey, they cheated in one game! I'm sure it was more than one game, but the league had convicted the Patriots of having cheated in at least one. It was official, right? At that point, the Patriots were who we thought they were.

Chris from Bozeman, MT
The promise of winning seems to have caused a few guys to stray from making value-driven choices. At some point, winning has to take a back seat to doing things the right way. That point is upon us.
If you're referring to the Antonio Brown saga, I don't think the drama has ended. The Patriots better make sure they don't anger him, or he might sing like a canary.

Chris from Winston-Salem, NC
I'm not sure if I am becoming old and curmudgeonly (I am), but the antics of players have become bothersome to the point I can't enjoy the game as much. Whether it's Jalen Ramsey, Beckham and his watch that costs more than my house, the never-ending Brown saga; is it me or are these things becoming more common?
Nefarious behavior is on the rise and it's distasteful. I think Odell Beckham should be disqualified from any game in which he attempts to wear the watch while playing. It's unnecessary equipment that hasn't been approved by the league and, therefore, should be considered a danger to Beckham and the other players in the game. Hey, Antonio Brown had to change helmets because the league wouldn't approve the one he wanted to wear, and that ruling was supported by an arbitrator. The Beckham watch ordeal is the same thing.

Morgan from Kaukauna, WI
When Brian Gutekunst was looking at how to build the team his way, what was he looking for on both sides of the ball?
Speed. The Packers had become a slow football team.

Elizabeth from Sylvania, OH
You got me, Vic. Hope you stayed safe. What is your impression so far with college football? What about Michigan in particular? Are they just hype or are their problems on offense fixable?
The network TV games  Saturday are Ohio State at Indiana, Pitt at Penn State, Alabama at South Carolina and Clemson at Syracuse. I'll put the total point differential in those games at 120 points. Anybody wanna take the under? College football is a bad product. As for Michigan, it's fallen far behind Ohio State.

Ryan from Plymouth, MN
What do you think of Steve Palazzolo's quip the Raiders gave up draft picks so the Pats could sign Antonio Brown?
Aaron Hernandez? Brown being accused of rape? I'm not laughing.

Kyle from Green Bay, WI
On the play after J.J. Watt sacked Brees, Payton called a draw play directly at Watt. The tackle let Watt run past and the running back got the first down. Masterful play-calling. I won't forget that for a while. I'm sure Watt won't either.
Run at a rusher is old-school football strategy. Yinz people are gaga about play-calling, but you don't see the real genius in football strategy. Mike McCarthy completely pencil-whipped Adam Gase with line splits, but nobody saw it or appreciated it. Calling plays is easy stuff. Creating matchups and attacking weaknesses are true examples of strategic genius.

​Derek from Eau Claire, WI
Packers fans become very angsty when the offense isn't the star of the show. Any coping techniques?
Instead of wetting their pants every time Rodgers completes a pass, maybe the Lambeau crowd should start chanting, "Defense, defense, defense."

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the regular season.

Please welcome "Yes or No Vic"
I didn't intend to answer questions in the Wednesday edition of "Ask Vic," but it bothers me to waste so many good questions and I got a brainstorm while hitting some sand shots in my driveway the other day: Why not do a yes or no column? So, I give you the first-ever yes or no "Ask Vic."

Joe from Bloomington, IN
Did Gutekunst build the Packers to beat the Patriots?
No.

Andrew from Greendale, WI
Obviously, you've had your columns to document your football memories , but did you do anything specific to remember the details of your life outside of football?
No.

Matt from Marshall, MI
Are Rodgers' eyes too far downfield?
No.

Dustin from Orlando, FL
There is speculation Antonio Brown and the Patriots colluded in arranging his release from the Raiders and his subsequent signing with New England. Do you think the Patriots had a hand in the whole ordeal?
Yes.

Blake from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, any reason to have hope in Minshew for the next eight weeks?
No.

Bruce from Las Vegas, NV
Would you be in favor of a preseason rule in which quarterbacks could wear a non-contact jersey?
No.

Ryan from Thorp, WI
Vic, you’ve often said the Packers-Bears games never really live up to the rivalry hype. Can you paint us a picture of what a good game looks like between two rival teams in today’s NFL?
Yes.

Mike from Berlin, WI
Am I the only one who thinks all the laundry on the field makes the game unwatchable?
No.

Aaron from Point Pleasant, MD
Vic, 53 seems like such an arbitrary number to me. Do you have any insight on why or how the league settled on this number as the roster limit?
Yes.

Pat from Seneca, SC
Have you ever needed a reminder to be you?
No.

Patrick from St. Johns, FL
With the defense's attitude not changing from last year, it's clear we have our own Antonio Brown issue named Jalen. While everyone is running zone he plays man? He did this same thing last year. Should we trade him now for as many picks as we can get before he starts in with his own antics?
Yes.

​Here are the "Ask Vic" Week 2 all-important power rankings:
1. Patriots -- Better than ever.
2. Chiefs -- Explosive!
3. Rams -- Bad plays were the problem.
4. Ravens -- Didn't waste the preseason.
5. Titans -- Might be league's best defense.
6. Vikings -- Dalvin Cook just what they need.
7. Saints -- Now they whine when they win.
8. Cowboys -- Prescott can be elite.
9. Packers -- Defense leads the way.
10. Eagles -- Injuries dogging them.
11. Seahawks -- Struggled but won.
12. Chargers -- Developing winning habit.
13. Texans -- Didn't get it done at crunch time.
14. Bears -- Trubisky might be just average.
15. Browns -- Too much hype.
16. 49ers -- Signs of improvement.
17. Bills -- They have grit.
18. Lions -- Grumbling has already begun.
19. Cardinals -- Murray looked good.
20. Panthers -- Survivor game against Bucs.
21. Raiders -- Apparently they don't need Brown.
22. Colts -- They play hard for Reich.
23. Washington -- They'll lose many games.
24. Jets -- Bell did not make them better.
25. Bengals -- Better than expected.
26. Broncos -- Have a chance to be really bad.
27. Giants -- Manning is done.
28. Bucs -- SOB (Same old Bucs).
29. Falcons -- Time to blow it up.
30. Steelers -- Tomlin didn't have them ready to play.
31. Jaguars -- I hurt for them.
32. Dolphins -- Now they play the Patriots.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the regular season.

Mike from Bridgeport, CT
It might be time to stop yelling "Duval" and start yelling "discipline." Could anyone have scripted a worse opening day in Jacksonville?
It looks bad. Change is in the air, again.

John from St. Augustine, FL
Father Time is no longer undefeated. Tom Brady doesn’t age.
Brady's passes were sharp, accurate and on time. I've never seen him look better.

Alex from Orlando, FL
Be straight with me, Vic. Is the Jags' season likely over?
If I'm Tom Coughlin, I'm now accepting trade offers for Jalen Ramsey. Let's start the bidding at two ones.

Tim from Lancaster, PA
Something stinks about Brown and the Patriots. Could this have all been orchestrated because the Steelers would never trade him to the Patriots?
If the Patriots offered the Steelers a first-round pick for Antonio Brown and the Steelers declined because they didn't want to have to play against him, as reported, the Steelers made a huge mistake. They are not a Super Bowl contender, as evidenced by last night's dreadful performance. Their receivers are slow and plodding and their defense continues to be subpar.

Mary from North Bay, Ontario
In Week 4 of last year, the Packers defense shut out the Bills. Rodgers' postgame presser was as snarly as he gets; this year a different story. What a difference a year makes. How long will the honeymoon last?
I, too, sense a new and fresh attitude. Mike McCarthy deserved as much.

Brent from Dubuque, IA
How well do you think Antonio Brown does for Tom and Bill this season?
When I saw Brown was signed by the Patriots, I thought to myself, "Do they really need him?" The answer is no, and that's why I'm not ready to concede this as being another genius move by the Patriots. The Patriots are accepting a major risk with Brown. He could become a distraction and threaten the Patriots' sharp focus on Bill Belichick's "just do your job" mantra. There's also the perception the Patriots are guilty of tampering. This may not end well and I don't think the Patriots needed to take the risk.

Stephen from Jacksonville, FL
With growing excitement for the 2019 season opener, I read “A look back at Jaguars opening days” on Saturday night. It brought me such joy to read your writings on jaguars.com again. I enjoyed it as much as any football article I’ve ever read, especially Fred’s quote about “the Bus." Thank you, Vic.
I'm at the stage of life that writing about historical events is a walk down memory lane. It was wonderful reconnecting with Fred Taylor, Tony Boselli and Jack Del Rio, and flipping through the pages of my memory. None of them have yellowed. I am rich!

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
What are your thoughts on the Packers' defense?
The Packers have young speed on defense. I think it has the potential to be dominant.

Elizabeth from Sylvania, OH
How much did Aaron Rodgers' attempted Hail Mary not reaching the end zone concern you? Rust from no preseason? Rust from collarbone surgery? Sign of age?
Aaron Rodgers is 35, a 15-year NFL veteran, two-time league MVP, Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP. Don't you think he knows by now how to properly throw a Hail Mary pass?

Rich from Apple Valley, MN
What are your thoughts on how Jon Gruden handled Antonio Brown's absurd behavior during the summer?
Gruden embarrassed himself with the whole ordeal, beginning with the trade that has now caused him to trade three draft picks for two troubled Steelers wide receivers, neither of whom has given the Raiders anything but angst. Mike Mayock needs to keep a distance from Gruden, lest Mayock go down the same drain Gruden is circling.

Luis from New York, NY
Vic, does it seem Rodgers has come into the habit of throwing off his back foot? It seems as if it's not limited to pressure situations.
I've noticed him doing more of it. It's Favre-like, and I sensed Favre doing more of it late in his career.

Oscar from Milwaukee, WI
What is it about Bill Belichick that lets him bring players in line where other coaches have failed?
Coaches of Belichick's esteem are intimidating -- Bill Parcells had that same quality -- but not all of Belichick's reclamation projects have been home runs. Corey Dillon was a hit, but Albert Haynesworth was a miss. The Patriots traded a fifth-round pick for Haynesworth, and then cut him after he got into a confrontation with assistant coach Pepper Johnson. The bottom line is players such as Brown are so talented they're thought to be worth the risk. We'll see.

David from Washington, DC
I have suddenly gained a great deal of respect for the Steelers' organizational ability to handle someone like Brown.
We're beginning to get the full story on Brown's troubles in Pittsburgh, and they didn't begin last season. His teammates hated him. Troy Polamalu is said to have yelled out during a practice, "The receivers are live," suggesting Polamalu wanted to take a shot at Brown. Now we know why Ben Roethlisberger reportedly yelled out at practice late last season, "Get him off the field." Brown can dull a team's focus; he can be a distraction. Mike Tomlin showed restraint in handling Brown, just as he did with Santonio Holmes. Today's coaches have to do that because they are held captive by the salary cap and the howl of the wolves.

Kale from London, Canada
How would Chuck Noll have dealt with a player like Antonio Brown?
Coach Noll wasn't without troubled players. Joe Gilliam was such a player. Chuck cut him, but Chuck didn't have a salary cap. Howl of the wolves? Chuck began his career with three consecutive losing seasons. What wolves?

Lupe from Minneapolis, MN
Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens gave Jackson a lot of playing time in the preseason. John Harbaugh had his team ready to play.

​Ben from Columbus, OH
Vic, loved reading your article on the Jags website; just like the old times! What happened Sunday? Red jerseys sure didn't make much of a difference. This team is facing a ton of adversity this early in the year. And that defense? Overrated or just early-season funk?
The defense is a legend in its own mind. The truth is it hasn't been the same since Roethlisberger and Brady lit it up in the 2017 playoffs. No sunglasses, both feet on the floor and ties tight to the collar. That's what the Jaguars need.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the regular season.

Steve from Lake Stevens, WA
Vic, do you think we can glean anything from this game?
I'm going to avoid attaching too much importance to what I saw last night. It was an important road win against the team to beat in the NFC North. It'll count two at the end of the season, when tiebreakers become as important as win-loss records. That's where I'll stop because I didn't think either team was ready to play a game of that importance. It was bad football.

Stern from Cedar Rapids, IA
Was that an enjoyable game for you?
No. It was, yet, another example of a rivalry that seldom seems to be the equal of its hype.

Daniel from Johnson, IA
That wasn't the sort of game that's popular these days, but I can't say I'm complaining about getting to watch good defense and special teams in Week 1. Of course, Aaron completed his end zone pass when he needed to, but what other differences did you see in the QB play?
Trubisky is beginning to appear as though he has a low ceiling. He doesn't have the look of a quarterback who can become elite. There's nothing sudden or special about him.

Drew from Woodinville, WA
How much of the Packers’ defensive triumph was just the Bears’ offense struggling?
The Packers defense is for real. The secondary is exceptional.

Marty from Louisville, KY
Penalties and punts. What are your thoughts on the fifth preseason game last night?
I'm kind of angry that after making fans endure four preseason games, the Bears and Packers gave us that dud of a football game.

Kale from London, Canada
Something has been said about silk sheets. With that, is your immediate reaction the Cowboys made the right move in regards to Elliott's contract?
It's silk pajamas and he's wearing them. Now, will he get out of bed? We'll see.

Shawn from Kissimmee, FL
What do you think about the Jared Goff contract?
He's "The Man." Once you pick him, you gotta pay him.

David from Calistoga, CA
Vic, what impressed you the most about the Packers defense?
The Packers finally have a fast defense. Brian Gutekunst has done an outstanding job of retooling the Packers defense. It runs to the ball.

Chad from Kansas City, MO
In regards to the Chiefs and Jags, the heat index this week in Kansas City was 116 with about 90 percent humidity. Remember, in the Midwest it's not the heat, it's the humidity. It's just different here.
Got it. The forecast for Sunday in Jacksonville is for it to be sunny and 98 degrees. I'm guessing it'll be a little on the sticky side, too. The Chiefs will be wearing red and positioned on the sun sideline. Coming out of a warm week of work will help them, but if the forecast holds true, they're going to feel heat and humidity they have never previously felt. It'll likely be one of the top storylines in this game. The formula for victory for the Chiefs, in my opinion, is get a lead early and try to nurse it into the fourth quarter. At that point, all the Chiefs will want is a burger and an aisle seat.

James from Jenkintown, PA
How can the Rams sustain their spending? Seems like the whole team has ballooning contracts.
The Rams will restructure contracts and push money out to make cap room, and that'll worsen the cap outlook for a team that's spent recklessly, especially at non-premium positions. I can only think of one high-dollar player on their roster who is worth the money they're paying him. Rams management hasn't impressed me since they've been in Los Angeles.

Dru from Lehi, UT
So the Kizer trade doesn't look so good now. Why do you think the Packers were so eager to give up on Randall and Kizer so quickly?
Randall was part of a housecleaning. Kizer lost in an open competition. New brooms sweep clean. There'll be more changes.

Nick from Owego, NY
How much does coach Vic expect from a No. 1 overall QB pick in his first year?
I expect him to prove to me he's the player I projected. The Cardinals will know whether they picked the right guy. The stats won't tell them; their eyes will.

Tim from Sun Prairie, WI
“We’ve given him all the freedom,” LaFleur said on Monday. “So, if he sees something, he’s got the green light to do whatever he needs to do to get us into a good play. We’re not going to take that from him.” Is LaFleur showing weak leadership qualities or adapting his scheme to put his team in the best position to win?
I don't think LaFleur is displaying a lack of leadership. I think he's strategically demanding accountability from his quarterback. No more complaints or sideways looks about the plays being called. They're Rodgers' plays now.

Ben from Chicago, IL
You've said scheme teams win early in the season and lose late in the season. Have the Packers become a scheme team?
What I said was plays can win early, players win late in the season. A lot of teams rely on scheme early in the season, when execution is lacking, but I didn't see an abundance of scheme from either team in last night's game. I thought it was vanilla football. The Packers won because they ran to the ball on defense.

​Bill from Sheboygan, WI
What did you do for Dorian?
I moved the ball back in my stance.

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the regular season.

Can the Packers beat the Bears?
The Packers can beat anybody when they play a little bit of defense and Aaron Rodgers is on his game. I expect the Packers to play a lot of defense this year, but can we expect Rodgers to be on his game in the opener after not playing a down in the preseason? I guess the answer to that question is yes because, well, he's Aaron Rodgers.
Yes, the Packers can beat the Bears, but I can't say that's my expectation. The Bears have a powerful roster and they are heading into this season with the belief they are the team to beat in the NFC North.
In the final analysis, the team whose quarterback plays best will probably win the game, and it's from that modern-day reality the Packers draw their hope for starting fast in their pursuit of reclaiming their hold on the NFC North.

Can the Jaguars beat the visiting Chiefs?
Absolutely! The forecast for Sunday's one o'clock start in Jacksonville is for scorching heat and suffocating humidity.
I talked to former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio last week for a story I did for jaguars.com on Jaguars home openers, and Jack said this: "I look at the schedule each year and I look at the games where teams are going to melt, and that could be one right there. It's huge for teams not accustomed to that heat and humidity. A one o'clock start is brutal for teams not practicing in those conditions."
The key to victory for the Jaguars is keeping the game close heading into the fourth quarter. That's when visiting teams run out of gas.
This is a huge game for the Jaguars. They play a somewhat disheveled Texans team in Houston in Week 2, and then host Tennessee in a Thursday night game. If the Jags can win their opener, they could get off to a fast start to the Nick Foles era.
I'm picking the Jags to win.

Can the Steelers beat the Patriots?
In New England? Probably not, but the Steelers finally played inspired defense against Tom Brady late last season, in an impressive win in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers defense is on the uptick. I don't think this is going to be a championship season for the Steelers, but young talent has the arrow pointing up after two seasons of discord.

Here's the "Ask Vic" Week 1 all-important power rankings:
1. Patriots -- Can Brady do it again?
2. Chiefs -- Is the defense fixed?
3. Bears -- Ready to roar.
4. Rams -- Could take a step back this year.
5. Browns -- OK, boys, show us what you got.
6. Seahawks -- Clowney makes them better.
7. Saints -- Are they done whining?
8. Ravens -- Unique team with unique approach.
9. Eagles -- Wentz is "The Man."
10. Vikings -- Zimmer in hot-seat season.
11. Chargers -- Was last year a fluke?
12. Texans -- Strange maneuvering.
13. Cowboys -- They need Elliott.
14. Packers -- Better plays or better playing?
15. Jaguars -- The Jaguars are 6-0 following hurricanes (I just made that up).
16. Steelers -- Not rebuilding but not reloading.
17. Jets -- Will Bell make them better?
18. Titans -- Last chance for Mariota.
19. Colts -- They might be deceiving.
20. Panthers -- Newton is breaking down.
21. Lions -- Nothing jumps out at me.
22. Bills -- Could be a surprise team.
23. Washington -- Season dedicated to Haskins.
24. Broncos -- What am I supposed to like?
25. Giants -- Jones takes over before midseason.
26. Dolphins -- Totally non-descript franchise.
27. Bucs -- Arians could fix them.
28. Falcons -- Ryan beginning to show some age.
29. Bengals -- This could get really bad.
30. 49ers -- Garoppolo at the test.
31. Raiders -- It's the Antonio Brown Show, starring nobody.
32. Cardinals -- What if Murray isn't good?

"Ask Vic" will publish on M-W-F through the regular season.

Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, after looking at the Packers' new roster, what do you discern about the team, its focus and its direction?
The Packers' roster is dramatically improved from this time a year ago and I believe the team's arrow is pointing up, but I know nothing of its focus because there was nothing in the preseason that would speak of it. No problem, because we only have to wait until Thursday to find out about that focus. Thursday night, the baloney stops, but I won't say baloney.

Kale from London, Canada
I tried to find the "Ask Vic" but I couldn't. I remember you warning us about Andrew Luck coming out of college, not about his ability but his commitment/love of the game. He obviously played through a lot, and seven years isn't a flash in the pan, but do you remember how exactly you felt about him back then?
I don't remember the column but I vaguely remember writing Luck was a player who would have options. He's a Stanford grad whose father is at the top of administrative athletics. This is not a guy who had to milk the game for everything he could get out of it. He's someone who could leave the money on the table. Good for him and good for every player who used his college scholarship to put himself into that position. The Hall of Hanging On is also a sad football place.

Mark from Sheboygan, WI
All the best during the coming storm. Hope everything comes out all right!
Thanks to everyone who've sent their well wishes. My intent is to publish on Wednesday and Friday of this week, but the weather could change those plans. Power outage is likely. So, if there's no column, that'll likely be the reason.

Randy from Medicine Hat, AB
Years ago, legendary Black Hawks hockey player Stan Mikita was quoted after a playoff series loss: "I can't break a stick over a man's head one minute and shake his hand the next." I always marveled at football players going full bore with each other and then shaking hands or high-fiving at game's end. Was there glad-handing at the end of the 1975 AFC final?
I don't remember any. What's more telling is I don't remember any of those guys exchanging pleasantries in retirement. Swann and Atkinson never did a cutesy beer commercial. I think the Steelers and Raiders of the 1970's, many of whom are sadly gone, will dislike each other forever. No hype. They really did hate each other. It's the most real thing I ever covered.

Christopher from Hagerstown, MD
Vic, would you please put the last shovel of dirt on this Carli Lloyd nonsense?
Football players can be kickers but kickers aren't football players. George Blanda, Lou Groza, etc. were football players who kicked. A part of me would like to see kicking eliminated from football. Get rid of the goal posts, the whole bit. I think having to convert a fourth-and-one would be more exciting than seeing a kick decide a football game. I've just never been a special teams guy. There's something about it that seems to cheapen the game. Line up and play! No kicking!

Jon from Jacksonville, FL
The regular season is finally here! What do you think is more important for the Jags defense to regain that '17 magic, having Josh Allen or Nick Foles?
What happened in 2017 was a fluke, so forget about recapturing that '17 magic. Focus on a team with a proven quarterback and defense. If Foles and the Jags defense play to expectations, the Jaguars will be playoff contenders. It's not Allen or Foles, it's Allen and Foles, just as it was Brackens and Brunell.

Ryan from Morris, MN
I'm a smoker (I know it's bad; I'm trying to quit). I was wondering if you ever covered any players who used (tobacco).
The facing board that separated the locker stalls in the Steelers' Three Rivers Stadium locker room had mounted on it big bowl-type ash trays. You moved a lever and the butts and ashes fell into the bowl. I remember players chain-smoking on team flights. A  certain linebacker would always sprint off the field when the first half ended. He wanted to get to the locker room and light up a Tareyton. I think one of the reasons Coach Noll didn't give pep talks is because he hated having to breathe in all of that smoke in the locker room. Those Steelers teams trained on cigarettes and cheeseburgers, and then kicked the you know what out of teams on Sundays. They didn't have to live healthy to do what they did.

Zach from Virginia Beach, VA
I'm sure I'm not the only one curious about your "deceived" answer in regards to Luck and the Colts. What did you mean? Do you think Luck knew he was going to retire and should have announced sooner?
That wasn't Luck's responsibility, but it was the Colts' responsibility if, in fact, they knew this would happen. Hey, if you want your fans to be loyal to you, you have to be loyal to them. When the injury talk started again in OTAs, I remember thinking to myself "he should retire." My suspicion is a franchise famous for deception deceived its fans for the purpose of selling season tickets. I'll be interested to see what the fallout from this will be.

Mark from Ventura, CA
Will Vic's power rankings start on Wednesday before the season opener between the Bears and Packers game?
Yes, I intend to publish my all-important power rankings this Wednesday.

Keith from Springfield, MO
Win or lose, I can't wait to see the player I think is the most talented QB to ever play the game go against great defenses in Chicago and Minnesota. Wanting to write a report postgame. What should I need to know to convert from fan to press?
I doubt you can make the conversion.

Pat from Seneca, SC
I want to send a pizza to your house before the start of Thursday's game.
Dorian is expected to arrive here on Thursday. Even if you could find a pizza shop that would answer the phone, they'd probably hang up on you when you said you'd like to order a pizza to be delivered.

John from Salisbury, MD
What were the popular sentiments shared by football insiders, players and writers the morning after the Colts' famous midnight departure from Baltimore? I live in Maryland and it's pretty apparent the anger still runs deep with that generation of fans. I was wondering if there were folks that saw the Colts actions as understandable. Love the blog!
One of my best friends is Vito Stellino, who will forever be famous for covering the Colts' middle-of-the-night escape. Vito got a tip earlier in the day, and he sat in the cold and dark outside the Colts' Owings Mills training facility as he watched the Mayflower moving vans drive away with Baltimore's heart and soul. The 15 moving trucks took different routes to Indianapolis to avoid being delayed by Maryland state police until the state legislature could pass the eminent domain bill. How's that for deception? It was disgraceful. I'll never forgive it.

Dave from Chippewa Falls, WI
The Packers are flashing the stadium lights after touchdowns. They tried the fog horn. Guys taunt and then don't understand why they get penalized for taunting. Coaches don't ask too much of their star players (like playing or practicing). The league panders to the networks that want controversy and personalities more than competition and teamwork. The voices in the league and the media are more interested in self-promotion than the actual quality of the competition. I've been saying for the last several years the NFL is turning into the NBA. Can you explain to me where I'm wrong?
I don't know, I just wanted a free hot dog and a seat in an air-conditioned or heated press box so I could watch all of this in peace and quiet. It's all very entertaining.

Kirsten from Madison, WI
Vic, I finally found a benefit of the preseason games! We're season ticket holders, but with kids in elementary school and with the Packers playing so many night games, we rarely get to go to games as a family. But school hadn't started for us, so last Thursday night we all went together. It was great! Like "Family Night" but better because there's an actual game. Not a solid enough reason to maintain the current preseason schedule, but I don't think we should discount the joy of families getting to share the Packers game experience. It was pretty great.
Are you the von Trapps? Are you going to sing now?

John from Green Bay, WI
Please tell us your best Turk story.
I was interviewing Tony Dungy in the hallway of the second floor of the Steelers' training camp dormitory. Tony had just been traded to the 49ers. As I was interviewing him, the Steelers' Turk, legendary scout Bill Nunn, knocked on the door of veteran kicker Roy Gerela. When Gerela answered the door, Nunn said, "Roy, Coach Noll wants to see you, and bring your playbook." Tony saw the look on my face and smiled. "They really do say that," I said. Tony nodded his head.

Dave from Savage, MN
SI published 100 photos from the NFL through the years. Really good stuff. Do you have a favorite photo?
I have two: Y.A. Tittle's cracked head (the story behind the photo is as good as the photo) and Joe Greene carrying in his arms an unconscious Lynn Swann from the field in the 1975 AFC title game. I'm ashamed to say I have an attraction to violence. I'm not well-adjusted.

Linda from Waukesha, WI
Do you prefer the Packers coaching staff wearing gray pants on the sideline as was done under McCarthy’s direction, or navy blue directed by LaFleur?
Real men wear khaki.

Allan from Guatemala City, Guatemala
Vic, when is help officially not on the way?
It's official. The teams have been picked. The season is about to begin. The baloney stops on Thursday. No more talk about what you're going to do. It's time to do it.