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

Here are my all-important Week 7 power rankings:
1. Titans -- They play big boy football.
2. Seahawks -- Rested and ready to charge.
3. Chiefs -- Back on their game.
4. Ravens -- Time to rest.
5. Steelers -- Are they for real?
6. Bucs -- Impressive.
7. Packers -- Bounce-back game in Houston.
8. Bills -- Not elite, yet.
9. Rams -- Goff needs to be better.
10. Raiders -- Can raise the bar vs. Bucs.
11. Saints -- Panthers won't be a soft touch.
12. Colts -- Direction undecided.
13. Bears -- Defense gaining momentum.
14. Browns -- Beckham pouting again.
15. Panthers -- Could be must-win game vs. Saints.
16. Cardinals -- Are they up to Seattle challenge?
17. Dolphins -- They're a contender.
18. 49ers -- Garoppolo gritty.
19. Patriots -- Fading.
20. Eagles -- Best team in the NFC East.
21. Lions -- Can even record in Atlanta.
22. Chargers -- Best 1-4 team in the league.
23. Broncos -- Fangio knows defense.
24. Giants -- Big one in Philly.
25. Vikings -- Can't blow their horn.
26. Cowboys -- Can't be fixed this year.
27. Falcons -- Finally protected a big lead.
28. Texans -- Dysfunctional.
29. Bengals -- They can beat the Browns.
30. Jaguars -- Will they win another game?
31. Washington -- Should they win another game?
32. Jets -- Bad uniforms, too.

Steven from Summerville, SC
Does the Packers offense have the personnel or talent to adjust and match up against great defenses, such as the Bucs, 49ers, Bears and Colts this season?
I believe the answer is yes, but I acknowledge your concern. The Bucs defense overwhelmed the Packers with speed and won the one-on-ones.

J.P. from Sterling, CO
"It's unfair he (Rodgers) has to be the reason for every victory." I couldn't agree more with your comment, Vic. To be a team that can win the Super Bowl, the Packers need to be able to win games in multiple ways: defense, special teams and offense. What's the prescription, Dr. Vic?
Run the ball, convert third down and dominate time of possession to keep a suspect defense off the field, or score a lot of points to accommodate a defense built for shootouts.

Fabio from London, UK
While LaFleur was rightly critical of himself, his play-calling and about the preparation for the game, he excoriated the defense's approach. I know you don't like the howling, but is Pettine and his toothless game finally seeing the writing on the wall? I still think it was a mistake for Murphy not to allow firing him after the two disasters in San Francisco.
Fire Capers, now fire Pettine, too? Keep firing coordinators until the Packers accumulate enough good players for someone to be successful?

David from St. Paul, MN
If the Packers played a full 60 minutes against Seattle in 2014, do you think Mike McCarthy would still be the head coach in Green Bay?
I think the Packers would've won the Super Bowl and, yes, it would've been more difficult to fire a coach who had two Super Bowl wins, but Mark Murphy didn't hire McCarthy, Ted Thompson did, and I think it's only fair for every guy at the top to be able to hire his guy under him. I didn't like the criticism McCarthy endured but, in retrospect, I think it's for the best McCarthy and the Packers parted ways. LaFleur is Murphy's guy and McCarthy is Jerry Jones' guy. Every coach deserves a sense of job security.

Alex from Orlando, FL
Vic, what would you do if you were Shad Khan? Clean house now or wait until the offseason?
The first thing I'd do is ask myself, "Am I the problem?"

Todd from Phoenix, AZ
Vic, what did you and other reporters think would happen in free agency prior to the 1993 offseason? Was it a shock to the NFL world Reggie White signed a contract with the Packers?
Few, including me, understood how dramatically free agency would change the landscape of the NFL. The Eagles were stunned when White left. It sent shock waves around the league. At that point, everyone began understanding the change that was upon us.

Steven from Doctors Inlet, FL
Since we write the column, my opinion is Minshew is not the man. You can see things in person you don't see on TV. His ball was floating and he could not even get it outside the numbers. The Jaguars don't have to tank for Trevor, they're bad enough to get him naturally.
You make sound observations, but it's unnecessary to come to a decision on Minshew at this time. By the end of the season, we'll know if he can be "The Man," and the decision will be made for us by Minshew's performance. I'm hesitant to make a call on Minshew right now because I watched Baker Mayfield this past Sunday and I couldn't help but think the gap between Mayfield and Minshew isn't as great as where they were drafted would suggest. They kind of look like the same guy. Give it more time. What's the rush?

Doug from West Gardiner, WI
I'm a Packers fan but I'm curious about the Steelers' undefeated start. How good are they?
We'll find out this Sunday.

Pat from Collierville, TN
Vic, A.J. Dillon received a couple of carries in the Bucs game. Did you like his feet or is it too early to tell?
It's too early to pass judgment, but on one of his runs I winced a little.

Scott from Hamlin, NY
I guess that wasn't the right scheme to beat a good defense.
The scheme looked fine when the score was 10-0. I think Rodgers got a little full of himself after his apparent touchdown run, and he lost his edge. As Rodgers goes, so go the Packers.

Gabor from Budapest, Hungary
Vic, what does a poor week of practice mean?
The Packers ate the pizza.

Leonard from San Diego, CA
Has Coach McCarthy already lost the locker room?
The players in it stink. Start cutting them. The Cowboys are headed for a massive rebuild.

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

Carroll from Lynchburg, VA
Was Sunday's game an aberration or did Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles expose the Packers for future opponents?
I'm not big on scheme victories because they last only a week. What I saw that concerns me is the Bucs' superior speed. They were the faster team and the Packers' future opponents will take note.

Rick from Byron, IL
A little bit of humble pie was due but that was a whole lot of pie for sure. I'm confident the Packers will bounce right back but I don't like what I'm still seeing in several areas, especially the physicality of the team. What do you see?
I didn't like it, either, especially after the Josh Jackson pass interference. I said to myself, "They're going to score on a walk in." Two plays later, they did. I could feel the quit. Even Troy Aikman commented on it.

Ken from North Port, FL
Sometimes you need a bad day to humble yourself and refocus.
I agree. Rodgers was bad and his offensive line was worse. That's an unlikely combination.

Jason from Morrisville, NY
When the Packers lose, they lose bigly. Is the pencil whipping season over?
Were the Packers out-schemed or overmatched? The Bucs attacked the line of scrimmage. They dared Rodgers to beat them. That's a daring tactic that invites big plays. What did the Bucs see to cause them to use that strategy?

Mike from Seattle, WA
As Rodgers goes, the Packers go!
It's unfair he has to be the reason for every victory.

Greg from Cuenca, Ecuador
Vic, what did the Bucs figure out?
They believed they could get to Rodgers. Future opponents will see it on tape and try the same, but planning isn't doing. You have to execute the strategy. How many opponents can do what the Bucs did?

Ramiro from Jurupa Valley, CA
Vic, what do you think the Panthers will and should do with Mike Davis and Christian McCaffrey for the rest of the season and beyond? I agree with you, I like the way Davis plays.
Davis is power, McCaffrey is finesse. They can become a great 1-2 punch. I think the Panthers should be careful not to write Davis out of the script. He's given them a toughness McCaffrey didn't.

Thomas from Indiana
I've seen you reminisce on the old days of journalism with football, about the real connections players, coaches and journalists would create and how different today is. Have you watched Aaron's interviews on the Pat McAfee show and, if so, do you have thoughts on their weekly segment and their growing relationship?
I haven't seen the show. My first thought is it's another example of the jockocracy. Cosell warned us about it.

Garett from Medford, WI
Vic, assuming there is December football, in your opinion, should the Packers establish Dillon for late-season physical pounding, or do you think Jones is dynamic enough for the Packers to finesse their way to cold weather and playoff success?
He has to establish himself. It begins in practice.

Fred from Florida
Vic, I like your comments on Derrick Henry. It seems as if defenses fear power running and deep passing the most, yet, most modern offenses are based on dink and dunk or running backs in space. Why is that?
It's a philosophy based on taking what they give you. Great teams take what they want.

Randy from Medicine Hat, AB
I know receivers are, in your words, a dime a dozen, but how would you approach a draft that had a Calvin Johnson or a Harold Carmichael in it?
If Tony Boselli was available in the same draft, I'd pick Boselli.

Tracy from Sioux Falls, SD
My son and I were reviewing the Packers' career-ending neck injuries. Which do you think was the most impactful?
Not even Nick Collins could've fixed what was wrong with the 2011 defense, but Jermichael Finley would've put the 2014 offense over the top. He would've caught the pass Andrew Quarless dropped in Seattle. Game over, Packers win, beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Ben from Avon, IN
With Le'Veon Bell reportedly signing with the Chiefs and all of the other lucrative contracts signed over the offseason by Chiefs players, how do the Chiefs not become crippled by the cap?
It's a one-year, minimum wage type of deal. It's a rent-a-player contract. The real money stays on the Jets' cap, which is what happens when you make the kind of mistake the Jets did in signing Bell. The Chiefs have added a weapon. Bell will try to use the Chiefs to resurrect his career and sting another team in free agency.

Jamie from Thunder Bay, Ontario
If you were a young reporter looking to cover big games, which team would you want to work for?
The Panthers have captured my fancy this season. It's just a feeling I get watching them, that they are headed for good times. I like their ownership and their leadership. Matt Rhule was a great hire by David Tepper. The Panthers had an outstanding draft; it gave them a foundation for the future on defense. I love the Panthers' energy and grit. They are the up and coming young team in an old and declining division, and I would enjoy covering their growth and ascent. Be that as it may, the Bears put a whipping on the Panthers yesterday. The Bears' pass rush swarmed Teddy Bridgewater. The Bears are going to be a tough out for the Packers.

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

William from Thornton, CO
What can you tell us about how teams will handle the changes in schedule that will happen to all. I don't mean the coaches and players. I mean the team that has to move the team. How will the logistics of food, lodging, planes, buses and all the other things involved get handled on the fly? I'm glad it has not happened to the Packers yet, but it will.
If teams have to bubble or play a game at an alternative site, it's a road trip and it'll be handled as such. The executive side of football operations handles hotel accommodations, the plane and buses. Players eat in the hotel ballroom, where they're also taped before they get on the buses to go to the stadium on gameday. The equipment department packs and moves the gear. It arranges for a moving van to transport the equipment from the plane to the stadium on arrival and then back to the plane following the game. As the travel team is boarding the plane following the game, the equipment team is moving the equipment into the belly of the plane. Rule of thumb during my time covering football was wheels up two hours after the game ends.

Jim from Stevens Point, WI
You have mentioned several times over the years teams sometimes sign free agents to put people in the stands. Can you think of any cases that if a team knew there would be no fans this year they would not have signed someone?
I think we had a pretty good idea last March, the free agency season, this was not going to be a normal year. This was a good season for the Jaguars, for example, to go lean. Expectations were low and ticket-revenue would be even lower. Why waste money on a season unlikely to produce much winning or revenue?

Mike from McFarland, WI
Is this like the thunderstorm that killed off the College All-Star game at halftime and never re-started? Is the Pro Bowl dead for good?
Football will eventually return to normal but the next several years are going to be a struggle for all of us. Covid has put a hurt on us the Congressional Budget Office said will require a decade of recovery. Not all season ticket holders will return. Teams with waiting lists are going to eat into those waiting lists to fill their stadiums.

Aaron from Boston, MA
Tuesday night's game was incredible to watch. Yes, the Titans ended up blowing out the Bills, but we watched Derrick Henry make football look fun. He didn't have flashy numbers but we didn't need to see a 90-yard run to know the man is electric. When I started reading your stuff almost 15 years ago, I would have never appreciated it. I get it now.
When you can run the ball with power, everything about your team changes. As Kipling said, "You'll be a man, my son!"

John from Sun Prairie, WI
I heard a sports reporter mention finding players in the locker room who speak the truth. Was it easy for you to find these players and develop relationships with them?
Yes, but it was a much different time. Access was promoted, not discouraged. Teams wanted the reporters who covered them to develop relationships with players and coaches. When I began covering the Steelers, reporters were given "black books" that included home phone numbers for coaches, players and team executives. The league is in the media business now. It's controlling the message. The outside media is a competitor and it's being treated as an adversary. I'm very thankful to have covered pro football when I did.

Eric from Lansing, MI
I really enjoyed the uniforms in the Chargers/Saints game; bright blue and yellow with lightning bolts against black and gold. You've always appreciated this aspect of football. Any new stories from your past about the color of the game?
November and December can be dreary months. Colorful uniforms on a field of green steal our eyes from the gloomy gray above us. I loved covering a game in December in old Cleveland Stadium. The uniforms never looked more colorful.

Nick from Owego, NY
Where does Derrick Henry fall in the league's running back pecking order. I'm not a good judge of talent, but all I know is he is fun to watch.
He's a star. He's one of those upright runners who can run through defenders with his chest; there aren't many of them. The guy I'm enjoying this season is the Panthers' Mike Davis. He'd drop his pads on his mother. He's my kind of back.

Aaron from Eau Claire, WI
If wide receivers are a dime a dozen, are running backs a dime a baker's dozen?
They, too, are in plentiful supply. Aaron Jones is proof.

​Sean from Chaska, MN
Would you rather: a) calculate playoff seeding/entry according to win percentage with teams playing different amounts of games? b) have a week or two between regular season and postseason during which games can be made up? c) give everyone another bye or two and just push everything back a couple of weeks? I favor c).
I say let 1982 be the guide. If Covid creates a scheduling mess, expand the postseason field and begin the playoffs.

Doug from St. Louis, MO
When a player is injured and misses time and his replacement plays better than he did, who should start when the first guy is finally healthy? How would you handle this situation?
You play to win the game, and that means playing the player who gives you the best chance to win. What if Belichick had given Drew Bledsoe his job back?

Justin from Waukesha, WI
You've often spoken of plays winning early in the season but players winning late. What of the great innovators such as Walsh, Brown or Gillman? Did this general wisdom apply to their teams or are they an exception to this theory?
Bill Walsh said at some point in the season the coach turns the team over to the team.

Jackson from Minneapolis, MN
Vic, I’ve always held Mike McCarthy in high regard. I loved him during his tenure in Green Bay and was sad to see him go. I really do wish him success in Dallas. Why does it seem like fans are obsessed with diminishing him as a coach?
It's guilt. They want to see him lose so it'll justify their criticism and remove their guilt for betraying him.

Nick from Milwaukee, WI
Based on your perceptions, what motivated the Jets' decision to release Le'Veon Bell?
It's embarrassment. They cut him so they wouldn't have to live in it.

Dustin from Seymour, WI
Is it possible an early bye could benefit teams this year since Covid is likely to reduce games later in the season?
I think you could say it's important to win early because teams might not have a chance to win late.

Kyle from Madison, WI
Vic, a little over 19 years ago the Bottlegate game happened. Can you describe your perspective of the game, watching what unfolded in the last minute? I've always felt the NFL wants fans to forget that game ever happened.
It was ugly. Fans were frustrated by replay review rules they determined stole a win from the Browns. If what happened then happened today, fans wouldn't react as violently. Replay review is no longer an intrusion to the game, it's part of the game and we've accepted its role. What I remember most indelibly from that day is the sound of those bottles hitting the ground. Tink! Tink! Tink! I was down on the field at that point in the game. After standing there stupidly for a few minutes, I decided I should go into the tunnel. That's where I heard the conversation between the referee and the league office, and heard the words, "You must finish the game." They've got to be kidding, I thought.

Bob from Beaver Dam, WI
The Buccaneers are opting to wear their white jerseys, forcing the Packers to wear their dark green home jerseys. Will that be a problem for Green Bay, or is it just gamesmanship?
It's just a head game the Florida teams play. The Jaguars did it to the Steelers. It became somewhat of a battlecry: one o'clock on Sunday and bring your black jerseys. The bottom line is color has nothing to do with retaining heat. Please, don't send me emails telling me how I'm wrong and you sweat more when you wear a dark shirt while cutting grass. Following Korey Stringer's death, the league commissioned a university in California to research this issue and provide a conclusion. The conclusion was color had nothing to do with heat retention. Again, don't email me about this. I will delete it immediately.

Eric from Colorado Springs, CO
Why is the NFL letting players hug and kiss and talk at the end of each game? That sends a very dangerous message as well as increasing the chance they're going to spread the disease to each other.
Pete Rozelle didn't like the message, either. He instituted a non-fraternization policy. It's the reason Chuck Noll didn't shake hands with coaches of opposing teams; Chuck was living according to the commissioner's instructions. I suspect Lombardi was doing the same thing. The players didn't abide by Pete's code. They did the lovey dovey thing after games and I always thought it was pukey looking. One of the things I loved about Steelers-Raiders games is they didn't hug and kiss when the game was over. They truly hated each other. No hype; it was the real thing. When I went to Jacksonville, Tom Coughlin had a get-off-the-field coach. It worked for a while.

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

Here are my all-important Week 6 power rankings:
1. Packers -- Schedule stiffens
2. Seahawks -- Crunch-time team.
3. Titans -- Powerful!
4. Chiefs -- Defense reverted to old ways.
5. Ravens -- Rolling along.
6. Bills -- Chiefs on a short week.
7. Rams -- Big one against 49ers.
8. Steelers -- Rookie emerges.
9. Browns -- At peak performance.
10. Raiders -- Carr outplayed Mahomes.
11. Saints -- They know how to win.
12. Colts -- Should win in Cincy.
13. Bucs -- Critical test vs. Packers.
14. Panthers -- Mike Davis is my kind of back.
15. Cardinals -- 2-2 heading into Dallas.
16. Patriots -- Unsettled.
17. Bears -- Finding ways to win.
18. Eagles -- Wentz coming to life.
19. Dolphins -- Why isn't Fitzpatrick "The Man?"
20. 49ers -- Arrow drooping.
21. Vikings -- Still have a pulse.
22. Cowboys -- It's up to Dalton now.
23. Lions -- Rested for Jaguars.
24. Chargers -- Herbert gives them a bright future.
25. Broncos -- I expected better.
26. Texans -- At Titans just another game now.
27. Bengals -- No match for Ravens.
28. Jaguars -- When does the first shoe drop?
29. Giants -- They don't need the first overall pick.
30. Washington -- Have they quit on Haskins?
31. Falcons -- They should tank for Trevor.
32. Jets -- Winless, hopeless, clueless.

Joe from Milwaukee, WI
What’s an episode of the 1960's "The Twilight Zone" you found memorable? It, quite possibly, is the best of fictional story telling on the tube
I like the pig faces episode.

Jeff from Alexandria, VA
Why are the Packers trying out kickers at such a frenetic pace when their current kicker is doing just fine and they just signed him to a contract extension? They must know something we do not. I have many thoughts as to what that might be, but what are yours?
My first thought is in this Covid season all teams need to maintain an updated data base on kickers.

Jonathan from Southern Pines, NC
What are you seeing from the old man, Vic? Big Ben has a 70 percent completion percentage, 10 TD, 1 interception. To me he seems more like Tom Brady now: quick, short passes, safe, smart decision-making, as opposed to the air it out, gunslinging Ben he used to be. What do you say?
Age invites caution.

Pat from Seneca, SC
I am not quite old enough to have watched Gale Sayers. Given his shortened career, what are your thoughts about his selection to the Hall of Fame?
The Pro Football Hall of Fame was only a decade old when Sayers' career ended. Forget about the stats. Baseball was still the national pasttime and the Hall of Fame needed star-power names to attract visitors. Sayers was the most electric running back and kick returner of his day. He was selected to the Hall of Fame because he was famous.

Max from Toledo, OH
Some teams were having a hard time putting fans in the stands. When Covid is under control, will fans go back to stadiums?
Will this season have created a habit for not going to the game? That's a big concern around the league, even for teams with season ticket waiting lists.

Jim from Minneapolis, MN
Vic, how are the Steelers so good at identifying talent at the wide receiver position? It seems like they always find players that contribute in a meaningful manner.
Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randel El, Emmanuel Sanders and Mike Wallace were allowed to leave in free agency. The Steelers traded Santonio Holmes to the Jets and Martavis Bryant to the Raiders. I won't include the Antonio Brown trade in this narrative because it involved special circumstances. As my friend Ed Bouchette of "The Athletic" notes, Hines Ward and Brown are the only Steelers wide receivers to have gotten second contracts in the 21st century. The Steelers get it: dime a dozen.

Bill from Sheboygan, WI
What are your thoughts on Le'Veon Bell being cut?
Franchising Bell a second time was one of the Steelers' worst personnel decisions in the 21st century. They were saved by Bell's refusal to sign a rich contract that would've crippled the Steelers’ salary cap and delayed its repair. It was the football equivalent of "Dumb and Dumber."

Paul from Cumming, GA
In the modern league, is it better for teams to hire an offense-minded head coach and ensure stability on that side of the ball?
The problem with hiring an offense-minded head coach is he can become more of an offensive coordinator than a head coach. The problem with hiring a head coach who isn't offense-minded is the offensive coordinator can become the most important coach on the team. I think it's most important to hire a coach with a stable and dynamic personality who is a leader of men and a person to whom his subordinates are loyal and accountable. A head coach doesn't have to be the face of the franchise, but he must be its heartbeat.

Charley from Big Piney, WY
Where were you when Bill Mazeroski hit his walk-off homer 60 years ago yesterday?
The nuns let us out early to go home and watch the final innings of the game. I ran home and turned on our black and white Admiral TV to see Hal Smith hit what I thought would be a game-winning, three-run homer, but the Yankees rallied in the top of the ninth to tie the game. Maz was the lead-off hitter in the bottom of the ninth. I wasn't expecting what happened. "And there's a long fly ball to deep left. This may do it. Back to the wall goes Berra, and it's over the fence, home run, the Pirates win." With one swing of the bat, the best summer of my life was over. Sixty years later, as I'm recalling the first great moment of my life, I'm looking up at a framed aerial photo of Forbes Field. Left field bears Maz's autograph, right in front of the spot where the ball cleared the wall. It's a sobering thought to think Whitey Ford just passed away. The Yankees would've probably won the '60 Series if Stengel had opened the Series with him. No Maz homer, no framed photo, no autograph, no great memory. That's how fragile it all is.

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

Eric from Hudson, WI
Mike McCarthy will lose his job before Mike Zimmer. I’m just letting you know right now.
OK.

Ted from Findlay, OH
What was Zimmer thinking when he passed up the field goal on fourth down with two minutes left in the game? As a Packers fan, I wanted the Vikings to win (hate to admit that), but when he went for it, not only did I think they would lose, I thought they deserved to lose.
Zimmer wasn't the only coach who was aggressive and lost the gamble. I thought Doug Pederson should've punted.

Ross from L'Anse, MI
Who, in your opinion, is the weirdest NFL head coach since, say, the 1960's?
I prefer the word unique. Don Coryell immediately comes to mind. He wore a look on his face a sportswriter friend described to me as belonging to someone who just found a mouse in his soup. The first time I interviewed Coryell, I expected him to be surly and evasive, but he was just the opposite. He was a little absent-minded, as you would expect of a mad scientist personality, but he was very engaging in an understated and genuine way. Madden always entertained us with one-liners; Coryell paused and thought deeply before he answered each question. Madden was high energy; Coryell could put you to sleep. For whatever reason, we connected with him in that conference call. It was a fun interview. "My interviews don't usually go this long. I'm enjoying this," Coryell said. He wanted to keep going. It's one of the most memorable conference calls in my career.

Barb from Salamanco, Mexico
Can you picture a time in the future when using pre-snap motion isn't the norm among teams that make it to the Super Bowl?
Motion is largely a means for the quarterback to determine if the defense is playing man or zone coverage. If a linebacker or defensive back moves with the man in motion, it's man coverage; the opposite would be true of zone. I like motion and then run it.

Curt from Racine, WI
Vic, Wisconsin is a tough state to live in as a black man. I am 56, I was born here, I have a state job and travel throughout the state often. I can not begin to tell you on here all the life-threatening events I have had to experience just for pumping gas, getting food, staying at hotels, etc.! I would just keep it moving, praying nothing escalate. Afterwards, I would be feeling so disappointed that another person can hate me when they don't know me, only because of my not black but brown skin. But always and even more so now I would feel sad for them choosing hate over love! Thank you for your column. I really enjoy your perspectives on football, but more so recently on life and the pursuit of happiness. I didn't write this to be published; just wanted to talk to you and say thanks (brother). I'm also battling Covid as I write this, so excuse some of my errors in my writing (brain fog); always tired and nauseated!
I felt it was important for everyone to read what you wrote.

Mike from McFarland, WI
Homegrown right-wing terrorists were arrested by the FBI for a plot to kidnap the Governor of Michigan, apparently in response to the president's tweets to "Liberate Michigan." FOX News was the only channel to not cover this story in prime time. How are we to be a democracy when 40 percent of the population is not presented with the news of the day?
They missed the signer. She was a hoot.

Mike from Jacksonville, FL
Are you sure the sign wasn't a version of "Love Trumps Hate"?
You're right. The next time I went past the flag the wind was unfurling it and I saw there was no apostrophe in Trumps. It's not a right wing wacko flag, it's a left wing wacko flag. I feel much better.

Desiree from Chicago, IL
Where do you find joy today?
I find joy at home. I find joy writing this column. I find joy sitting in my favorite chair and reflecting. I find joy looking out the window at the marsh and the birds eating what the tide left behind. I find joy riding my bike, tinkering in the storage room and finishing the day in my outdoor shower. I find joy reading and talking to friends and family on the phone. Most of all, I find joy having nothing to do and all day to do it.

Enrique from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, any good David Garrard stories?
He was in my office one day -- this was about the time he was battling Crohn's Disease -- and I congratulated him on the new contract he had just signed. "It's a good deal, David," I said. "Do you really mean that?" he asked. Clearly, I could see how much this contract meant to him. It was a reminder to me why these guys play the game. They can only do it for a short time in their lives and they need to make hay while they can. It's the reason Coach Noll didn't do endorsements. He felt he needed to leave that money for his players. I see nothing wrong with pro football being about the money. It's honest and real. It's play for pay and I like it.

Alex from Orlando, FL
Vic, watching college football on Saturday, I saw several games that claimed the stadium was only at 25 percent. Many of the games I watched appeared to have way more than 25 percent, the Clemson game included. Are schools lying about attendance?
The percentages don't interest me because my eyes know what they see: People too close together and with their masks down. Oklahoma-Texas was a potential super spreader. Why are we unable to deny ourselves pleasure?

Eric from Lansing, MI
How do you assess the Cowboys drafting CeeDee Lamb at No. 17, on a team that needs a defense make-over?
The next big guy on defense didn't go until Yetur Gross-Matos at No. 38. The Cowboys needed to trade back, collect picks and position themselves to spend those picks on defense. Good GMs don't just sit and pick. They move, collect/spend and target. In the impatience of today's game, a GM's job is to address need without reaching or giving away value. He must be creative without being reckless.

Ben from Avon, MI
Vic, what are your opinions on the rookie QBs that have played so far this season?
Burrow is the real deal. I see some Marino in Herbert.

Pat from Seneca, SC
Senator Graham recently said if you are a young African-American, you can go anywhere in this state, you just need to be conservative, not liberal. In other words, keep your head down, avert your eyes from our racist propaganda, and don’t object to being repressed, and you’ll be fine.
It's difficult imagining a United States senator speaking those words in the 21st century.

Luke from Marquette, MI
I’ll reach out. I’m as conservative as they come, but this version of the Republican Party has to end and then evolve. I don’t agree with you on a number of things, but as long as we continue the conversation about how to come together, I believe we’ll get there. We have to.
I'm reaching back. We can do this.

Garrett from Brownwood, TX
What's your assessment of Bill O'Brien's stint with the Texans? Where did he go wrong?
He doesn't work well with others. Penn State was glad he left.

Matthew from Olathe, KS
Vic, if the 0-5 Falcons lose their way to the No. 1 overall draft pick, do you think they select Trevor Lawrence and trade Matt Ryan?
Lawrence is a Georgia native and would explode ticket sales. It would be a no-brainer.

David from Stockholm, Sweden
This looks really bad. Could the whole season be in jeopardy?
The NFL is doing a sensational job of managing the Covid threat, but the potential for a shortened season is expected to increase as the weather turns colder. Let's be thankful for what we have.

Kyle from Phoenix, AZ
I watched the first presidential debate ever between Kennedy and Nixon on YouTube. It was alarming the contrast to what we see today. Respectful and discussing policy. When did we lose our way?
It was Oct. 7, 1996. That's when the anger began. Now there are multiple cable news channels fanning the flames of division. Apparently, there was a market for it.

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

Luke from Port Alsworth, AK
How do you define "blow it up?"
Sweeping change.

Adam from Wausau, WI
Typical liberal drivel. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Adam, if you really are Adam from Wausau, I want this to stop. The barrage of angry emails you're dumping into my inbox daily is abusive of the privilege and emotionally unstable.

Pat from Seneca, SC
I live in the region of our state which you suggested was filled with “palpable anger.” I have been witness to the cult-like level of obsequiousness to our morally bankrupt and racially divisive leader, and it makes my heart ache. I wish I could do something to decrease the animosity, but it seems futile. This administration has provided cover and encouragement for racists to openly promote their views, and they are now emboldened. I am truly afraid for any person of color who lives here.
There's a flag on a house just down the street from me and the flag proclaims: "Love Trump's hate." What are we doing?

Jason from Austin, TX
I need to hear more about this high school coach. That bloody meat story was incredible. Any other goodies?
When our performance at practice displeased him, he would blow his whistle and then yell out, "Everybody on the hill. It's time for some Viet Cong training."

Kevin from Stillwater, MN
Vic, I lost my temper when my daughter-in-law told me I couldn't see my grandkids if they had to wear a mask, at all, in my house, for half an hour. Then they left. Though I apologized to the kids for losing my temper, I cannot come close to apologizing to my daughter-in-law, whose ultimatum it was. Am I a bad person?
No, and neither is your daughter-in-law. Find a way to achieve peace. The days of the mask will pass, but the damage we create will linger, if we allow it.

Chad from Minneapolis, MN
I agree with your comment this might be the best offense of the Rodgers era. While the players deserve a lot of the credit, it also feels like Mark Murphy should be in line for similar accolades. I have to admit, I scratched my head at the LaFleur signing but, two years removed, it appears to have been a stroke of genius. What were your thoughts when you first heard Matt would be the Packers' head coach?
My first thought was Mark Murphy was accepting a lot of downside risk for hiring an unproven coach to lead a team that needed to win now. It was a bold move. Murphy is directly responsible for the success that's followed. It began with his vision and courageousness. He made a pretty good hire at Northwestern, too, didn't he? The Packers are in good hands.

Christopher from Oshkosh, WI
Aaron Rodgers appears to be having a ton of fun on the field this year. I'm sure winning and success play large roles, but do you think he's trying to find joy in the game as he's entering the twilight years of his career?
I think he's at a point in his career that playing football is easy for him. He knows exactly what to do and how to do it, and he still has the physical ability and skill to get it done.

Justin from Delavan, WI
Your blog makes me giddy!
You mean giggly, right?

J.P. from Jacksonville, FL
If Juan Marichal and John Roseboro could mend their differences (Marichal served as an honorary pallbearer at Roseboro's funeral), maybe there's hope one day Republicans and Democrats can learn to view each other as fellow Americans, not mortal enemies who must be defeated at all costs.
All we have to do is reach out to each other. I'm reaching out. Who'll reach back? We can do this.

Steve from New Britain, CT
8. Bucs -- Unimpressive win? Brady 365 yards, 5 TD, 1 interception; Rodgers 327 yards, 4 TD. The highlights show Brady still has a rifle arm and is elite. The Chargers were not winless like Atlanta was and Tampa Bay came back from a 24-7 deficit. Their victory was more impressive than the Packers'. Shouldn't poo-poo Brady without being credible.
That interception was a pick six. Shouldn't praise Brady without telling the whole truth. Plus, the Bucs were handed a point-blank touchdown at the end of the first half when the Chargers' rookie quarterback botched a hand-off. I'm not down on the Bucs, it's just I didn't think it was an impressive win. After last night's loss, I suspect the Bucs are headed lower than No. 8.

Will from Salt Lake City, UT
With 20 games under his belt, what is your impression of Matt LeFleur as a head coach and a leader of men? I know having Rodgers covers a lot of warts, but what about having his team ready to play and his game planning?
I'm impressed at what he's done. He's added life to Rodgers' career and to the Rodgers era of Packers football. That was job one and he's done it.

Lukas from Milwaukee, WI
Vic, Aaron Rodgers looks so much better this year than last. In your opinion, what are the biggest factors that can allow a QB to turn back the clock, besides play-calling.
Bradshaw always played great after he got divorced.

Nick from Owego, NY
What are the odds the Packers can remain undefeated before the season is ended?
Isn't it silly to look that far ahead? Why invite that kind of expectation and likely disappointment? One play, one misstep can change everything.

Phil from Marietta, GA
Here is the list of Packers fans' recent cult heroes: The Claymaker, White Lightning, KUUUUUHN, Big Bob. Each share a common trait. What does this tell us about the fan base?
I don't think it's racism to identify with someone because you share the same color of skin. I hope it's not racism.

Dave from Savage, MN
When did everyone start to think it's so important athletes appear to be having fun when they compete?
I don't get it either. Just win, baby.

Kevin from Silverdale, WA
Vic, the Titans are blatantly disregarding protocol. I feel they should be forced to forfeit this game, have the team fined and even take away draft picks if necessary. How would Commissioner Vic deal with them while keeping the season intact?
I don't like the idea of a forfeit. If the game can be played, play it, but I think the Titans should bear a stiff loss-of-picks penalty for playing fast and loose with Covid, and I think the Bills and the Steelers should each be compensated a draft pick for the scheduling penalties they've experienced due to the Titans' recklessness.

Adam from Madison, WI
Packers.com did a thing on Za'Darius Smith and his impact on Monday night. Three sacks is great but watching the tape it showed him side-stepping the blocks. To me that seems more like guessing than beating a block, something my high school coach would not be OK with. Seems like the root of his problems with the run, yes?
He's a run-around-blocks defender, not a hold-the-point-of-attack guy. The Packers have to live with it. It's one of the consequences of worshipping at the altar of the almighty sack.

Jordan from Stoughton, WI
What's an example of a journalism movie that doesn't often get the credit it deserves?
"The Insider."

Samuel from Jacksonville, FL
Is it harder to turn a pitcher into a quarterback or a quarterback into a pitcher?
Bob Gibson might be the only pitcher who could throw a strike as he was being sacked. I saw him throw a no-hitter and I was sitting behind home plate when it happened. The ball looked like an aspirin tablet. I also remember Roberto Clemente breaking Gibson's leg with a line drive. Gibson remained in the game and pitched to three more batters. Greatness has always left me in awe.

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

Here are my all-important Week 5 power rankings:
1. Chiefs -- Better than last year.
2. Packers -- Offense unstoppable.
3. Seahawks -- Building momentum.
4. Bills -- AFC's new power team.
5. Titans -- Wear your masks!
6. Ravens -- Beating weak competition.
7. Rams -- Good feel to them this year.
8. Bucs -- Unimpressive win.
9. Steelers -- They didn't need the rest.
10. Colts -- Rivers protecting the ball.
11. Browns -- Explosive offense.
12. Saints -- Rallied in Detroit.
13. Panthers -- Could be a surprise team.
14. 49ers -- Ordinary for now.
15. Cardinals -- I don't see special.
16. Patriots -- Contender.
17. Bears -- Now what?
18. Raiders -- Gruden under-achieving.
19. Eagles -- Reached down and found something.
20. Dolphins -- Better than advertised.
21. Lions -- Turn out the lights.
22. Chargers -- Herbert can play.
23. Cowboys -- Disgusting display on defense.
24. Broncos -- Not good but gritty.
25. Vikings -- It was a must win.
26. Bengals -- Burrow is "The Man."
27. Jaguars -- Tank for Trevor?
28. Texans -- Firing justified.
29. Giants -- They're in the hunt for top pick.
30. Washington -- It'll get worse.
31. Falcons -- Infected by virus of decline.
32. Jets -- Yeah, but they still have Le'Veon Bell.

Kris from Stockbridge, WI
You were right, Vic, dime a dozen.
This might be the best offense in the Aaron Rodgers era.

Casey from York, PA
Which QB is playing the best football this season?
Rodgers, Wilson and Mahomes are the candidates, and Allen is close behind.

Darrell from Kingsland, TX
I think I finally understand what you mean by "dime a dozen." Thank you for the additional perspective. Do you think it's necessary to use additional scheme with unknown receivers or is it still players, not plays in the passing game?
The first touchdown wasn't sexy scheme. A blown coverage left a receiver wide open and Rodgers almost never misses seeing an open receiver. In contrast, Ryan had a receiver open in the back of the end zone and he didn't see him. Yes, when you have a quarterback of Rodgers' acumen for the game, you can expand your scheme, but it always comes back to players executing it.

Steve from Wausau, WI
You're alone and symptomatic in the White House, hopped up on steroids, telling your supporters to ignore a pandemic that has killed 200,000-plus Americans. Is there an historical allegory to this? Biblical? Civilizational? Epistemological? Vegetable?
When Trump was posing defiantly on the balcony of the White House, I was strangely reminded of a high school coach who told us he was going to get into his Thunderbird convertible and drive around the track while holding a stick with a piece of bloody meat on the end of it, and we were going to chase after the car because we wanted the bloody meat. I remember thinking, "This is nuts."

Brent from Dubuque, IA
Does the tackling start improving as the season goes on?
No.

Chad from Kansas City, MO
Vic, America is divided by race, as you have said so many times, and the only way in which we can change is by having uncomfortable conversations. So, here is my question. Why is it African Americans dominate sports in America? Are they so much more athletic than white athletes?
Is this a trick question?

Mark from Nashville, TN
Although we disagree about politics -- that's OK, it's healthy and I love reading your blog -- but the Trump signs "dominated with a nearly palpable anger"? How could you tell? Did the signs frown? Just curious.
A member of our party was jeered when she walked into the gas station wearing a mask.

Dave from St. Peters, MO
Vic, I find it interesting you see "palpable anger" where others might see proud support of conservatism. Why does the left presume anger and racism from the right?
She just wanted to go to the bathroom.

Ben from De Pere, WI
Do you remember seeing fights and cleared benches when you watched sports growing up? Is this trend new to sports these days and a reflection of where our culture is, or simply another day in the life of sports?
Google Juan Marichal/John Roseboro. The difference is that seemed to be very real, very genuine. The Steelers and Raiders truly hated each other. Jalen Ramsey/Golden Tate?

Lukas from Milwaukee, WI
Looking at the NFC West, they have four teams you would not want to face in the playoffs. Just wondering if you have seen any other divisions this deep while you covered football.
It was common when the league had only three divisions in each conference. The 1978 AFC West had a 10-6 and three 9-7 teams, but only the 10-6 Broncos made it into the playoffs.

Brad from Jacksonville, FL
Vic, after watching another abysmal start, after fire-selling the roster this offseason, at what point does Jacksonville press the reset button at the top?
I suspect that's the direction the franchise is headed. The Jaguars did the right thing in tanking for a season compromised by Covid. It's going to be an offseason blow it up.

Jon from Anaheim, CA
Vic, in the July 14, 2011, edition of "Ask Vic," you stated: “All players wishing to call attention to themselves would be instructed to go immediately to the celebration zone and dance for the TV cameras.” With the advent of this season’s "Showtime Cam," I think your celebration zone has come to pass. Would you care to offer another prognostication for 10 years hence?
I don't know what "Showtime Cam" is, but I see college coaches have created silly sideline celebration routines that have the players sprinting to the designated area to express their joy. That's what I had in mind. If they can't control their emotions, then at least get them off the field so they won't draw a damaging penalty. What's next for the sideline? Soon, the NFL will allow TV to interview players on the sideline during the game.

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

Eric from Atlanta, GA
Are there any circumstances in life when it is acceptable to chortle? I try to avoid chortling over insignificant events like sports events, but every once in awhile the universe does something that causes me to snicker a bit. Is that wrong?
Are you talking about chortling at the Cowboys' 1-3 start? My inbox is full of it and I'll remind everyone of this: The Cowboys play in a division that owns only three wins. They might win the NFC East and it's possible the Packers and Cowboys could meet in the playoffs. He who chortles last chortles loudest.

Fabio from London, UK
Foles is better than Trubisky but does not seem to be "The Man" and the Bears fell at the first hurdle. Patricia is done. One tight win against the Texans does not dispel the doubts about the Vikings, Zimmer and Cousins. Is the division already in the bag and can we start thinking about Wilson and Brady?
If you're saying the Packers are the class of an otherwise weak division, I would agree.

David from Washington, DC
What's going on in Dallas? I kind of figured McCarthy and Dallas were going to do a lot better than they have.
This has become a kind of weekly "Is Minshew 'The Man?' " question? Again, the Cowboys have huge problems on defense. They're not fixable without an offseason re-tooling. Mike McCarthy inherited this problem, but I will say I didn't like his Mike Nolan hiring. McCarthy reached into his past to hire Nolan. It was a comfortable hire. I think Coach McCarthy would've been better served by something new, young and edgy.

Ben from Chicago, IL
Vic, all these injuries suggest the players weren’t in playing shape to start the season. Your thoughts?
I gave my thoughts on this season before it began and my thoughts haven't changed. I think it's a season that already has been and will be further compromised by Covid and, therefore, I don't think it's worth much more to fans than something to watch. I don't think this season is worth intense scrutiny, celebration or angst, and it's certainly not worthy of historical perspective. Several players opted out before the season began and now, just a month into the season, injuries are mounting and games are being postponed. I'm not sure anyone's heart is truly into this season. How long will we have it? That's the big question. The season could end abruptly.

Wesley from Appleton, WI
What about Josiah Deguara draws the particular fascination of Packers fans?
Packers fans love tight ends. A big guy bowling over defenders would be a folk hero. If George Kittle played for the Packers, he'd be more popular than Aaron Rodgers.

Christopher from Hagerstown, MD
As a connoisseur of shrimp and grits, I’m always looking for new and different grits. Watching some public TV recently and what’s on? Miss Emily Meggett from Edisto Island making shrimp and grits. Looking forward to my first shipment of Geechie Boy Mill stone-ground grits. Small world.
It won't be coming from Geechie Boy, it'll be coming from Marsh Hen Mill. It's a name change caused by complaints Geechie Boy was appropriating black culture.

Craig from Sheboygan, WI
Why did you move on from the Steelers and Jaguars? You seem to have many good memories of your Steelers days.
Memories make us rich but they don't pay the mortgage. For me, football was first and foremost a job. It's what I did to earn a living. I continue to be amazed by fans who don't understand that.

Jack from Middleton, WI
Since you're no longer writing features, how much value do you find in the books you get from the PR guys?
The "NFL Record and Fact Book" is my bible.

Samuel from Jacksonville, FL
I'll give you credit for anointing Matt Ryan a franchise QB his rookie year with only a preseason drive to show for it. What did you see?
His command of the action jumped out at everyone. So did Aaron Rodgers' the first time I saw him in person, in a 2007 preseason game.

Neil from Cheddar, UK
So the Trumps have tested positive for Covid. What do you think this means for the U.S. election, if anything?
I visited Table Rock State Park and Congaree National Park this past weekend. Table Rock is in the uplands white Bible belt and Trump signs dominated with a nearly palpable anger. Leaving Congaree, we drove through the cotton fields, which is dominated by small black towns and all of the signs were for Biden-Harris. Covid isn't the issue; it's a disguise. We're a nation divided by race, and we can't even begin to bridge that gap until we acknowledge it.

Matt from Altoona, WI
Brett Rypien had to cover his ears in an empty stadium to hear the play call because of the ridiculous siren blaring between plays. Is there any chance such shenanigans will ever be dialed down?
No, we love noise. I had to pump gas to the sound of blaring country music. Football this season just isn't the same without stand and howl.

Brian from Conroe, TX
Hi, Vic! I finally found you! Been wondering how you were doing. I’ve asked a couple of questions and included an inquiry of your well being but, alas, my questions weren’t selected. I’m very happy to again enjoy your direct responses and humor. When will we know if the Packers are for real this season?
The Packers are for real. I don't know if the season is for real but the Packers are. I guess we'll find out to what degree they're real when they play at the 49ers on Nov. 5.

Jeff from Miami, FL
Do you have any thoughts about how a team could beat the Chiefs?
Run the ball and dominate time of possession. It begins with that.

Alex from Acworth, GA
Vic, it goes against much of what you've preached to us over your career, but does Gutekunst need to trade for a receiver with Lazard out indefinitely? Does the team's strong start to the season impact his decision-making at all?
Nobody knew who Lazard was when the Packers acquired him, but you want to trade for someone to replace him? Dime a dozen. Next!

Jim from Jenkintown, PA
Vic, if a team trades for a player and, as part of the deal, has the other team eat most or all of the salary so it doesn’t add to their cap, is that allowed? Or will it be flagged by the commissioner as a way to circumvent the cap?
The easy way to do what you're describing is for the team trading the player to restructure his contract by converting a portion of his salary to signing bonus before making the trade. Bonus amortization remains with the team trading the player; the team trading for the player must assume his salary. It goes back to this: You pay it, you claim it.

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

Ramiro from Jurupa Valley, CA
Vic, love the nostalgia in the answer you gave Tyler. How do you feel you’ve done raising your own children in contrast to how your father raised you? I’m sure he approves of the job you’ve done, my friend. Stay blessed.
I've never taken either son to a professional football game. How could I? I was working.

Brian from Hilbert, WI
Been reading your articles since the Packers days. You mentioned this team reminds you of what it has always been; will go as far as Rodgers can take them. Does it remind you of the 2011 team or 2014 team? I’m hoping for 2010.
It has a running game; the '11 team didn't. It doesn't have the defense or the receiving corps the '14 team did. This year's team reminds me of last year's team, except Rodgers is better.

Sharon from Arbor Vitae, WI
Vic, before my football question, a quick thank you for promoting Covid safety measures. Around here, few people wear masks, and our little rural hospitals are stressed. My mom was taken by ambulance for a non-Covid issue, yet, had to wait nine hours for a room. That meant someone else in ER had to wait for her spot, a classic domino effect. It's not just about Covid, it's about the entire system! Thankfully, she's home again after five days, and got to watch her beloved Packers while there. We've both noticed Matt LeFleur getting more praise this week for his play-calling. The term often used is "flow." Did you sense that while watching, and what do you think is contributing most to it?
Packers fans and media love play-calling. This week, they're giddy about the play-action bootleg tight end delay pass completions. Everybody is giggling.

Joe from Banner, WI
One play showed me everything I needed to see about the run defense. Forget about staying square and standing up your blocker; he was washed out while pushing his backside into a tight end. Is Z. Smith above coaching or benching because he gets sacks?
In my mind, he's a pass-rush specialist who somehow has to be covered up or hidden in the defensive scheme. It's not natural for Smith to sink his hips, bow his back and, as Coach Noll would say, "strike the rising blow." That's why the Ravens let him go. He's not a Ravens type of player.

Nick from Arvada, CO
My dad asked me if I could explain how Matt LaFleur's offense differs from Mike McCarthy's. I'm not qualified. Little help? Thank you for the column, Vic.
Philosophically, McCarthy is a West Coast offense guy, which should mean a lot of short drops and get the ball out quickly. LaFleur's scheme allows for deeper drops and demands offensive linemen hold their blocks longer. In reality, Rodgers held the ball longer than McCarthy preferred, so I don't see a big difference in the finished products. Both schemes wall up and run bunch-set picks, which is standard procedure around the league. The differences are subtle and would require an insider to detail them.

Tim from Appleton, WI
Vic, I have to ask, what is a Marsh Wheeling?
It's a cigar. I can still see the blue and yellow box sitting in the kitchen.

Ben from Alameda, CA
Let's assume Aaron Jones signs a large second contract. Does his success and cap space make it more attractive to go with a younger and cheaper QB, and possibly shorten Rodgers' career as a Packer?
Sign the running back and get rid of the quarterback?

Barry from Hayward, WI
Vic, of the winless teams, which has the best chance of still making the playoffs?
The Texans.

Tracy from Sioux Falls, SD
I apologize for posting this very late. What does postponing the Steelers game mean as far as the league's approach to Covid?
It means the league's focus is on public safety, as it should be. It means as the weather gets cooler and we move into a predicted second wave of this virus more games will likely be postponed. It means we should enjoy every moment of football we're permitted and not attach too much meaning to anything, because postponements threaten the integrity of this season and it could end abruptly.

Gladdys from Rolling Meadows, IL
Vic, does Derrick Henry have light feet?
I believe he does, but I checked with a scout friend, who said: "For a man of his massive size, I would say yes." The Titans use Henry in a lot of draw and slow-developing stuff, which requires a back to be able to bounce and slide. Henry has size 14 feet, so he's not Peter Pan, but Henry's feet better not stay on the ground too long or men bigger than him will stop him in his tracks. Few have.

Jack from Middleton, WI
As a former NFL writer, do you still get the stat books distributed weekly to all the writers, kind of like a retired national security professional keeps their security clearances? I could also imagine the books locked inside a cavernous Indiana Jones-style warehouse at the end of the season.
The weekly stuff is on the Internet and I know where to get it. I get the books from the PR guys I know.

Ben from DePere, WI
Thanks for taking a stance. You may not know it, but you show leadership qualities when you stand up for what is right. Speaking of what is right and wrong, I am curious to know if teams have ever selected a player specifically to prevent another team from drafting him? An example would be drafting a highly rated linebacker, even though your team is stacked at that position, so that other teams can't draft that player.
Linebacker? Sure. If you're picking best available player and you don't pick the best player, you're leaving him for your competition to draft, which means you'll have to play against him. Quarterback is the better example because you only need and can pay one of them. In the salary cap era, you only pick a quarterback if you need one or can afford where you're picking one.

Dean from Leavenworth, IN
Many years when you were in Green Bay, you would often write "it's not plays, it's players." Three weeks into the season, would you care to reassess that?
It's always players, not plays, because plays won't work if players don't execute them. It's a philosophy embraced and taught by every coach I've covered, and I believe it to be true. Early in the season, you can overwhelm an opponent with scheme, but only if your players execute it. The Saints have good schemes, but they didn't have Aaron Rodgers.

Paul from Cumming, GA
If you're the Falcons and you blow it up, do you keep Matt Ryan and hope to get one more run out of him, or is he just another chip that could be used to aggregate future assets?
Matt Ryan won't be around, so to speak, by the time the Falcons are rebuilt. If I was the Falcons' GM, I would trade him for what he would yield in rebuilding capital. I think he's an elite quarterback, one of the most underrated passers in NFL history.

Ben from Avon, IN
Vic, it's almost impossible to stay consistent in the NFL, but how have the Browns and the Lions been consistently awful?
They've drafted and managed personnel poorly. Paul Brown, Don Shula, Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, Jimmy Johnson and Bill Belichick all coached losing teams. They were teams that lacked the talent to win. Winning begins with making the right moves in personnel.