This could be a contentious season

"Ask Vic" will publish on Mondays and Thursdays through the offseason.

Joe from Gainesville, FL
The "Purple People Eaters" were before my time. What was it about Bud Grant's teams that kept them from winning the Super Bowl?
The Chiefs, Dolphins, Steelers and Raiders teams that beat the Vikings were special. The talent gap was distinct.

Bob from St. Charles, IA
Vic, will this year be the end of many mid-major college athletics departments? The Big Ten and other conferences are dropping the non-conference schedule, the revenue to the smaller schools gone with it.
The virus is changing us in nearly every way. Life may never be the same again.

Derrick from Rockaway, NJ
The next mass migration has already begun. Talking to multiple real estate agents, property across northern New Jersey and into the Poconos has taken off from the exodus of NYC residents. Property that is being sold is off the market within 2-3 days. Large companies just realized they don't have to spend millions in office space and overhead by having people work from home. NYC may never be the same. Or the world for that matter. You think the sporting world landscape will ever return?
It's going to shrink. I have no doubt the executives at ESPN are worried. They know ESPN will also have to change.

Ted from Amherst, NY
You have no idea how stoked I was when someone in "Insiders Inbox" mentioned you and I found "Ask Vic" is back. It seems NFL defenses tend to evolve to stop offensive trends, but the San Francisco wide nine seems to be a defense that challenges offenses to adapt. How do you beat the wide nine?
It's not something new. The Eagles brought it to popularity several years ago. The wide nine is a defense whose intent is to promote the pass rush with speed off the edge. In this case, the edge has been widened to create more space for the pass rusher. You beat it by blocking it. What does it invite? The inside run, where there is more room for the back to find a running lane. The 49ers make it work with superior personnel.

Marty from Grafton, WI
Vic, I've heard of aging gracefully, but you take the cake on your newest picture. I think that is the best I've ever seen you.
My face is perfect for wearing a mask.

Jeff from Livingston, TX
I feel no white guilt and I never will.
OK.

Erik from Madison, WI
Tyreek Hill would make a lot of QBs look good? Dime a dozen! Wow, Vic, are you going soft?
He was a fifth-round pick. Dime a dozen.

Adam from Wausau, WI
You’re a visual writer. Is that technique?
I don't know. My fingers start moving and words come out.

Jack from Jacksonville Beach, FL
Vic, my wife and I are both teachers with two small school-age children of our own. The governor of Florida seems hellbent on going back to school in a few weeks, while my wife and I are more reticent. It's damned if you do, damned if you don't. What would you do if you were in our position?
I can't think of an answer. I hurt for you and for all parents faced with this decision.

Morgan from Kaukauna, WI
Where do you put your hometown as? Where you grew up? Currently living?
You are currently from where you are living. You are always from where you grew up.

Joshua from Wilmington, DE
What happens if Rodgers opts out of this season? Hey, we’ve got time, let’s speculate.
What if a lot of players opt out? Are their teams going to demand the players return a portion of their signing bonus? Will not playing extend their contracts a year? This year has the potential to cause great discord between the owners and the players association.

Paul from Kilrush, Ireland
Every day, our chief medical officer advised us. We listened. We obeyed. We are winning. He has been awarded the Freedom of Dublin. I am proud of my country and its people. What are your current emotions for your country, Vic?
I'm worried about the kids.

Tyler from Crane Lake, MN
Vic, I believe it was you who proposed years ago the name be changed to Redshirts. They could go back to the R logo with a circle around it. The name must be changed. The original owner was notoriously racist and one of the last to hire African-American players.
I think I also proposed the league allow Washington to wear its home jerseys for all games, as a thank you for agreeing to change their name. It would give the Redshirts uniqueness and help sell the new name. I think that ship sailed. Dan Snyder held out too long.

​Lori from Brookfield, WI
Vic, who was most influential in the development of your world view and political beliefs?
It's the media. They provide the news that shapes opinion and promotes choices.