John Clayton likes the Vikings

I know most people around these parts aren't big fans of ESPN, but I do like John "The Professor" Clayton. In his mailbag this week, he had some kind things to say about Minnesota, with a small caveat about the NFC East, and a little chatter regarding the NFC North.

In the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings were the best team I saw. You can't run on them, and they are difficult to pass against because of their pass rush. I'm not saying the Vikings are the favorites to win the NFC; I didn't get the pleasure of seeing the four NFC East teams in person.

Figure the NFC North to be a wild battle. The Vikings have the best starting lineup except for the quarterbacks. The Green Bay Packers are better than you might think, thanks to their move to the 3-4 defense. Aaron Rodgers performed like a Pro Bowler with his two touchdown drives against the Cleveland Browns in the preseason opener. And don't worry about Jay Cutler's so-so performance in his Chicago Bears debut. I'm more concerned about the Bears' leaky defense than Cutler and the Bears' passing offense.

Glad to hear some kind words from a guy who knows his football.

Good Gravy Marie, I can't wait for the season to start.

On another note, I get to see the Vikings play the Texans in a few weeks, so that's pretty exciting. Didn't get a chance to see any game last year 'cause of my move to Houston, but this year I can. Hey, preseason is better than nothing, and it's the vaunted third preseason game, so I'm stoked.

Source: ESPN, John Clayton