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The opening night of the LFL’s inaugural season is on the doorstep and today we had a chance to catch up with one the league’s rising stars. Get ready for Ten Yards of Love with Joey Davenport. Let’s do this!

Matt Field- Hey Joey, thanks for taking time from your insanely busy schedule to catch up with TenYards.com.

Joey Davenport- No problem Matt. I’m sorry we didn’t connect sooner. It was a crazy weekend and we just returned from practice at Big Bear.

Matt- Well, how is the team looking? How important has the coaching staff as you prepare for the season?

Joey- The team is looking fast. Speed baby! Our team has tons of it. As for the coaches, they have done a fantastic job with the talent here. We have learned and progressed so much on the field, it is truly amazing. I commend the coaches, as it is a tough job dealing with all the different and sometimes frustratind personalities.

Matt- Sounds like things are coming together nicely. How did you first get involved with the Lingerie Football League?

Joey- A good friend of mine sumbmitted my photos without my knowledge to the league, I was approved for a tryout. Well, three tryouts and hundreds of girls later, I was lucky enough to be one of two girls chosen for the team.

Matt- Congrats on making the team! What did they see in you? What does Joey Davenport bring to the game?

Joey- Joey Davenport stretched the field and keeps defenses honest. Defensive coordinators need to be prepared when they play against us. They are going to have a tough enough time trying to contain our running game, all the while knowing that I can throw a bullet to the end zone from any spot on the field. Don’t believe me? Our first game is September 18th against Denver.

Matt- Impressive! So, you are a starting quarterback in the LFL today. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Joey- I really wanted to be a cosmetologist for awhile, but I much prefer being on the other side of the camera now.

Matt- What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

Joey- I would say the elevation of my game and my mechanincs in such a short period of time. The ultimate accomplishment is to take all of my quarterback skills, put it on the field and win the whole darn thing. My quarterback coach, Jio Lucci, has instilled all the confidence in me to take on any challenges on the field of play. Anywhere, anyone, anytime, that’s coach Lucci’s motto, “Game Ready”.

Matt- What keeps you motivated?

Joey- My teammates! I love this group of girls. We have all shared in the dedication and sacrifice that it has taken to get to this level. I will do whatever necassary to make sure they NEVER taste defeat.

Matt- I love the fire you have as you talk about the game. What will get the fans fired up when the teams take the field?

Joey- Not only will the some of the most beautiful women around, they will also see some very competitive football. The league has spent a lot of time and effort, not only into each game but into the whole LFL experience. It is very likely that would meet your favorite LFL players. We all try to remain accessible to our fans and communities nationwide. If you are lucky enough to have a LFL team in your city, please contact us about hosting a Monday Night Football game. Maybe you will get lucky to meet me or any of your favorite LFL players.

Matt- Speaking of Monday Night Football, who is your favorite player?

Joey- I would have to say Brett Favre, his arm is almost as strong as mine.

Matt- Brett Favre is a legend and he will make for an intersting season. Now let’s get back to the serious issues at hand. How do those uniforms stay on through out the game? Sorry, had to be asked.

Joey- Speed and quickness! You can’t strip what you can’t catch.

Matt- Nice! On that note, leave us with your Super Bowl pick for this season.

Joey- I have to with my man, Brett Favre and the Vikings! Go Vikes!

Matt- Couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks again for the time and good luck this season. Check in anytime.

Joey- No problem Matt, thank you xoxo

Yaaay, it’s football season!  Yaaay, it’s power rankings time! I may not have the credibility to properly rank the 32 NFL teams, but I can certainly calculate the averages of all the credible Power Rankings, and tell you how I feel about it. 

Here is the 2009 preseason edition of my Composite NFL Power Rankings:

 1. New England Patriots

-    ESPN.com 2
-    CBSSports.com 1
-    FoxSports.com 2
-    WhatIfSports.com 2
-    AVERAGE 1.75

My Take: The Patriots don’t have any significant weaknesses, so I would also rank them No. 1 heading into the season.  I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome, get your head in the game!
 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers
-    ESPN.com 1
-    CBSSports.com 2
-    FoxSports.com 1
-    WhatIfSports.com 5
-    AVERAGE 2.25

My Take: They get a free pass at No. 1 in several power rankings because they won the Super Bowl, but the Steeler’s O-Line needs to show some improvement this season before I would rank them this high.
 

3. Philadelphia Eagles
-    ESPN.com 4
-    CBSSports.com 3
-    FoxSports.com 3
-    WhatIfSports.com 1
-    AVERAGE 2.75

My Take: The averages put the Eagles right where I would rank them heading into 2009.  The offensive line should improve with the acquisition of Jason Peters, and Philly had a solid draft to give the team depth at running back and wide receiver. I expect them to make a run at the Super Bowl.

 

4. New York Giants
-    ESPN.com 3
-    CBSSports.com 6
-    FoxSports.com 7
-    WhatIfSports.com 4
-    AVERAGE 5.00

My Take: With Osi Umenyiora back in the mix, the defensive line should be back to its Super Bowl form.  I expect the Giants to have the best defense in the league, and I would rank them just behind New England.
 

5. Arizona Cardinals
-    ESPN.com 12
-    CBSSports.com 5
-    FoxSports.com 5
-    WhatIfSports.com 6
-    AVERAGE 7.00

My Take: They should have a good offense once again, but I never rank a team in the top five until it displays an effective running game.

6.  San Diego Chargers
-    ESPN.com 6
-    CBSSports.com 9
-    FoxSports.com 9
-    WhatIfSports.com 9
-    AVERAGE 8.25

My Take: The Chargers quite possibly have the most talent of any team in the NFL.  If their defense becomes dominant again with the return of Shawne Merriman, I think this team could be the favorite to win it all.  I would rank them in the top five at least, and possibly even ahead of the Eagles.

7.  Indianapolis Colts
-    ESPN.com 5
-    CBSSports.com 4
-    FoxSports.com 10
-    WhatIfSports.com 14
-    AVERAGE 8.25

My Take:  The Colts had some major changes this offseason, but the team should be a playoff contender once again, despite the coaching changes.  The roster has been retooled in an attempt to improve on their major weaknesses in the running game and on the defensive line.  They should be a top five or six team.

8. Atlanta Falcons
-    ESPN.com 8
-    CBSSports.com 7
-    FoxSports.com 4
-    WhatIfSports.com 17
-    AVERAGE 9.00

My Take:  If Matt Ryan continues to improve, the Falcons will be a great team.  I would rank them borderline top 10, but I don’t think they’re a better team than the Titans.

9. Tennessee Titans
-    ESPN.com 7
-    CBSSports.com 11
-    FoxSports.com 6
-    WhatIfSports.com 15
-    AVERAGE 9.75

My Take: The Titans had the best regular season record last year, and I expect them to be a contender again in 2009 even though losing Albert Haynesworth is no small matter.  Even if the Titans are significantly worse without the big defensive tackle, Jeff Fisher will fake-punt and onside-kick the team to a 12-4 record.

10.  Minnesota Vikings
-    ESPN.com 9
-    CBSSports.com 17
-    FoxSports.com 11
-    WhatIfSports.com 3
-    AVERAGE 10.00

My Take: Brett Favre/Adrian Peterson + Williams Wall/Jared Allen = Serious Contender. Schism or not the Vikings have a very solid team and Favre will guide Minnesota to playoff appearance and a potential Super Bowl berth.  

11. Dallas Cowboys
-    ESPN.com 14
-    CBSSports.com 12
-    FoxSports.com 13
-    WhatIfSports.com 8
-    AVERAGE 11.75

My Take:  The loss of Terrell Owens will hurt them some, but the Cowboys still have two good receiving threats, a great quarterback, and an excellent rushing attack.  They also have one of the best defensive players in the game in DeMarcus Ware.  They may be as talented overall as San Diego, and I would definitely rank them higher than 11th.

 

12. Carolina Panthers
-    ESPN.com 11
-    CBSSports.com 18
-    FoxSports.com 8
-    WhatIfSports.com 13
-    AVERAGE 12.50

My Take:  Carolina may have the best one-two punch in the league at running back, and they also have one of the best deep threats at wide receiver to keep defenses honest.  They’re extremely shallow at defensive tackle this year though, and that could really hurt their defense.  I have them around 15th or so in my power rankings, but they could move up the board fast when the season starts.

13. New Orleans Saints
-    ESPN.com 19
-    CBSSports.com 8
-    FoxSports.com 16
-    WhatIfSports.com 11
-    AVERAGE 13.50

My Take:  The Saints obviously have a stellar offense, but can their defense step up this year?  The release of Jason David hints that they may at least have better pass coverage. I think there are a few more teams that should be ranked ahead of them.

 

14. Baltimore Ravens
-    ESPN.com 10
-    CBSSports.com 10
-    FoxSports.com 12
-    WhatIfSports.com 25
-    AVERAGE 14.25

My Take:  The Ravens always field one of the top defenses in the league, but their offense is totally dependant on the development of Joe Flacco.  This is about where I’d rank them in the preseason, but they are another team that could move up fast during the regular season.

15. Houston Texans
-    ESPN.com 16
-    CBSSports.com 15
-    FoxSports.com 18
-    WhatIfSports.com 10
-    AVERAGE 14.75

My Take:  Mark it down: the Texans will have the best offense in the league this season.  But I still don’t know if they’ll make the playoffs.

16. Miami Dolphins
-    ESPN.com 15
-    CBSSports.com 20
-    FoxSports.com 19
-    WhatIfSports.com 7
-    AVERAGE 15.25

My Take: Last year the “Wildcat” spread like wildfire.  This year, defenses that can stop it will spread like cream cheese.  I don’t have the Dolphins ranked in the top 20.

17.  Green Bay Packers
-    ESPN.com 17
-    CBSSports.com 16
-    FoxSports.com 14
-    WhatIfSports.com 21
-    AVERAGE 17.00

My Take:  The Pack will be back.  B.J. Raji is already looking like a beast in the preseason, and their offense is only going to get better.  I would rank Green Bay in the top 15.

18. Chicago Bears
-    ESPN.com 13
-    CBSSports.com 14
-    FoxSports.com 20
-    WhatIfSports.com 23
-    AVERAGE 17.50

My Take: Bears fans are leaving frankincense and myrrh on Jay Cutler’s doorstep, but he had much better wide receivers in Denver.  Matt Forte makes that offense dangerous, but I want to see Cutler in action before I rank them any higher than this.  Also, their defense couldn’t generate any pass rush with the front four last year, and blitzing every other down isn’t good for a Tampa-two defense.

19. Washington Redskins
-    ESPN.com 20
-    CBSSports.com 25
-    FoxSports.com 17
-    WhatIfSports.com 12
-    AVERAGE 18.5

My Take: Unless he gets lethargic now that he’s a bizillionaire, Albert Haynesworth is going to make this team really good.  The NFC East is a tough division though, and it will be difficult for them to make the playoffs.

 

20. Buffalo Bills
-    ESPN.com 21
-    CBSSports.com 19
-    FoxSports.com 15
-    WhatIfSports.com 20
-    AVERAGE 18.75

My Take: The Bills could have an offensive renaissance this season, or Terrell Owens could tear the team apart the moment Marshawn Lynch gets done with his suspension.  I would rank them around 25th.

 

21. New York Jets
-    ESPN.com 23
-    CBSSports.com 24
-    FoxSports.com 21
-    WhatIfSports.com 16
-    AVERAGE 21.00

My Take: The more touches Leon Washington gets, the more points the Jets will score.  Sanchez is going to have some growing pains, but their defense looks like it will fair well with Rex Ryan’s aggressive style.

22. Cincinnati Bengals
-    ESPN.com 24
-    CBSSports.com 13
-    FoxSports.com 28
-    WhatIfSports.com 19
-    AVERAGE 21.00

My Take: The Bengals are tied with the Jets in their average ranking, but the Jets get the nod since they have a better defense (which, if you hadn’t heard, wins championships).  I think the Bengals will be improved, but I still have them ranked in the bottom five.

23. San Francisco 49ers
-    ESPN.com 22
-    CBSSports.com 27
-    FoxSports.com 22
-    WhatIfSports.com 18
-    AVERAGE 22.25

My Take: Teams with quarterback battles that last several years don’t make my top 25.

 

24. Seattle Seahawks
-    ESPN.com 18
-    CBSSports.com 21
-    FoxSports.com 27
-    WhatIfSports.com 26
-    AVERAGE 23.00

My Take:  Matt Hasselbeck makes the Pro Bowl every odd-numbered year, so I think the Seahawks will rebound this season.  If Aaron Curry helps improve their defense, I like them to contend for the NFC West this season, and I would rank them higher than 24th.

 

25. Tampa Bay Bucs
-    ESPN.com 26
-    CBSSports.com 23
-    FoxSports.com 23
-    WhatIfSports.com 24
-    AVERAGE 24.00

My Take:  I like Jon Gruden as a commentator so far, and I like Raheem Morris as a coach.  I would rank them higher than 25th, and possibly in the top 20 overall.

26.  Jacksonville Jaguars
-    ESPN.com 25
-    CBSSports.com 22
-    FoxSports.com 25
-    WhatIfSports.com 29
-    AVERAGE 25.25

My Take: The Jaguars had a bad year in 2008, but I think they’ll rebound this season.  They are usually a good defensive team, and David Garrard is a very underrated quarterback.  He can check down to Maurice Jones-Drew every play and pick up somewhere between four and 100 yards.

27. Denver Broncos
-    ESPN.com 27
-    CBSSports.com 26
-    FoxSports.com 24
-    WhatIfSports.com 28
-    AVERAGE 26.25

My Take: If they can convince Brandon Marshall to play, the Broncos could have a dangerous offense that dictates two-deep safety coverage every down even with Kyle Orton at quarterback.  If Eddie Royal is their only receiving threat, teams will just blitz every play and force 17 or 18 Denver turnovers a game.

28. Kansas City Chiefs
-    ESPN.com 29
-    CBSSports.com 30
-    FoxSports.com 26
-    WhatIfSports.com 22
-    AVERAGE 26.75

My Take: I would rank the Chiefs a little higher than 28th.  The defense is reportedly adapting to the 3-4 scheme very quickly, and I think Matt Cassell will be fairly productive despite the team’s suspect offensive line.

29. Oakland Raiders
-    ESPN.com 30
-    CBSSports.com 28
-    FoxSports.com 29
-    WhatIfSports.com 27
-    AVERAGE 28.5

My Take:  Al Davis is crazy.  However, I read some interviews with Darius Heyward-Bey before the draft, and I really liked his mentality.  I think he’ll be a good player, but he’s still on a bad team.

30. Cleveland Browns
-    ESPN.com 28
-    CBSSports.com 31
-    FoxSports.com 30
-    WhatIfSports.com 32
-    AVERAGE 30.25

My Take: Teams with quarterback battles that last several years go right about here in my rankings.

31. St. Louis Rams
-    ESPN.com 31
-    CBSSports.com 29
-    FoxSports.com 31
-    WhatIfSports.com 31
-    AVERAGE 30.50

My Take: I think the Rams will be better offensively than they have been for some time.  They made a good attempt to improve their offensive line in the off season, and they still have a good quarterback and several decent skill players.

32. Detroit Lions
-    ESPN.com 32
-    CBSSports.com 32
-    FoxSports.com 32
-    WhatIfSports.com 30
-    AVERAGE 31.50

My Take: Obviously Detroit deserves to be ranked last after their 0-16 season, but I think they will get significantly better this year as well.  I say they throw Stafford in the fire and let him duke out some tough wins.  He may lose some confidence when the team struggles, but he can always just throw the ball as far and as high as possible and bank on the fairly decent chance that Calvin Johnson will catch it.

-Kyle Winslow

ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that there’s a “schism” in the Vikings’ locker room regarding the identity of the team’s starting quarterback. 

(We’ve heard merely that there’s a “faction” of players who prefer quarterback Tarvaris Jackson.  But what the hell do we know?)

On Thursday, Favre addressed the report.  Per Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the newest old Viking was “clearly annoyed” by the report.

He apparently would have been even more annoyed if he knew what a “schism” is.

“I don’t even know what that means, I’ve got no reaction,” Favre said.  “I’m just doing what I can do to hopefully help this team win and just trying to fit in.  I’m not worried about that. That’s for you guys to have some fun with.  Once again, I have no idea what that means.  I’m assuming it’s controversial.”  (Favre’s response reminds us of Muhammad Ali’s reaction to being called “truculent” by Howard Cosell.)

“You guys have to keep stirring the pot I guess,” Favre added.  “Somebody has to make up a story like this.  I can assure you, I don’t think any guy in the locker room, me included, would use that word.  We’d probably come up with something a little different.  You guys have to come up with something a little more locker-room related.”

Yeah, “schism” is one of those high-falutin’ words, one that only a guy who went to college (and, you know, actually went to the classes) might use.

Meanwhile, Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press has reported that more than a dozen starters were not aware of any problems in the locker room, and ESPN’s Rachel Nichols (as one media source who saw the coverage tells us) disputed Schefter’s report based on her own information.

Then again, Rachel has had her face tattooed to Brett’s bum lately (no disrespect intended), so the only thing noteworthy about her report is that ESPN actually is pitting their employees against each other on the air in a non-contrived Salisbury-Clayton way.  As to Jensen’s report, it’s simply impossible to accept at face value the denials from players in the starting lineup after the sheetcake has struck the fan.

We’ve been hearing since late June that there are players on the team who want Jackson to be the starter.  And while we haven’t heard that it has risen to a high degree of rancor (Brett probably thinks that word is the name for a special kind of tractor), we’re convinced that there was, as of yesterday, an issue.

Frankly, it’s possible that these reports have galvanized (Brett really has a headache now) the team, causing them to rally around a guy who waltzed into the locker room after skipping the entire offseason program and all of training camp.

Regardless, this one hasn’t been “made up,” no matter what the guy who just got there nine days ago has to say.

-PFT

In what may someday be considered the most secretive and guarded press conferences of all time, Brad Childress managed to side step his way around all questions regarding injuries, the backup quarterback situation, and the playbook as it applies to Brett Favre.

What we did learn on Monday, however, is that Favre will likely play the entire first half against the Houston Texans next Monday night. And one of the most difficult factors facing Childress over the next two weeks is making sure Favre meshes with the offense without overusing his partially torn rotator cuff.

“I think you just have to be careful, particularly when you’re just starting, that there’s not too many throws,” Childress said. “Pitch count, I’m not a great baseball guy, but when guys come back it’s not like they break ‘em off. So it’s more managing. I’m not going to put a number on that for you, but we have a pretty good idea. [Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell] was there in Green Bay when they did that. It seems prudent.”

With the first round of cuts (5 total) coming next Tuesday, and with the Vikings playing a Monday night game followed by a Friday night game, this is an extremely important stretch for Childress, Favre, and many others in the Vikings locker room. Because of the quick turnaround, the first team offense (and defense, for that matter), may not see as much playing time during the 4th preseason game.

“Some guys are getting their last swing at it here,” Childress said. “And they’re aware of it. They know where there’s competition, they know where guys got to make moves. You see all that happen.

“We’re game planning this week. We’ve got a few added practices, with one tomorrow and one Wednesday, that normally you wouldn’t have in a game plan week. We’ve gotten a chance to review this game tape. But I’m not going to make it any more or any less [important]. We’ve already had a bunch of good practices and just need to continue to improve.”

Here are some other notes from Monday’s presser:

- The Vikings held team meetings Monday morning and watched film of the Kansas City game from Friday night. Childress was pleased, overall, with what he saw, but mentioned the team needs to cut down on penalties. After committing nine against the Colts last week, the Vikings committed 14 penalties for 104 yards on Friday night.

- Childress has a difficult task ahead, attempting to balance playing time between four quarterbacks. Normally, by the time the third preseason game rolls around, it doesn’t matter how many reps the 3rd and 4th string QBs receive. But because Tarvaris Jackson and John David Booty are auditioning for backup roles – either with the Vikings or elsewhere – it’s important to give them reps. Not to mention, Sage Rosenfels is likely to return from that ankle injury to face his former squad.

So, with Favre needing a full half to gel with the first team offense, Childress will somehow have to squeeze Rosenfels, Jackson and Booty into the second half.

- The next question centers around which quarterbacks will remain on the roster heading into the regular season. And will the Vikings receive anything via trade?

Let’s just say Childress was noncommittal.

“Well, those conversations will definitely be internal so that I don’t know that they’ll be external right at this point and time. You guys are free to conjecture, however, you feel like you want to make your fantasy roster out for the Vikings. But we’ll have plenty of them [conversations] I’m sure.”

- Childress was pleased with how Jackson (12-of-15, 202 yards, 2 TDs) performed on Friday.

“Well, I would say primarily – and just like we saw with Sage last week – when you’re playing with the first group of offensive linemen, backs, receivers primarily, although he played with those groups, it bodes better for your chance to have success with guys in the right spot, running the right routes, running the place you’re looking.

“So much of that, you can say the quarterback doesn’t look good and you’ve heard me always say you have to play around the quarterback, whether it’s the protection game, wiggling open against man to man, some of those things. So that’s probably the base thing I saw, he was playing with some better people in there. Obviously, I’m not going to take away anything from what he did. I thought he was very deliberate in what he was doing and was very confident in what he was doing.”

It’s just disappointing Jackson couldn’t string together more performances like this over the last couple years when the Vikings gave him multiple opportunities to run with the starting job.

- When asked if Childress did indeed scale back the playbook for Jackson and Rosenfels, Childress would not comment.

“It’s not for public consumption,” he said.

- Phil Mackey KFAN pmac@kfan.com

MINNEAPOLIS — In a meaningless exhibition as he began his 19th NFL season, Brett Favre felt the butterflies.

Camera flashes illuminated the Metrodome on each of his eight plays for Minnesota, and only one completed pass was captured on film. After an injury-free night without any major blunders, though, Favre declared his Vikings debut a success.

His predictably brief preseason performance was the obvious highlight of a 17-13 victory by the Vikings on Friday over the Kansas City Chiefs, preserved by a goal line stand by the third-stringers.

“I just didn’t want to fumble the snap,” Favre said. “Wanted to make sure I got the handoffs. If you complete passes, great. But I was nervous about that.”

Cheered loudly by the same fans who used to loathe him when he played for Green Bay, Favre played two series and went 1 for 4 for a whopping 4 yards. He moved around all right and his passes had zip, just no direction.

Tarvaris Jackson, whose job was taken when Favre ended another retirement this week, was the more polished quarterback for Minnesota: 12 for 15 for 202 yards and two touchdowns.

Favre’s night ended with a jarring hit by Chiefs linebacker Corey Mays, who buried his head in the 39-year-old’s chest as he drove him into the turf to force an errant throw. Favre got up and walked off fine, his purple No. 4 jersey — such a strange sight, for sure — pulled down and exposing his left shoulder pad.

“He did tell me that no one’s tackled him off his tractor,” coach Brad Childress said. “Good for him to get hit.”

Favre worked out at his local high school all summer as he built his strength back following arthroscopic surgery on his throwing arm, but after initially telling the Vikings no he didn’t join the team until Tuesday. Yet there he was, three days later, taking snaps with the first team and trying to find a rhythm with his new receivers.

“That’ll be an adjustment all year. It really will be,” Favre said.

His first pass was off target, intended for fullback Naufahu Tahi. Rookie Percy Harvin snagged a low throw into tight coverage on the next play, setting up fourth-and-1 near midfield. But Adrian Peterson, who carried 10 times for 44 yards, was smothered in the backfield for a big loss.

Favre was off the mark twice more on the next possession, misfiring toward Jaymar Johnson after an apparent route miscommunication and then chucking one out of everyone’s reach on the pressure by Mays. The holder of every major NFL career passing record knows this version of the West Coast offense well, but it will take the Vikings time to get in a groove with the new guy.

“I don’t think it should take too long,” Peterson said, adding: “These next two weeks, we’ll be able to smooth things out and get ready for the regular season.”

Kansas City’s Matt Cassel is in the same mode, his adjustment still in progress after coming in a trade with New England. He led the Chiefs on two scoring drives, including a 4-yard touchdown toss to Dwayne Bowe early in the second quarter once Minnesota’s second-string defense was in. Cassel faced plenty of pressure, taking three sacks, and finished 9 for 14 for 99 yards.

“Sometimes you just get out there and run around,” Cassel said.

New coach Todd Haley has been frustrated by Cassel’s performance so far, while Brodie Croyle has looked sharp, but this was more like what the Chiefs believed they’d be getting from Tom Brady’s former backup.

“I’m getting more and more comfortable,” Cassel said. “We had a few weeks of training camp, but I’m still getting familiar with the offense. It’s a new offense and there are new players around us, so it’s a process.”

Said Haley: “The quarterback play across the board was better. All three quarterbacks looked like they had a handle on what was going on.”

With Sage Rosenfels sitting out because of a sprained ankle suffered in a solid game last week at Indianapolis, Jackson played the equivalent of two full quarters.

He had quite the touch, just what the Vikings haven’t seen enough from him over his first three seasons — prompting the persistent pursuit of Favre throughout the summer.

Jackson, who prompted mild booing when he jogged to the huddle because that meant Favre was done, evaded a blitz on third-and-8 in the second quarter and found Visanthe Shiancoe for a 13-yard score. In the third, Jackson hit Darius Reynaud on a post pattern for a 64-yard touchdown to put Minnesota in front 14-13.

“Whenever you play well, you always feel good,” Jackson said. “Regardless of the situation or the circumstances, it felt good. It was a long week for me. It just shows that if you just stay focused, you’ll be fine.” His predictably brief preseason performance was the obvious highlight of a 17-13 victory by the Vikings on Friday over the Kansas City Chiefs, preserved by a goal line stand by the third-stringers.

-Associated Press

Ah yes, as we near that magical time of year we catch up with Lingerie Football League standout, Britainie De Garbott.

Let’s do this! Are you ready for Ten Yards of Love with Britainie De Garbott?

TenYards- Britainie, as a child, what did you hope to be when you grew up?

Britainie De Garbott- I wanted to be a doctor. I even got medical books under the tree from Santa for Christmas.

TY- Doctor is a noble profession, but Lingerie Doctor League?, not as fun. What attracted you to the Lingerie Football League?

BDG- I played basketball in high school. When I tried to play in college, I walked in the gym and there was nothing but 6 foot tall black chicks trying to look like men. I looked around and decided I probably wouldn’t make it as the Earl Boykins of the team and walked out. When I came across the LFL I was excited because the girls were being girls, yet they incorporated a high level of athleticism into their life. This is exactly what I do.

TY- Besides the obvious reasons, why should fans get excited for the LFL?

BDG- My vision of the LFL greatly impacts the younger generation. I was walking off the field after practice and there were some little kids walking by me. One girl asked, “Do you play football?” I said, “Yes” and their faces lit up with excitement. I don’t want the role models of these girls to be Britney Spears anymore, I want it to be Britainie De Garbott. A girl can be sexy and beautiful by taking care of her body, staying active and eating right, not botox and starving yourself like many of these so called role models we have in Hollywood.

TY- The youth of today could use some strong role models. You seem very driven, what motivates you?

BDG- Apart from other athletes that I greatly admire like, Palamalu, Nash and Serena, my motivations can be very “geeky”, which I have always been (big dorky smile ). I am an RN so there is something called collateral circulation that may occur in the heart for athletes. It is basically extra vessels that your body creates to carry blood/oxygen to the heart, which is very handy while working out. But beyond that, as we age changes occur that can lead to a heart attack, these extra vessel drastically decrease the chances of having damage done to your heart. So, I guess in my mind I picture my beating heart with lots and lots of veins on it. Something that the average persons heart would not have. Yes, total nerd-alert!

TY- I guess nerds come in all shapes. Seriously though, health is very important and a great motivator. Speaking of health, have you ever suffered broken bones, injuries or other trauma?

BDG- As a receiver, who hasn’t had broken fingers? I’ve got two. Apart from the many turf scars, I have never had any major injuries. I thank my mom for many years of ballet training. Flexibility is the key being injury free. Sometimes my teammates call me “Flex”.

TY- Well, here’s hoping the injury free streak keeps rolling. I’m sure you stay plenty busy with workouts and appearances. Tell us what you geek out for off the field.

BDG- Uhh, I might be revealing a lot about how dorky I am, but I don’t really know what that means. I like to read. Scripts, plays and I’m trying to learn a couple of other languages. Ultimately I want to be performing, stage or screen. Shameless plug warning!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2503429/ 

http://www.myspace.com/britainiedegarbott

TY- I have to admit, I am the one that has been exposed. I heard some kids use the term ‘geek out’ and it sounded cool. Maybe I’m using it wrong :-/ Moving on. Who is your favorite sports figure?

BDG- I hate my answer because it is so common but… Michael Jordan.

TY- Hey now, there is no reason to feel bad for liking MJ. He is the greatest. Do you have any thoughts or comments on Michael Vick? Brett Favre?

BDG- Vick should be allowed to play, but give 80% of his salary to charities for animals. As for Favre, he can do whatever the hell he wants in my opinion, he is golden to me and can do no wrong. Muah!

TY- I like your take on both players. As I mentioned to you earlier, it took me a moment to prepare after Favrestock came through town. Now, since I have been asking all the questions. Take a moment and tell the fans five things they should know about Britainie De Garbott.

BDG- 1) Just because I play football in lingerie, doesn’t mean I’ll wear it for you. I went to Catholic school my whole life and I’m a really good girl (smiling). 2) I am a hopeless romantic. Woo me? Damn you! 3) I am an All Fantasy LFL wide receiver, put your money on me or you’ll be sorry! 4) I love banners with my name/# on them, so get out your sharpies and buy some tickets and I will see you at the LA Sports Arena on November 27 when we whoop butt on the Seattle Mist! 5) Any gifts/boxer shorts or briefs thrown on the field for me or my teammates is greatly appreciated and encouraged.

TY- Well Notorious BDG, our time here is coming to an end. Before you go, who is your NFL Super Bowl pick this season?

 BDG- Go Steelers!!……. but I love my Chargers too and thank you for the interview and the support, we all really appreciate it!!

TY- No worries Brit, it was our pleasure. Good luck and check back anytime.

Lingerie Football League http://lflus.com/

Posted by Matt Field

Would you pay $0.20 cents per week for a fancy new football stadium and a guarantee of a permanent NFL presence in Minnesota?

One billion dollars.  That’s all the state needs to pony up for a new Vikings stadium.  That’s an up-front, one time fee.

Spread over the expected 20-year lifetime of the new facility, and divided by the population of Minnesota (5,220,393 – Jul 2008. Source: U.S. Census Bureau), that one billion dollars breaks down to about $0.18 cents per week per every man woman and child in the State of Minnesota—less than $40 dollars a year for a family of four.

Look at the benefits gained by building a new Vikings Stadium.  Yes, there’s the standard arguments regarding job creation and economic impact.  But many of the jobs created by a replacement for the Metrodome either already exist, will be of such short term benefit as to not make a decisive impact, or are jobs of the low-paying, low taxpaying sort.

Look instead at the intangible, less obvious benefits a new, billion dollar, state of the art facility would bring.

The National Football League’s presence in the Twin Cities’ (and, to be fair, the outstate and Dakotas’ markets as well) brings with it a certain prestige and credibility.  Civic pride goes a long way towards fostering involvement in and a sense of community.  A new stadium will certainly bring another Super Bowl to the region.

Moreover, let’s face it, rooting for and following our beloved Vikings—week after week, year after year, despite all the ups and downs and heartache—is a hell of a lot of fun, Favre or no Favre.

The argument against giving a billionaire a billion dollars so he can make a billion more is both obvious and compelling. The State subsidizing the cartoonishly rich is, of course, a ridiculous notion.

However, the State of Minnesota has spent well over one billion dollars in taxpayer money on ethanol subsidies over the last 20 years, a highly popular program, especially with General Mills, Conagra, and ADM.

Zygi Wilf should by no means be given a blank check.  If the people of the State of Minnesota are going to bankroll a billionaire’s playground, certain concessions should be demanded. 

An iron-clad guarantee that the Vikings franchise will never move from the state, including riders on any future sales of the team prohibiting the relocation of the Vikings to another market, will put a stop to the “Pay Up or We’ll Move Your Team” blackmail party once and for all.

A sizable portion of the seats in any new stadium should be reserved at below-market prices, guaranteeing access for everyone.

The Minnesota Vikings should, beyond a shadow of a doubt, be playing football outdoors.  Perhaps the stadium subsidy should be $1.1 billion, assuring the installation of heated seats.

At less than $10 dollars per year per head, spread over 20 years, a publicly financed Vikings stadium is a bargain, even at double that price.

Eden Prairie, MN – The Minnesota Vikings have signed three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre, the team announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We believe adding a player such as Brett Favre to our mix will be a strong positive for this football team,” said Head Coach Brad Childress. “As we have conveyed before, his unique knowledge of our system, the NFC North and his innate skills make this a rare opportunity. We felt there was a brief window to reconsider the possibility and we owed it to the organization to evaluate our options. After thorough discussion, the same variables that made this a unique and positive situation previously, still exist. Now, our attention turns to getting to work as a team, our next practice and preparing for the season.”

Entering his 19th year in the NFL, Favre has started 269 consecutive games (291 including playoffs) for the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets, the longest stretch ever by an NFL quarterback and the 2nd-longest streak in NFL history, behind only former Minnesota Viking Jim Marshall (270). The 10-time Pro Bowler holds every significant NFL career passing record and is the league’s all-time leader in touchdown passes (464), completions (5,720), attempts (9,280), yards (65,127) and victories as a starting QB (169).

“I am excited about the opportunity to join this football team,” said Favre. ”From ownership, to coaching to the players, it is evident that everyone in the Vikings organization is committed to bringing the fans of Minnesota a Championship. I am eager to join my new teammates and get to work towards that goal.”

In 2008, Favre earned his 10th career Pro Bowl berth as he completed 343-of-522 passes (65.7%) for 3,472 yards and 22 touchdowns with the Jets. He was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice in the month of September and set a career-high with six TD passes in a win against the eventual NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals.

Prior to his one-year stint with the Jets, Favre played 16 seasons in Green Bay, leading the Packers to seven division championships, four NFC Championship games, two Super Bowl appearances and one Super Bowl victory. During that time he was named the NFL’s MVP for three consecutive seasons from 1995-97.

http://www.vikings.com/

The plane landed. Brett has been whisked to Winter Park. He has been spotted on the practice field wearing the number 4 jersey. All that is left is the press conference at 5pm today.

Listen here – http://www.kfan.com/mediaplayer/?station=KFAN-AM&action=listenlive&channel_title=

Watch here – http://www.vikings.com/media-vault/live-video.html

Multiple reports have Brett Favre on the ground in Minnesota. Winter Park is a circus per visual reports. We are still awaiting an official press release from the Vikings.

Visual confirmation has been provided by KSTP of Brett Favre deplaning in St. Paul.

Asked if the plan was to sign Favre on Tuesday, Childress replied: “In a perfect world.” Pending a physical it’s look like Favre will be the Vikings quarterback, making a reported $10-12 million for this season. According to an ESPN report, Favre does have a slight tear in his rotator cuff, but it would not prohibit him from playing.