Our 3-Way Race

At the beginning of this 2009 NFL season, conventional wisdom was that the NFC North would be a 3-way race. No one took seriously the Lions (of 0-16 fame), but all the signs pointed to a competitive race between the Bears, Packers, and Vikings. Different 'experts' projected different winners for the end of the season. It was not clear going in which team would be the best team.

Now, halfway through the season, it's quite clear which of the three is the best team, and the Vikings are running away with the Division. Winning the NFC North is hardly in question any more. Now they have their sights set on best record in the Conference and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Packers and Bears thrash around at or below .500, monuments to inconsistency and unpredictability.

The Chicago game on Thursday Night was a certain sort of symbol. The Bears had the ball in the Red Zone with 08 seconds left and down by 4 points. I wonder... If all three teams in the anticipated 3-way race had been in that position, what would have happened to each?

I say that, if the Vikings had the ball in that situation, Favre would fake a handoff to the much-feared Adrian Peterson, drop back to pass, and throw a touchdown pass to Percy Harvin to win the game.

I say that Aaron Rodgers would fake a handoff to the much-less-feared Ryan Grant, drop back to pass, and get sacked.

And Jay Cutler? He threw an interception in the end zone -- just according to script.