Gargamel, will the Vikings beat the Pack?

No victory over the Vikes ever rings hollow. The Dome has historically been a very difficult place for the Pack to win, opponent injuries or no. Sunday will be a good litmus test for both teams to see where they're really at. I think both have a chance at finishing the season above .500.

I expected something more vitriolic. You almost seem civil.

I will be there, by the way. Second deck, forty five yard line, first row. Handsome fellow with a beard and a leather headband.

I've spent all my vitriol today on the usual suspects. It's hard work.

I hear you, brother. H2OMan makes the cheeseheads seem human.

See, the only retort I presently have in my arsenal is something like, "Dykes suck." Or, "I hate the Vi-queens."

Not very clever. I've got a reputation to uphold here. You know how it goes.

It's almost 3:00. My mind needs rest. Some sushi. Half a bottle of wine. Two cups of coffee.

And I'll be back to kick some ass if need be.

You didn't ask my opinion, Gus, but I am very familiar with the division in which these two teams play. On realjohnboy's NFL thread I already picked the Packers to win. (This game does not really matter, but I will watch my TV to catch a glimpse of you in the stands.)

I thought we were friends, wandel. You picked the Pack? You may as well have driven an epee into my mid-section and smiled as you turned the blade.

You look as full of it as ever to me.

Sorry, Gus. I can still change my pick to save our friendship!

Don't test me, rabbit.

Pokes the jug....

OH NO! Vikings win in an absolutely crazy game.

I will tell you what, wandel; had that field goal by Mason been good at the end of the game, costing the Vikings the game (presumably, when you factor in the time left) that would have been one of the greatest injustices in the history of the league. The Vikings totally dominated the Packers and Aaron Rodgers looked like a frightened wildebeest on the Serengeti Plain, constantly running for his life from the predators of the gridiron . The right team emerged victorious and I have to feels sorry for Gargamel for being subjected to such abuse.

Occom Bill, however, elicits no sympathy from me whatsoever. I enjoy the vision of him suffering.

Were you actually at the game, Gus?

No, I was too hungover and gave the tickets to my brother. I have the opportunity to go to any game, but generally go to only the late ones. When the games are at noon, I like to set my alarm for 11:58 -- just enough time to grab a beer and a pretzel from the icebox and roll downstairs. I hit the power button on the remote and generally the opening kickoff is in the air.

This is the image Aaron Rodgers had in his mind as he was racing across the end zone, trying to escape the advance of Jared Allen. "If only I can make it to that tree maybe I can hide", he thought, but seconds later he was crushed by Allen and his image of safety vanished like the Packers' offensive line.

Congratulations, Gus, you sonofabitch.

Your Vikings eeked out a one-point victory that would not have been had someone taught Aaron Rodgers how to throw the ball out-of-*******-bounds.

Quite a contrast to the complete ass-whipping the Pack administered earlier this season.

I'm sorry you had to suffer, Gargamel. Perhaps, with time, the pain will abate. And, who knows, perhaps we will meet again this year. Stranger things have happened.

But, until then, my friend, work on that healing process and try to become whole once again.