NFL Season Preview: NFC North
Added on Aug 26, 2010 by Eric Galko in
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Minnesota Vikings - 12-4
Green Bay Packers- 11-5
Chicago Bears - 7-9
Detroit Lions - 2-14
Top Newcomers:
Julius Peppers to Chicago
Almost a forgotten story since training camp started, Julius Peppers is still one of the best overall athletes in the NFL and still one of the better defensive ends.
Putting him along side of Brian Urlacher, Tommie Harris, Lance Briggs, and a solid secondary, and he could really make a difference. He’ll have to stay injury free and work in the Cover 2 Defense.
Kyle Vanden Bosch to Detroit
Another forgotten key import to the division, the Lions move for Vanden Bosch shows that they are ready to start seriously contending. Though a bit under rated in Tennessee, he’s always been a consistent threat on the defensive line and fits well into the Lions system.
Putting him opposite still developing defensive end Cliff Avril and alongside rookie Ndamukong Suh may give this Lions defense one of the Top 5 defensive lines in the NFL, which unfortunately puts them around 3 in their own division.
Chester Taylor to Chicago
The Bears signing of Chester Taylor was a bit of a surprising one. Matt Forte has proved to be a solid running back for the team, and his versatility has added a new dimension to the offense. But, he really didn’t have another back behind him, so I understand the backup need.
However, with Mike Martz calling the shots in Chicago on offense now, the passing game will be the focus, likely limiting Forte’s carries. It will be interesting to see how the carries split, since Forte is more talented but Taylor is a better fit for the offense.
Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best, Bryan Bulaga, and Toby Gerhart to the NFL
The Lions crop of rookies is probably the best of any of the teams, as they may have found two future Pro Bowlers, and two guys that may help them in year one of their team and in year 12 of the Lions rebuilding era.
Suh will have the luxury of playing inside of two solid defensive ends, Vanden Bosch and Cliff Avril, and playing for a defensive coach who’s Tampa 2 defense let Warren Sapp become All-Pro worthy. Jahvid Best steps in as the likely top back in Detroit, and if he can stay healthy, he could rush for over 1,000 yards in his rookie year.
Top Storylines:
Brett Favre Back, But Injuries Riddle His Weapons
Of course, the news is in that Brett Favre is back. He’s not 100 percent, thanks to his last second ankle surgery, and needed some wooing to return, but he’s the starting quarterback.
However, he may have been bad luck for the Vikings. Since he returned, Percy Harvin has been suffering with many health problems likely stemming from his migraine history, and Sidney Rice has decided to undergo hip surgery that will keep him out for at least the first six weeks. Add that with his offensive line lacking at the end of last year and Adrian Peterson’s injury history, and it could be a rocky start to the season for the Vikings.
Pressure On the Packers Offense, Especially Aaron Rodgers
Whether it’s former NFL quarterbacks, current NFL quarterbacks, TV analysts, and even fantasy “experts”, almost everyone is pegging Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense to be the best in the league.
I agree that Rodgers had a great season last year, and he has the chance to do it again. However, I’m not sold on a repeat season with an average Ryan Grant and aging Donald Driver in the starting lineup. Jermichael Finley is talented, but he’s still young. And no receiver on that offense outside of Greg Jennings has a chance for the Pro Bowl.
New Additions and Mike Martz Give the Bears Little Excuse to Struggle
The Bears spent a lot of money this off-season and brought in some big name pieces as they try to regain their NFC North dominance from years past. Julius Peppers is one of the most talented defensive lineman in the NFL. Chester Taylor has been the leagues best backup running back for a few years now and fits very well in this offense.
And speaking of offense, maybe the most intriguing off-season “signing” was bringing Mike Martz, former Rams offensive guru and since been a journeyman offensive coordinator. Martz has a history of two things: lots of passing, usually effective with a good quarterback, and a need for total control. Martz will have Jay Cutler, but few weapons around him, and he’ll be in charge of making sure Bears fans don’t quite turn on Jay Cutler yet.
Lions Add More Young Talent, On the Crest of “Playoff Contention Ready”
For almost 15 years now, the Lions have been “rebuilding”. As you can tell by it’s length, the rebuilding process has not gone well in the past. From the Joey Harrington bust to the receiver debacle that is of legend, the Lions have yet to be consistently out of the NFC North trenches.
But now, with a franchise quarterback who I think has All-Pro future on him in Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and other young receivers outside of him, rookie running back playmaker Jahvid Best, a solid offensive line, and a defense that features Ndamukong Suh and a host of other solid starters, they may have a chance to compete soon. Like, this season soon.
Projected Final Standings:
Minnesota Vikings – 11-5
While the injuries early on in the season with Harvin, Rice, Favre, and probably Peterson dealing with some sort of health issue, it could be a rough start. But the early bye week (week 4) should help them significantly in getting healthy and getting back into 2009 form. This offense has too many weapons and the defense has too many dynamic players to not make the playoffs, and I’d take their defense over the Packers offense this season, which could be the difference.
Green Bay Packers – 10-6
The Packers have been over rated in my books, but it’s still not easy to put them on the playoff cusp in the NFC North. I do think Aaron Rodgers will have a great season, but I think he’ll still be 3rd or 4th best in stats this year, around 3,800 yards and 28 touchdowns. Plus, the defense should be very solid as well, especially if Clay Matthews can continue to be impressive. But I don’t see them as a Super Bowl contending team, and the Vikings have the slight edge.
Detroit Lions – 8-8
While it’s weird to say because of the record, this could be the Lions “year”. They have been the NFC North doormat and almost an extra bye week (maybe more of a scrimmage) than a contender in this division for far too long. The offense still needs more seasoning and the defense still needs a few more playmakers to be playoff worthy, but I can see this team getting to a .500 record if they stay healthy, and maybe hurt one of the top team’s chances for the playoffs.
Chicago Bears – 8-8
The Bears really went for it this off-season, and I credit them. I think they understand that with one more disappointing season, the coach, GM, and other front office personnel could be on the outs. However, building a playoff team can’t happen in one off-season or with a few free agent signings. Peppers, Taylor, and Martz will make this team a contender early, but the lack of receivers and offensive line consistency will keep this team low in the division and maybe even last place.
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