There's the All-Pro selections, then the Pro-Bowl selections, and now, it's the NFC North division selections.
People on this list didn't necessarily have to play in the NFC North last season, just that they are part of a team in the division right now.
Here's the final list of players who make the NFC North's version of the All-Pro selections, their 2008 stats, and their projected 2009 stats!
Quarterbacks
1) Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
2008 stats: 4,038 yards, 28 TD, 13 INT, 341-536 63.6% completions
Projected 2009: 3,648 yards, 25 TD, 14 INT, 311-501 62.1% completions
Aaron is an up-and-coming quarterback in the NFL. Though many Packer fans may blame Rodgers for a loss or two last season, he was more productive than quarterbacks like Eli Manning and Donovan McNabb last season.
Expect him to have another great season, but maybe less so productive. People are going to be ready for Rodgers this season.
2) Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)
2008 stats: 4,526 yards, 25 TD, 18 INT, 384-616 62.3% completions
Projected 2009: 3,420 yards, 20 TD, 19 INT, 309-502 61.6% completions
Cutler had it made last season with Marshall and Royal catching, but he won't have that luxury in Chicago. He's still a great quarterback, but his first year in Chicago may be a little rough.
He has Forte now to help carry some of the load. He doesn't need to throw the ball 600 plus times to help out his team. You can't expect numbers like 2008, but you can still expect a solid season regardless of who is catching the ball. Quarterbacks make receivers after all.
Running Backs
1) Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
2008 stats: 1,760 yards, 10 TD, 363 carries, 4.8 YPC, 9 fumbles
Projected 2009: 1,632 yards, 14 TD, 314 carries, 5.2 YPC, 4 fumbles
He's the best running back in the game. As long as the Vikings utilize their passing attack, Peterson shouldn't get so worn down like he did at the end of last season when his fumbling problems broke out.
He splits time with Taylor who saw a decreasing role last season, but expect Taylor to get a few more carries in place of Peterson. Who knows, maybe newcomer Percy Harvin may get a few carries.
2) Matt Forte (Chicago Bears)
2008 stats: 1,238 yards, 8 TD, 316 carries, 3.9 YPC, 1 fumble
Projected 2009: 1,281 yards, 12 TD, 301 carries, 4.3 YPC, 2 fumbles
There will be no "sophomore slump" for this kid. He's an animal. I compare him to a slower version of Reggie Bush except this kid can actually run a football from a handoff. He's deadly with the ball.
He caught a ton of passes last season, something that he likely won't do this season with a gun slinger in front of him. He will be vital to this teams' success. If Forte can keep improving, this offense could be deadly.
3) Kevin Smith (Detroit Lions)
2008 stats: 976 yards, 8 TD, 238 carries, 4.1 YPC, 2 fumbles
Projected 2009 stats: 1,211 yards, 10 TD, 288 carries, 4.2 YPC, 4 fumbles
He was a rookie last season who didn't really get the recognition he deserved because he played for the worst team in NFL history. He quietly racked up some great yardage behind a terrible offensive line.
With a new and improved quarterback at the helm (whether it be Culpepper or Stafford), the Lions should be able to utilize Smith more this season. He may not make the Pro Bowl, but he just may surprise some people.
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