Black and Blue Divison Turning Glitzy

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After years of being depicted as a division of stodgy, ground-controlled running attacks and dominant defenses, the NFC North is rapidly becoming the playground for strong-armed, gun-slinging quarterbacks. 

The Bears’ blockbuster trade for Jay Cutler and the Lions’ selection of Matthew Stafford as the top overall draft pick, coupled with Aaron Rodgers' presence in Green Bay, has turned this once conservative group into potentially, a wide-open aerial circus.

If Brett Favre, as many expect, announces his un-retirement, the “black and blue” division will arguably boast as fine a quarterback quartet as any in the NFL.

The offseason maneuvers should make for an interesting division race. The defending champion Vikings return a solid nucleus, led by standout RB Adrian Petersen, sack artist Jared Allen, and defenders Pat and Kevin Williams.

Minnesota’s key additions include the acquisition of quarterback Sage Rosenfels and the first round selection of speedy wide receiver Percy Harvin, the former Florida Gator. Harvin possesses game-breaking abilities, but is considered a character risk due to his litany of off-field miscues.

Viking coach Brad Childress will be under the gun to deliver a deep playoff run to meet ownership and fan expectations.  The play at the QB position, with or without Favre, along with the development of Harvin, should provide the key to Minnesota’s hopes. One other potential distraction to monitor is the current “starcaps” case involving Pat & Kevin Williams. The duo could be forced to sit out the season’s first four contests, a potentially damaging blow to the Vikes title  hopes.

Chicago enters the ’09 campaign with a radically changed offensive look. Jay Cutler settles in as the Bears' signal caller following one of the biggest trades in NFL history.  The trade for Cutler should provide the Bears with long-term stability at the position, while also improving short-term prospects for an energized passing attack. 

Cutler’s weapons won’t resemble his former Denver mates, but the hope is that the exciting Devin Hester, reliable tight end tandem of Greg Olsen and Desmond Clark, and the emergence of either Earl Bennett, rookie Juaquin Iglesias, or as of yet to be signed veteran wideout can solidify the receiving corps. 

Not to be forgotten, second year man Matt Forte will once again be counted on to carry the Bears running game and provide a pass catching threat out of the backfield.  Forte was a rock in ’08, leading the team in rushing yards and receptions, while seeing the field for 85 percent of Chicago’s offensive plays.

The Bears' other notable offseason addition was left tackle and former Pro Bowler Orlando Pace. If healthy, Pace will anchor Chicago’s offensive line and protect Cutler.

Defensively, the Bears have question marks in the secondary and must hope that veteran Tommie Harris regains his form of a couple seasons ago. Chicago has become increasingly susceptible to giving up big plays on defense, and this unit must bounce back for the Bears to once again become factors in ’09.

Green Bay looks to bounce back following last season’s disappointing 6-10 record. Though the Pack faltered, Aaron Rodgers played well after getting the keys to the Green Bay offense. 

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