NFC North Preview
Just when you've had enough of Brett Favre, it's time to talk more about Brett Favre, Brett Favre's current team, and Brett Favre's former one. I just like typing Brett Favre, kind of like John Madden and ESPN love to say it.
GREEN BAY PACKERS (projected record: 10-6)TOP NEWS
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It seems as if everyone is writing off the Packers due to the absence of the Great One. Bad idea. Green Bay's defense emerged as one of the best in the NFC a season ago, and if the offense falters, is more than capable of carrying this team. And the offense won't falter because I believe Rodgers has the tools necessary to be an adequate (but not equal) replacement for Favre. When healthy, his skill position players are amongst the best in the league. Assuming Rodgers doesn't prove to be the bust that fellow first-round California QB Kyle Boller turned out to be, the Packers should still be the favorite in this division, although they won't win it as convincingly as a season ago. Minnesota has more unanswered questions, while Chicago and Detroit are downright awful.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (9-7)Minnesota seems to be a popular pick to be a force not only in the North but for the NFC crown as well. That very well may happen, butTavaris Jackson must find some consistency. Some plays he looks like he gets it, others he makes mistakes that even you or I would avoid. If Jackson doesn't show the necessary improvements, defenses will focus their efforts on AP and the Vikings offense will be all but anemic. The run defense remains the gold standard in the NFL, and the addition of Jared Allen gives them a much needed pass rush. Minnesota won't have to score much, but they can't have the QB giving up freebie points via turnovers. Jackson's performance will dictate this team's final record, and I am not sold that he can lead this talented team to anything beyond a wild card berth.
CHICAGO BEARS (6-10)Da Bears enter another season with either Rex Grossman or Kyle Orton at quarterback, and failing to address the obvious need at the position via the draft could doom this team to a second straight poor campaign. Turning to the run game to take some of the pressure off the QB may be hairy as well, seeing how an unknown rookie is going to be asked to carry much of the load. If Chicago has any chance of returning to the postseason, the defense must play lights out. What was a strength in the Super Bowl campaign two years back was a weakness in 2007. Staying healthy, especially up front and in the defensive backfield, will be key. This is a team that was in a prime position just two short years ago, but could very well be among the worst in the league in 2008.
DETROIT LIONS (4-12)
When Matt Millen took over the Lions in 2001, this franchise was a mess. Seven years later, and it is arguably in worse shape than when he took over. Mike Martz is out of the picture as offensive coordinator, so Detroit is going to take a more smash-mouth approach, but if it is successful or not all depends on the suspect offensive line. That should take a lot of pressure off of Kitna, but approaching 36, his best days are behind him. Marinelli is a defensive guru, yet the Lions gave up the most YPG and PPG in the NFL a year ago. Even with improvements to the secondary, the lack of a pass rush will create a lot of long days for the unit. With all of the questions on both sides of the ball, it looks like more of the same in the Motor City in 2008. Millen may be on the firing block this time however.
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