Welcome to the Third Edition of the Black and Blue Wrap Up. Here is our lineup of writers: Zach Kruse with the Packers, Keith Shelton with the Lions, and Tom Krems with the Bears will also be moderating these discussions. Andy Smith for the Vikings was unable to join us do to a family emergency, so please keep him in your thoughts.
Was the Packers' 37-3 win over the Bears a sign of Green Bay's strengths or of Chicago's weaknesses?
ZK- I'm going to say the Packers' strengths. The Bears came in as one of the best run defenses statistically, but Green Bay had their way running the ball all afternoon. I think you'll start to see the Packers running the ball more successfully from here on out, a la 2007.
But it wasn't just the running game that played well Sunday. Rodgers and the passing department showed again how potent they can be, and the Packers pass defense continues to be one of the league's best. Green Bay is the division's most balanced team, and that was on full display against the Bears.
KS- I would have to say Green Bay’s strengths. The Packers relied on their strong passing game and defense. The Packers secondary shut down Chicago’s passing game and they again scored a touchdown on defense on an Orton fumble return.
Forte was held to under 100 total yards and without a touchdown. Meanwhile, Ryan Grant had a big game to reinvigorate their rushing attack which had been MIA for most of this season.
TK- You have to say it was Chicago’s weaknesses hands down. Not to take anything away from Green Bay, but Rodgers had subpar numbers with a pick and who would have though the Bears would give up 200 yards rushing. I guess you could say the Bears rush D could only hold the team up for so long.
The Lions showed some fight Sunday by almost nipping the Panthers on the road. Do you think Detroit wins a game in 2008?
ZK- They'll definitely win a game. Who knows which one, but this team isn't done fighting. Culpepper gives them some stability and leadership at the quarterback position, and if the Lions can manage to play even average defense, they'll knock someone off.
That last game at Lambeau scares me. The Lions could be sitting at 0-15, and the Packers will most likely be still fighting for the division crown. That's a lot of pressure on the Pack, so that final game could be interesting.
KS- I do think the Lions will win a game this season. Daunte Culpepper pretty much assures them of at least one win. Although they’re going to have to do it by simply outscoring the opposition because that defense can’t be counted on to stop anything.
At 0-10 now, I can’t point to anyone remaining on the schedule as being a good chance for victory. It’s probably going to come in a week where we don’t expect it. (Tennessee?) At any rate, after watching the offense continuously improve, I’m all but certain they’ll spoil the 0-16 party before it gets started.
TK- I agree with Keith; the remaining schedule for the Lions is not easy. But I would look for them to try and play spoiler to a team like the Titans. I think the NFC North winner will depend on the outcome of the remaining games Detroit has between the Vikings and Green Bay. To answer the question, yes, Detroit will win a game.
The Bears, Vikings, and Packers are all tied for the lead in the NFC North. Dissect each of the teams' remaining schedule from here on out and decide which has the easiest path to the division crown.
ZK- I'd say the Bears. Green Bay gets tough games with Carolina, New Orleans, and Jacksonville. If the Packers play anyone near the level they did Sunday, however, they'll finish the season 11-5. No team on Green Bay's remaining slate of games can beat the Packers when they're that good.
Minnesota has, by far, the hardest remaining schedule, with tilts against the Giants, Falcons, and Cardinals. With both Williams' and possibly both starting defensive ends on the brink of suspension (Jared Allen and Ray Edwards), the Vikes are in trouble.
Chicago doesn't have a team with a winning record on its remaining schedule, so they may still have a run in them.
KS- I hate answering this question, because in a competitive division, filled with parity, the Lions again are living on the moon looking in. Anyway, it’s looking pretty good for Chicago to take it.
They get a couple gimmie’s against St. Louis and Houston. Jacksonville and New Orleans are both possible victories as well, making Chicago’s biggest remaining test—you guessed it, the Packers.
Green Bay, of course, has practically the same remaining schedule with the only exceptions being Carolina and Detroit. That last game between Chicago and Green Bay will likely decide the division. Minnesota will fade down the stretch, with their final three games against Arizona, Atlanta, and the NY Giants.
TK- Here is how I see it playing out, and I think it will be very dramatic. Chicago will probably go 5-1 down the stretch, with Houston, St. Louis, Minnesota, and Jacksonville as wins and the loss to the Saints.
The fifth win will be at home in Week 16 against Green Bay. Now, I think the Packers will go 4-1 in their next five games with the loss to the Bears. If that happens, it will come down to week 17 to decide the division winner, with Detroit going to Green Bay. If Detroit can pull off that win, Chicago would have the best record in the division at 10-6.
Continue to next page for individual team reports
comments (12) write a comment »
write a new comment
about 1 month ago
Zach, Keith, and Andy. Great Job again guys!!! This is working out great.
from about 1 month ago
Agreed.
about 1 month ago
Fantastic work, short and sweet.
I actually read it all. LOL.
Zach, you need to stop spreading this 11-5 rubbish. If anyone played like we did last week, EVERY WEEK of course they would win every game.
I say 9-7 possibly 10-6.
Where are the Vikings? Oh thats right...crying because they let another game go right through their hands...LOL...
from about 1 month ago
I know, I might be getting a little too high after the win—but in my defense, I wrote that Sunday night, so I was still a little jacked up after the win.
from about 1 month ago
A little?
Thats alright, I would love for the Packers to go 11-5, but I simply don't think we can beat the Panthers.
from about 1 month ago
If the Lions can take that team down to the wire, anything is possible there! Check out their last two games—they've been awful against the two of the leagues two worst teams.
Can I spread the 10-6 rubbish? :)
from about 1 month ago
Thanks David, this division is always hard to predict what will happen.
from about 1 month ago
I won't rule out 10-6. It is attainable with our talent, we just need to stop committing so many penalties and the offense needs to stay on the field longer to give our defense a rest.
Spread the 10-6 away Zach
about 1 month ago
Hey guys, good job here. Keith, are you finally coming around on the Culpepper signing. It'll be nice having you alongside me on the bandwagon.
I agree with you guys that the Bears have to be the favorite to win the division if you look at the upcoming schedules for all the teams.
from about 1 month ago
Great job guys, this looks awesome.
I like Culpepper Scott, I just don't like how the Lions are using him. He will continue to improve in our offense though, and I think he's going to win a game for us before the season's over.
Next year, he could be a great quarterback for the team and aid in the rebuilding process.
So...yeah I guess I have one foot on the bandwagon and one foot dragging in the dirt.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Scott.
about 1 month ago
The NFC North is playing horrible. Everybody points out that the NFC South is tough, but that is because the North is 2-8 against them, (Bears are 0-3, Packers 0-2, Vikings 2-1, Lions 0-2). Saying the Packers are going to win out is very wishful thinking, as they have two more games against the South.
The Packers win over the Bears was the first time the Bears lost by more than a TD. Neither the Bears defense nor offense seemed to show up at that game, so look for them to bounce back. This division will come down to the very last game. The Vikings quit handing the ball off to Peterson in the 4th quarter against the Bucaneers for some reason and they failed to mount a come back. The week before they road him the 4th quarter to beat the Packers. Strange coaching. The Lions, well, they are just bad.
write a new comment