Reaction to Today's Hottest Issue for Every NFC North Team, February 7 Edition

The NFL is a year-round endeavor, with pressing issues coming up for every team throughout the course of the offseason. Whether it's free agency, the draft or off-field incidents, there's always something to talk about. Here are my takes on today's top stories in the NFC North.

The Chicago Bears Try to Ease the Pain of a Rebuilding Year, Hire Jay Cutler's Former Broncos QB Coach, Jeremy Bates

With a new offensive coordinator and general manager, things may change significantly for the Chicago Bears this offseason. However, whatever transition quarterback Jay Cutler has to make will be that much easier, as the Bears have hired his former Denver Broncos QBs coach Jeremy Bates to perform the same duties in Chicago.

There has been no confirmation that Bates will be the team's passing game coordinator, though many believed their hire at the position would also include play calling duties.

While in Chicago, Cutler has spoken highly of Bates and reportedly lobbied for the team to make him their new offensive coordinator, before the team ultimately promoted offensive line coach Mike Tice to the position last month.

The Bears now have their third offensive coordinator in four years, which is never particularly helpful to a quarterback. But with a familiar face to coach him along, Cutler and Chicago's offense as a whole are in much better shape than most other teams would be in this situation.

The Green Bay Packers are Intent on Keeping Tight Ends Coach Ben McAdoo Around

According to the NFL Network's Jason La Canfora (via the Green Bay Press-Gazette), the Green Bay Packers have denied permission for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to interview tight ends coach Ben McAdoo for their offensive coordinator position.

They also denied the Miami Dolphins' request to interview him for the same vacancy last month, and former Packers head coach Mike Sherman ultimately ended up with the job.

McAdoo, who is thought to be moving up to quarterbacks coach after Tom Clements was promoted to offensive coordinator, has been one of many on the Packers' staff mentioned to fill many assistant and coordinator roles around the league.

Despite the glut of interest, the Packers have managed only to lose offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, who is now the Dolphins' head coach.

The last thing the Packers need after a 15-1 season that saw them fall short of the Super Bowl is a coaching shakeup; apparently, they are staving off the offers quite handily.

What Can the Minnesota Vikings Do to Decrease the Impact of Being Without RB Adrian Peterson?

Adrian Peterson's complete tear of his ACL and MCL in Week 16 is the very definition of a nightmare for a Minnesota Vikings team that heavily relied on the star running back's production.

Though his recovery is on schedule and Peterson is holding out hope to be ready as early as the first week of the regular season, the reality is that he's likely sidelined until at least the halfway point of the season. 

That means the Vikings have some serious decisions to make when it comes to their approach to free agency and the 2012 draft.

While it seems both expensive and too reactionary for the team to use their No. 4 overall pick on Alabama running back Trent Richardson rather than sorely-needed USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, as the days tick by the team might see Richardson both as a perfect fill-in for Peterson as a rookie and the heir apparent to fill his significant shoes. 

Toby Gerhart and Percy Harvin could prove a serviceable combo for the Vikings while Peterson tries to get back on the field. But the injury has highlighted that the team might need more depth at the position—as well as significant improvements to their pass game.

Minnesota will have to play both the draft and free agency quite intelligently if they are to overcome this major setback.

How will the Detroit Lions Work to Improve their Running Game?

Although the New York Giants winning the Super Bowl while fielding the 32nd-ranked rushing game this season seems to indicate that a team can win it all without a major component of their offense playing well, the Detroit Lions shouldn't rely on this approach to carry them in 2012.

The Lions ranked 29th in rushing yards per game this season, averaging 95.2. They had a number of injuries at the running back position this year, starting with 2011 draft pick Mikel Leshoure being lost for the season before it even began.

In addition, veteran Jahvid Best suffered yet another concussion in Week 6 that saw him sidelined for the remainder of the year, and former Lion Kevin Smith was brought back to the team only to suffer a high ankle sprain that cost him a game.

Of those backs, Smith's and Best's futures are in the most jeopardy. Smith is an unrestricted free agent this year and his history of injuries might prevent the team from extending him a new deal.

Best's multiple concussions could spell the end of his career, and if he does remain active next season he will likely see his playing time diminished as a precaution.

It seems like poor strategy for the Lions to draft yet another running back in 2012, but the need is there. It's unclear what impact a healthy Leshoure will make for the team, and Keiland Williams and Joique Bell might not have what it takes to be true, every-down backs either.

Whether they draft a new back, acquire a veteran free agent or make no moves at the position, one thing is clear—for the Lions to remain competitive in the NFC North, they'll need to run the ball more effectively.

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