Links to the Best in NFC North Coverage, April 10th, 2012 Edition

I hope this morning is finding you well. As I move my stuff from one apartment to another, apparently the NFL did not see my request for a week off so I could move.

I DID get an early birthday email from the league so, that makes up for it. Thanks Uncle Rog!

On with today's prime cuts of news.

Detroit Lions

DetroitLions.com writer Tim Twentyman has some quotes from Lions President Tom Lewand where he draws on his own experiences and points out that while mistakes happen, players and team officials are held to a higher standard.

Meanwhile, Justin Rogers of MLive.com reported that Calvin Johnson might not be taking his Madden cover bid as seriously as some other players. If you believe in the Madden Curse, well I'm sure you're hoping Megatron tanks it. We can all agree that a Patriot like Rob Gronkowksi winning it and cursing the team would be fine by us.


Minnesota Vikings

Star Tribune writer Eric Roper (come and knock on our dooooooor!) has the latest news on the Vikings' new stadium. Having lived through this several times when I was in Los Angeles, all I can say to Minnesotans is to keep breathing and find something else to do until the city council meets on April 24. Even if the vote is yes, keep in mind that it's a long process.

Bleacher Report's own Bryan Manning has a nice piece on players in April's Draft who can fill the Vikings' three biggest needs.


Chicago Bears

The USA Today reported (complete with color charts!) that former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon is being sued federal authorities due to his ties with a now failed bank.

Sorry about the last news blurb...there were no multicolor charts. I lied.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune wrote that while offseason workouts will begin soon, nobody expects Matt Forte to show up, as he has not signed his franchise tender and there appears to be no progress being made.

Let me go over this. You tagged a guy who wants a show of faith and to be rewarded for his hard work. You've made no real effort to extend him the contract that he really wants. So, he won't show up.

Hmm.

For my reaction, please see the video to the right.


Green Bay Packers

The Railbird Central podcast has two great interviews regarding the Packers and the upcoming NFL Draft. One with Draftcountdown.com's Scott Wright and a second with NFL.com's Chad Reuter.

Finally, Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette argued that with offseason workouts resuming next week, things seem to have finally returned to 100 percent normal post-Lockout. I say 'seems' because Demovsky says it's really anything but.