Hottest Storylines That Will Impact the NFC North Race

The NFC North division belonged to the Green Bay Packers last season. The Pack ran away with the division title at 15-1, only to be upset by the New York Giants in the first round of the playoffs, joining the Detroit Lions as early playoff exits.

The Lions and Chicago Bears have their eyes set towards knocking the Packers from their perch atop the division this season, while the Vikings attempt to just become a factor in something other than the race for next year's first draft pick.

With that said, here's a look at some of the top storylines facing each NFC North team as OTAs get underway and training camps approach.

Chicago Bears

Without question, the darkest cloud hanging over the Chicago Bears as we head into summer is the uncertain status of starting running back Matt Forte, who has yet to sign his $7.7 million franchise tender and is seeking a long-term deal.

The Bears signed free agent running back Michael Bush to a $14 million contract in the offseason, potentially as insurance against Forte not reporting.

However, Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler is hopeful that the situation will be resolved, and the seventh-year pro told the Chicago Sun-Times that he doesn't expect Forte to miss any playing time this season.

"

Last time I saw him, he said he was lonely. I get it. Everyone was gone last year, with the lockout, and you do get that itch to get back in the office and see guys and work out. But Matt’s got to do what he’s got to do for him. Maybe they get a deal, maybe they don’t.

But at the end of the day, we’ll have him the first game. I rest easy at night knowing that Matt is a true professional and he’s going to come in and he’s not going to miss a beat.

"

Matt Forte has racked up over 6,000 total yards in his four years with the Bears, but he's also accrued over 1,200 total touches doing it, and last season's MCL injury showed just how easily running backs can be lost in the NFL.

However, Marc Sessler of NFL.com reported Tuesday that the Bears seem "content to sign [Forte] to one-year deals from now until the end."

That's far from what the former Tulane star has in mind, so at this point expect this impasse to drag on, at least until we near the July 15th deadline for players to sign their franchise tenders.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions' pass defense was absolutely shredded in their last two games a season ago, allowing nearly 950 yards combined in a regular season loss to the Green Bay Packers and a playoff defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Saints.

That made the cornerback position a point of emphasis in the offseason. All the team really accomplished in free agency was watching Eric Wright depart for Tampa Bay, which may have been addition by subtraction.

The Lions added a trio of defensive backs in April's draft, including third-round pick Dwight Bentley of Louisiana Lafayette, who had his share of struggles at Detroit's recent rookie minicamp according to the Detroit Free Press:

"

After one play in his first day in the NFL, Lions cornerback Dwight Bentley let a receiver get too much separation and make a catch in a seven-on-seven drill. Bentley slapped his hands together in frustration.

Then it happened again. Bentley slapped his hands. More frustration. Welcome to the NFL.

"

It's absolutely essential that one of the youngsters step up opposite veteran Chris Houston at cornerback, as the Detroit Lions' success in 2012 may well hinge on one of them making a quick transition.

Green Bay Packers

Turnovers may well have done in the Green Bay Packers in their postseason loss to the New York Giants last January, but their leaky defense was an issue all season long.

The Packers ranked dead last in the National Football League in total defense in 2011, allowing over 410 yards a game in the regular season.

The Packers used no fewer than six draft picks on the defensive side of the ball in the 2012 draft and are experimenting with a number of potential personnel move in an effort to improve defensively.

These moves include the possibility of moving veteran cornerback Charles Woodson to safety in light of the recent release of Nick Collins, and the 15th-year veteran recently told ESPN Radio that's he's not averse to making the switch if that's what best for the team.

"

I think that it comes down to what the other guys are going to be able to do as far as the cornerback position is concerned. If one of those guys can take over that role and make the plays that need to be made at corner … with Nick Collins leaving, [and if] they need me to play safety, I'm not opposed to that.

"

That sort of "team first" philosophy from team leaders is one of the things that make the Green Bay Packers one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. A retooled defense should place the Packers squarely among the league's elite teams again this season.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings had enough problems facing the team on the field after a disastrous 3-13 2011 season without having the threat of relocation and the constant distraction of a stadium saga hanging over their heads.

That made it a very happy day Monday for both the team and fans alike when Minnesota governor Mark Dayton signed a bill that paves the way for a new $975 million stadium for the Vikings.

That wasn't the only good news that the Vikings received this week. Running back Adrian Peterson's rehab from an ACL tear last December continues to proceed well.

While the team won't go so far as to guarantee that Peterson will be ready for opening day the sixth-year pro told the Associated Press (via The Salt Lake Tribune) that's he's decidedly more optimistic:

"

Peterson, though, left no doubt. One of the most optimistic and confident players in the NFL, Peterson said he’s set on playing from the start—and not in a limited role. "Full throttle," was his prediction.

"I’ll be disappointed if I’m not," Peterson said.

"

Granted, a new stadium isn't going to do the Vikings any good this year, and even with Peterson on the field, the Vikings aren't suddenly going to morph into a contending team.

Still, after a 3-13 season, you take the good news where you can get it.