Young Thinks He's Better Than Calvin Johnson & Other Less Insane NFC North News

Consider this the last word from former Detroit Lion Titus Young—the team just let go of a guy who is better than Calvin Johnson.

That's the way Young sees it, according to a portion of Dave Birkett's piece in the Detroit Free Press yesterday.

It's what he told an incredulous E.C. Robinson, who was his coach in high school.

"

“He did tell me he thought he was just as good Megatron,” Robinson recalled late last month. “I said, ‘Titus, come on.’ I said, ‘Come on, man. Who you talking to?’ I said, ‘Come on, you’re as good as that guy? This guy is the real deal.’ And he really believes this. And he was sincere about it. ‘Ah man, I’m better than him.’ I said, ‘No you’re not. Be real man. Come on.’ So I don’t know, I’m hoping for the best for him.”

"

Which, altogether, is what not just Young's issue is, but many young players as well. All their lives, players have been told they are the best—the best of the best, in fact.

Then they hit the NFL and suddenly it's not true—or if we're being real, more not true because a fair amount of players were not really the best even in college, but that's another topic.

I had a friend who was brilliant—smartest guy I had ever and have ever met. Coasted through high school with no problem, without requiring even a minimal effort. He was that much smarter than everyone around him.

And then he went to a college where everyone was the smartest at their high school—and it wasn't easy and he wasn't the best anymore, and that just didn't compute. So he imploded.

Just like Young.

One hopes that in the end, Young's "career near-death experience" (as fellow Bleacher Report and Footballguys writer Sigmund Bloom calls it) wakes him up and gets him in a better mindset. One where he can eventually fulfill the tremendous promise he has.

But the statement above makes you wonder if he will ever truly "get it."

We don't need to debate if Young is as good as or better than Johnson, because it's obvious.

It should be to Young as well.

On to the rest of the NFC North.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Tribune's David Haugh says the Bears can learn a thing or two from the champion Baltimore Ravens. 

ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson takes a look at potential free-agent defensive ends the Bears might want to look at.

Detroit Lions

With all of the free agents who could leave this offseason, the Lions will be looking for Ronnell Lewis next year, according to Tim Twentyman at DetroitLions.com.

The Free Press' Dave Birkett says that when you compare the Lions with either the Ravens or Niners, Detroit has a lot of work to do.

Green Bay Packers

Bleacher Report's Bob Fox gives you his take on the biggest priorities for the Packers this offseason.

Kareem Copeland of NFL.com talks about what could have been with the Packers and Ray Lewis. 

Minnesota Vikings

ESPN 1500's Tom Pelissero and Judd Zulgad have posted a video breaking down the biggest issue the Vikings have on offense.

The Daily Norseman's Ted Glover had a couple of posts yesterday and today breaking down the 2013 team needs. Monday had him look at the offense, and Tuesday he looks at the special teams and defense.

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