NFC North Outlook: Packers On Top As Vikings Get Older and Bears Find Their Way

NFC North Outlook

By: Derek Crouse

   As the season changes, it means that the NFL season is officially underway. Although some teams will be in the hunt come December, other teams will be wondering what order they will be in the draft. There are some teams that will look to improve on last year’s performance and show the parity that the NFL is known for. Initially, every franchise has a chance but by week 4 many teams will show their true colors. The NFC North has many questions regarding who will overtake the top spot.

   The Minnesota Vikings, who are led again by Brett Favre have some new chinks in their armor. Sidney Rice will be out for approximately 6 weeks with hamstring problems. He was the biggest deep threat for the Vikings in 2009. Also Percy Harvin is having reoccurring problems with migraine headaches that hamper his performance. Sleep apnea is apparently to blame but a lone road trip could make that turn up again. There are also questions about Adrian Peterson’s fumbling problems, which cost them an opportunity to reach the Super Bowl.

   The offensive line is one the largest and most physical in the league, however they are starting to show their age. The defensive line brings tons of pressure with Jared Allen and the Williams Wall of Kevin and Pat. Teams could look to throw the ball against the Vikings because of their suspect pass defense. All three other offenses in the division run a range of heavy passing schemes. The Vikings are going to have to adapt from the style they worked with last year.

   The Green Bay Packers look to be one of the best teams in the NFC. Aaron Rodgers is quickly becoming one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. He has a group of wide receivers that are top notch and tight ends that are improving as well. Ryan Grant can block on 3^rd down and is adept at receiving out of the backfield. Since Grant is injured for the year, Brandon Jackson will look to carry the load and try to imitate the success of Grants consistent play Green Bay has so many weapons and will look to score on every drive.

   Green Bay’s defense was ranked in the top five a year before. They switched to a 3-4, which makes them flexible against any type of offense. With experienced veterans in the secondary and young talented linebackers like Clay Matthews, the defense will thrive as they did in 2009. With another year of the 3-4 under their belts, exotic blitzes will look to confuse and offense at all angles and situations.

   The Chicago Bears have so many issues. Will the new offense be the right fit for the skill players they have? While they have speedy wideouts, do they have the route running to hit precise spots on the field? Jay Cutler is also becoming accustomed to passing to spots on the field and not just to the receiver calling for the ball. The offensive line looks lackluster and the offense is blueprinted to have less blockers on the line. Jay Cutler could be a human piñata if the line doesn’t come together and give him some time.

   With the acquisition of Julius Peppers, the front line looks to improve on the pass rush that seemed absent last year. If Peppers plays to his level, he could be the top defensive end in the NFL again. Having Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs healthy will help to stuff the run and cover the flats, but teams will almost certainly look to pass against the Bears who have a secondary that could be exploited every down. If the defense doesn’t live up to it’s parts, Lovie Smith might be looking for another job next year.

   The Detroit Lions are the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford is entering his second year and looks to improve his skills with receivers like Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson. His stock is rising and the grit he shows on the field cannot be taught. His injury will hold back the development of the team offense but players will look to step up in his absence. Rookie running back Jahvid Best will get a lot of carries this year and will be the number one back. He has potential to be a big-play threat with his explosive first step. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew will be a security blanket for the sophomore quarterback as well later in the season.

   The defense is rebuilding with crafty veterans and young talent. Number two pick Ndamukong Suh will be a dominant defensive player for years to come. Most teams will likely have to double-team him due to his size and speed. The Lions also picked up Kyle Vanden Bosch who was a prominent player in Tennessee. Can Vanden Bosch help teach younger players the nuances of the defensive line position that he was so successful with? The Lions are improving but a playoff spot is not likely this year.

   The NFC North will have to face the AFC East and the NFC East this year. Will the teams have success against the likes of the Patriots, Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, and Redskins? Only time will tell who will come out of the division. Depending on the Vikings health, Packers defense, and the Bears adaptation to the offense, the NFC North could be up for grabs still come Thanksgiving