Heading into the 2006 NFL season, the NFC North appears to be one of the weaker divisions in the league, if not the weakest. Three of the four teams are facing big transition, and they all have serious questions to address.
Teams around the league are beginning to break camp as I write this, and after getting a small peak at each team in the preseason, I've begun to rethink my feelings on the NFC North... as far as the second, third, and fourth teams go anyway. Here’s how I see the division shaking out:
1. Chicago Bears
While the rest of the NFC North is muddling through the transition a new coaching staff brings, the Chicago Bears have the luxury of returning the same staff and bringing back starters at all 22 positions. They also hope to finally have the services of promising young QB Rex Grossman, whose short NFL career has been defined by injuries. And in case the unthinkable happens and Grossman continues his brittle existence, the Bears added some insurance in veteran signal-caller Brian Griese, so it's not likely they'll have to rely on the services of a rookie again this year.
Much has been said regarding the Bears lack of attention paid to the offensive side of the ball during the draft, but what many people forget is that nearly the entire 2005 draft was dedicated to offense. And the Bears hope to draw dividends from that class this year. Both RB Cedric Benson (No. 4 overall) and WR Mark Bradley (second round) showed good potential in limited action, and could be poised to be big contributors.
Defensively, the Bears shouldn't miss a beat. Their secondary was exposed somewhat in last year's playoffs, but the group was upgraded through free agency and the draft. The Bears also appear to have upgraded their return game, which was one of the few weak spots the team had in '05. Read more...
2. Detroit Lions
The 2006 version of the Lions features a new coaching staff and a new starting quarterback (or two). But the same questions of unfulfilled potential remain at wide receiver and, to a certain extent, running back.
Veteran Jon Kitna was a nice addition and could potentially do for the Lions what he did for the Bengals a couple years back, leading the team to respectability and paving the way for the next great hope at QB. But the Lions offensive line has to figure out how to pass block or neither Kitna nor the also-recently-acquired Josh McCown will have a chance to turn this franchise in the right direction.
There's no question the Lions have talent. But for a variety of reasons, that talent hasn't translated into production between the white lines. There are numerous guys on the roster you could mention as potential break-out players... Roy Williams, Kevin Jones, and perhaps even Kitna behind the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Mike Martz (who has a history of turning afterthoughts into quality NFL quarterbacks). But if the Lions hope to finally challenge for the NFC North crown, these guys have got to get the job done on a consistent basis. Read more...
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are another team facing a big transition this year. Owner Zygi Wilf brought in a new coaching staff, led by former Eagles' offensive coordinator Brad Childress, and new systems are being installed on both sides of the ball. So there are questions as to how quickly all these guys can come together. And there's also a big concern with the lack of depth at quarterback behind the 38-year-old Brad Johnson. Make no mistake. The Vikings have the talent to make a run in the weak NFC North, but if we see much of Mike McMahon this year, the Vikings aren't likely to land above .500 this season.
The Vikings are a little bit snake bitten at this time as well, having already lost safety Tank Williams, who was signed as a free agent during the offseason, and rookie linebacker Chad Greenway, a first-round draft pick, for the entire season. And now there are questions about Koren Robinson's future with the club. Read more...
4. Green Bay Packers
Time and time again I've seen the Packers ranked among the worst teams in the league in the various power rankings around the league. And while at this point I realize the team has a lot of questions to answer, I don't think they are quite as hideous as most people think.
Yes, there are huge concerns with the interior of the offensive line and the health of the running backs. Yes, Brett Favre had the definitive look of a guy on the downside of his career last season. But keep in mind this team, which lost a lot of close ball games last year, will be getting back a lot of their walking wounded, whose loss last season helped fuel the club's downfall.
I look for them to struggle again, while battling the Lions and Vikings for second in the division. They'll be competitive, but I don't foresee a playoff appearance this season. Read more...