Saturday, September 02, 2006
NFC North
NFC North preview
Chicago: The Bears are easily the class of the division. They have arguably the NFL's best defense, meaning they can grind out lots of low scoring wins. Linebacker Brian Urlacher is the leader of the defense, and is a run-stopping force out on the field. The offense will probably be commanded by QB Rex Grossman, who was injured for most of last year but returned at the end of the season. His performance was questionable as the Bears lost their only playoff game. Muhsin Muhammad is Chicago's only noteworthy receiver, but the Bears do boast a good running attack with Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones sharing duties. 11-5
Detroit: Many people thought that the Lions would turn the corner last year and have a winning season, but instead they tanked it and coach Steve Mariucci got fired while QB Joey Harrington was cut loose. They brought in former Rams coach Mike Martz as offensive co-ordinator and journeyman QB Jon Kitna in hopes of righting the ship. The defense is suspect, so the Lions will need the offense to step up, and that means some better than average performances from key players. 7-9
Minnesota: The Vikings come into 2006 with a new look team. QB Brad Johnson, who started most of last year after former QB Daunte Culpepper was injured, will be in charge from the get-go, while the Vikings also have a new coach in Brad Childress. Johnson managed to get Minnesota back into the playoff hunt last year, but he is in his late 30's so it's uncertain how much gas he has left in teh tank. RB Chester Taylor is also a newcomer and needs to have a breakout season if the offense is going to succeed, due to a hopelessly thin receiving corps. The defense is solid thanks to their ability to intercept so many passes, but that wont be enough to make up for what could be a lacklustre offense. 6-10
Green Bay: Aging QB Brett Favre has decided to come back for one last kick at the can, but he may regret that decision by mid season when Green Bay is out of the playoff picture. The Packer defense has a few name players, but as a whole is not overly impressive. But the fact that the other three teams in their division look like they'll have lousy offenses could be a saving grace. RB Ahman Green should start the year healthy and is capable of big numbers, but fumbles far too frequently. With WRs Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson and tight end Bubba Franks, Favre should at least have a few reliable targets, but in recent years he has begun to throw more and more costly interceptions. 4-12
Chicago: The Bears are easily the class of the division. They have arguably the NFL's best defense, meaning they can grind out lots of low scoring wins. Linebacker Brian Urlacher is the leader of the defense, and is a run-stopping force out on the field. The offense will probably be commanded by QB Rex Grossman, who was injured for most of last year but returned at the end of the season. His performance was questionable as the Bears lost their only playoff game. Muhsin Muhammad is Chicago's only noteworthy receiver, but the Bears do boast a good running attack with Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones sharing duties. 11-5
Detroit: Many people thought that the Lions would turn the corner last year and have a winning season, but instead they tanked it and coach Steve Mariucci got fired while QB Joey Harrington was cut loose. They brought in former Rams coach Mike Martz as offensive co-ordinator and journeyman QB Jon Kitna in hopes of righting the ship. The defense is suspect, so the Lions will need the offense to step up, and that means some better than average performances from key players. 7-9
Minnesota: The Vikings come into 2006 with a new look team. QB Brad Johnson, who started most of last year after former QB Daunte Culpepper was injured, will be in charge from the get-go, while the Vikings also have a new coach in Brad Childress. Johnson managed to get Minnesota back into the playoff hunt last year, but he is in his late 30's so it's uncertain how much gas he has left in teh tank. RB Chester Taylor is also a newcomer and needs to have a breakout season if the offense is going to succeed, due to a hopelessly thin receiving corps. The defense is solid thanks to their ability to intercept so many passes, but that wont be enough to make up for what could be a lacklustre offense. 6-10
Green Bay: Aging QB Brett Favre has decided to come back for one last kick at the can, but he may regret that decision by mid season when Green Bay is out of the playoff picture. The Packer defense has a few name players, but as a whole is not overly impressive. But the fact that the other three teams in their division look like they'll have lousy offenses could be a saving grace. RB Ahman Green should start the year healthy and is capable of big numbers, but fumbles far too frequently. With WRs Donald Driver and Robert Ferguson and tight end Bubba Franks, Favre should at least have a few reliable targets, but in recent years he has begun to throw more and more costly interceptions. 4-12
