NFL Preview: NFC North
http://www.atomicsportsmedia.com/articles/886/1/NFL-Preview-NFC-North/Chicago-Bears-2006-13-3.html
The Editor
By The Editor
Published on 08/12/2007
Chicago Bears (2006: 13-3)
CEDRIC TAKES CHICAGO
by Jim Ludes
Benson gets his chance to be the feature back in '07, and Chicago's O
may only go as far as he carries it
The Chicago Bears are coming off their most successful season in two decades. However, like 30 other teams, they fell short of the ultimate goal. That goal, of course, is to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end -- not watch Peyton Manning do it. This season’s Bears look to be very similar to the team that took to Soldier Field’s turf a year ago.
The Bears are favored by many to be among the NFC’s top-contending teams this season as well, and rightfully so. They have inked up Nathan Vasher and Charles “Peanut” Tillman at the cornerback spots for the foreseeable future and have franchise-tagged Lance Briggs in at linebacker with the promise to not give him the same designation next offseason if he plays 75 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Add a healthy Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher and the rest of the supporting cast and you have one of, if not the, best defenses in the whole league.
Offense will be the biggest question mark for the team, like a year ago. The first, biggest and most consistent question will be about quarterback Rex Grossman. When Rex is on, he’s a cannon-armed young star of the league. When he’s not, he’s as woefully bad as you’ve ever seen playing professionally. The Bears need him to be consistent more often than not, and preferably just more often. Cedric Benson was given the job as the team’s No.1 back by default when the team traded away Thomas Jones to the Jets.
Special Teams, often an overlooked facet of football, will be another bright spot for Chicago this season. Robbie Gould and Brad Maynard are among the league’s most reliable kickers and punters, respectively. Last year’s surprise phenom, Devin Hester, will be back returning kicks and punts. It’s highly doubtful that he will take six to the house again, but his mere presence will aid the Bears greatly in field position battles. Hester also has been working this offseason with the offense, hoping to add that “big-play” guy to stretch the field.
Playing in the weak NFC North helps pad Chicago’s schedule, but the other four teams should be slightly tougher foes than a year ago. They can count only the horrific Raiders as a gimme in their battles versus the AFC West, as the other three teams should be hard-fought wins, at best. At home, they’ll battle Dallas and have a conference championship rematch with the Saints. On the road the Bears head to Seattle and Philly, two difficult places for any road team.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
13-3 seems like a bit of a longshot but the Bears should have a relatively easy go of winning their division again even with a record of 10-6 or 11-5. With a seemingly tougher out-of-division schedule, the Bears will need to take care of business in the North.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Bears showed a year ago that they can successfully play through injuries to Harris and safety Mike Brown. If Harris, Urlacher and Benson (or other key cogs) miss significant time, Chicago could join the growing trend of Super Bowl losers who fail to make the playoffs the following season.
by Jim Ludes
Benson gets his chance to be the feature back in '07, and Chicago's O
may only go as far as he carries it
The Chicago Bears are coming off their most successful season in two decades. However, like 30 other teams, they fell short of the ultimate goal. That goal, of course, is to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at season’s end -- not watch Peyton Manning do it. This season’s Bears look to be very similar to the team that took to Soldier Field’s turf a year ago.
The Bears are favored by many to be among the NFC’s top-contending teams this season as well, and rightfully so. They have inked up Nathan Vasher and Charles “Peanut” Tillman at the cornerback spots for the foreseeable future and have franchise-tagged Lance Briggs in at linebacker with the promise to not give him the same designation next offseason if he plays 75 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Add a healthy Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher and the rest of the supporting cast and you have one of, if not the, best defenses in the whole league.
Offense will be the biggest question mark for the team, like a year ago. The first, biggest and most consistent question will be about quarterback Rex Grossman. When Rex is on, he’s a cannon-armed young star of the league. When he’s not, he’s as woefully bad as you’ve ever seen playing professionally. The Bears need him to be consistent more often than not, and preferably just more often. Cedric Benson was given the job as the team’s No.1 back by default when the team traded away Thomas Jones to the Jets.
Special Teams, often an overlooked facet of football, will be another bright spot for Chicago this season. Robbie Gould and Brad Maynard are among the league’s most reliable kickers and punters, respectively. Last year’s surprise phenom, Devin Hester, will be back returning kicks and punts. It’s highly doubtful that he will take six to the house again, but his mere presence will aid the Bears greatly in field position battles. Hester also has been working this offseason with the offense, hoping to add that “big-play” guy to stretch the field.
Playing in the weak NFC North helps pad Chicago’s schedule, but the other four teams should be slightly tougher foes than a year ago. They can count only the horrific Raiders as a gimme in their battles versus the AFC West, as the other three teams should be hard-fought wins, at best. At home, they’ll battle Dallas and have a conference championship rematch with the Saints. On the road the Bears head to Seattle and Philly, two difficult places for any road team.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
13-3 seems like a bit of a longshot but the Bears should have a relatively easy go of winning their division again even with a record of 10-6 or 11-5. With a seemingly tougher out-of-division schedule, the Bears will need to take care of business in the North.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Bears showed a year ago that they can successfully play through injuries to Harris and safety Mike Brown. If Harris, Urlacher and Benson (or other key cogs) miss significant time, Chicago could join the growing trend of Super Bowl losers who fail to make the playoffs the following season.
Detroit Lions (2006: 3-13)
LIONS STILL LACK ROAR
by Kevin Ezell
Rookie Calvin Johnson may have been the most talented '07 draftee,
but even his skills won't be enough to get the Lions into the playoffs--no
matter what Jon Kitna says
The Lions have been on verge of a breakout season for what seems like years now, at least according to preseason reports. And yet, somehow, when the season begins, it seems no one told the team that they were actually supposed to play well. This year, Detroit should finally show some improvement, but will still be NFC bottom-feeders.
Offensively, the Lions could be dangerous. With the addition of rookie Calvin Johnson to go along with the dangerous Roy Williams, the Lions have one of the best receiving corps in the league. Jon Kitna threw for more than 4,000 yards last year, but unfortunately, he also threw 22 interceptions. With Johnson and Williams streaking down the sidelines, Kitna will need to be more accurate to give his team a chance to win. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has the weapons to get very creative with his offense and put up some huge numbers.
One huge concern for the Lions is the ineffective running game that finished last in the league in 2006 when it averaged only about 70 yards per game. Kevin Jones played well as a rookie in 2004, but he has failed to become the feature back that Detroit hoped for. The Lions hope the addition of Tatum Bell will help to get their running game back on track.
For the Lions to experience any success, the defense will have to play better. The unit allowed almost 350 yards per game last year and nearly 25 points a game. It also lost a very good corner in Dre’ Bly to the Denver Broncos. This loss leaves the Lions very thin at the cornerback spot.
Detroit also has had trouble creating pressure on the quarterback, and it has not done much to address this problem. Besides Cory Redding, the Lions do not have a player who presents any type of threat to get to the quarterback. Ernie Simms, the team's leading tackler last year, needs to have a big year to help this weak defense out. Don't count on this defense to do anything but give up yards and points.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
If Tatum Bell can give the Lions a running game that will help to keep the defense off the field, there could be hope for Detroit. It is possible that the Lions could reach 7-9 or 8-8, but even that seems like a stretch. Matt Millen needs to start becoming obsessed with drafting defensive talent instead of wide receivers for this team to be successful in the future.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The defense plays as poorly as it did last year, and the Lions have a repeat performance of last season’s 3-13 record. Also if Kitna throws 20-plus interceptions, this could be a very long year for all the fans in Detroit who have been waiting for this team to come around. Sadly it seems that they will have to continue to wait.
by Kevin Ezell
Rookie Calvin Johnson may have been the most talented '07 draftee,
but even his skills won't be enough to get the Lions into the playoffs--no
matter what Jon Kitna says
The Lions have been on verge of a breakout season for what seems like years now, at least according to preseason reports. And yet, somehow, when the season begins, it seems no one told the team that they were actually supposed to play well. This year, Detroit should finally show some improvement, but will still be NFC bottom-feeders.
Offensively, the Lions could be dangerous. With the addition of rookie Calvin Johnson to go along with the dangerous Roy Williams, the Lions have one of the best receiving corps in the league. Jon Kitna threw for more than 4,000 yards last year, but unfortunately, he also threw 22 interceptions. With Johnson and Williams streaking down the sidelines, Kitna will need to be more accurate to give his team a chance to win. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has the weapons to get very creative with his offense and put up some huge numbers.
One huge concern for the Lions is the ineffective running game that finished last in the league in 2006 when it averaged only about 70 yards per game. Kevin Jones played well as a rookie in 2004, but he has failed to become the feature back that Detroit hoped for. The Lions hope the addition of Tatum Bell will help to get their running game back on track.
For the Lions to experience any success, the defense will have to play better. The unit allowed almost 350 yards per game last year and nearly 25 points a game. It also lost a very good corner in Dre’ Bly to the Denver Broncos. This loss leaves the Lions very thin at the cornerback spot.
Detroit also has had trouble creating pressure on the quarterback, and it has not done much to address this problem. Besides Cory Redding, the Lions do not have a player who presents any type of threat to get to the quarterback. Ernie Simms, the team's leading tackler last year, needs to have a big year to help this weak defense out. Don't count on this defense to do anything but give up yards and points.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
If Tatum Bell can give the Lions a running game that will help to keep the defense off the field, there could be hope for Detroit. It is possible that the Lions could reach 7-9 or 8-8, but even that seems like a stretch. Matt Millen needs to start becoming obsessed with drafting defensive talent instead of wide receivers for this team to be successful in the future.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The defense plays as poorly as it did last year, and the Lions have a repeat performance of last season’s 3-13 record. Also if Kitna throws 20-plus interceptions, this could be a very long year for all the fans in Detroit who have been waiting for this team to come around. Sadly it seems that they will have to continue to wait.
Green Bay Packers (2006: 8-8)
LAST HURRAH (FOR REAL THIS TIME)
by Andy Mindzak
Does Favre have one last playoff run in him?
The 2006 Green Bay Packers finished 8-8, which, with all things considered, that wasn’t too bad of an outcome. The main off-season move came when Brett Favre retired, then un-retired (again). But this is his last year (Really...I swear!). So with that whole circus over, the Packers are looking toward 2007 with optimistic eyes. They have made a few key moves in the off-season, and seem headed in the right direction. The schedule doesn’t look so easy, but with Favre under center, anything is possible.
The Packers had a few moves this off-season. One of the more notable losses was RB Ahman Green who bolted for the Houston Texans (why I will never know). However, the Pack picked up Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson. They added some help to their secondary by adding CB Frank Walker. Green Bay didn’t add much to their team this year, but a fresh young set of legs in the back field will give Favre a nice option instead of throwing all of the time.
Offensively, the Packers ranked 22nd in the NFL putting up 301 points. Passing they ranked 8th overall, but rushing, just 23rd. With Jackson in the backfield, they now have a solid running option, but the main offensive weapon is still Favre. He cut down on his interceptions, but still chucked 18 picks (still better than the horrible 29 he threw the year before). His receiving corps is very solid, with WR’s Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and tight end Bubba Franks as a huge target over the middle to spread the defense out. I would look for the Packers offense to improve greatly this year, as there are plenty of weapons.
Defensively, Green Bay was a mess last year. They gave up 366 points, which was good for 25th in the NFL. They did improve on the previous year however, so the defensive cup seems half full in Green Bay. Defensive end Aaron Kampman had 15.5 sacks, which led the NFC. Cornerback Charles Woodson had 8 picks last year, and ex-Buckeye A.J. Hawk leads a solid group of linebackers, as he paced the team with 121 total tackles in 2006. Head coach Mike McCarthy is a defensive guru, so I would look for increased success on the defensive side of the ball in Green Bay.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
Brett Favre cuts down on mistakes and runs a smart offense. Their schedule looks a little rough, but once again, with Favre, anything is possible. Two wins against Detroit, and one against Oakland, possibly Washington and splitting the series with Minnesota would give them 5 almost certain wins, and if Favre steps it up, and Jackson can handle the load in the backfield, Green Bay is looking at a 9-7 record.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
Winning those 5 games, and that’s all she wrote. Worst case scenario revolves around Favre resorting to his 2005 ways. He tries to do much at times when he needs to just take what the defenses give him. Also, if Jackson takes a while to mature into a quality running back, the Pack’ will have no ball control. Their schedule is rough, with games against Philadelphia, San Diego, Denver, Carolina, Kansas City, Dallas, and 2 games against Chicago. Favre can still play well and wind up losing to those good teams. I would put the Packers at a 7-9 record this year, and start the youth movement with Aaron Rodgers in 2008 (or maybe Favre will un-retire again).
by Andy Mindzak
Does Favre have one last playoff run in him?
The 2006 Green Bay Packers finished 8-8, which, with all things considered, that wasn’t too bad of an outcome. The main off-season move came when Brett Favre retired, then un-retired (again). But this is his last year (Really...I swear!). So with that whole circus over, the Packers are looking toward 2007 with optimistic eyes. They have made a few key moves in the off-season, and seem headed in the right direction. The schedule doesn’t look so easy, but with Favre under center, anything is possible.
The Packers had a few moves this off-season. One of the more notable losses was RB Ahman Green who bolted for the Houston Texans (why I will never know). However, the Pack picked up Nebraska running back Brandon Jackson. They added some help to their secondary by adding CB Frank Walker. Green Bay didn’t add much to their team this year, but a fresh young set of legs in the back field will give Favre a nice option instead of throwing all of the time.
Offensively, the Packers ranked 22nd in the NFL putting up 301 points. Passing they ranked 8th overall, but rushing, just 23rd. With Jackson in the backfield, they now have a solid running option, but the main offensive weapon is still Favre. He cut down on his interceptions, but still chucked 18 picks (still better than the horrible 29 he threw the year before). His receiving corps is very solid, with WR’s Donald Driver and Greg Jennings and tight end Bubba Franks as a huge target over the middle to spread the defense out. I would look for the Packers offense to improve greatly this year, as there are plenty of weapons.
Defensively, Green Bay was a mess last year. They gave up 366 points, which was good for 25th in the NFL. They did improve on the previous year however, so the defensive cup seems half full in Green Bay. Defensive end Aaron Kampman had 15.5 sacks, which led the NFC. Cornerback Charles Woodson had 8 picks last year, and ex-Buckeye A.J. Hawk leads a solid group of linebackers, as he paced the team with 121 total tackles in 2006. Head coach Mike McCarthy is a defensive guru, so I would look for increased success on the defensive side of the ball in Green Bay.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
Brett Favre cuts down on mistakes and runs a smart offense. Their schedule looks a little rough, but once again, with Favre, anything is possible. Two wins against Detroit, and one against Oakland, possibly Washington and splitting the series with Minnesota would give them 5 almost certain wins, and if Favre steps it up, and Jackson can handle the load in the backfield, Green Bay is looking at a 9-7 record.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
Winning those 5 games, and that’s all she wrote. Worst case scenario revolves around Favre resorting to his 2005 ways. He tries to do much at times when he needs to just take what the defenses give him. Also, if Jackson takes a while to mature into a quality running back, the Pack’ will have no ball control. Their schedule is rough, with games against Philadelphia, San Diego, Denver, Carolina, Kansas City, Dallas, and 2 games against Chicago. Favre can still play well and wind up losing to those good teams. I would put the Packers at a 7-9 record this year, and start the youth movement with Aaron Rodgers in 2008 (or maybe Favre will un-retire again).
Minnesota Vikings (2006: 6-10)
AN INCOVENIENT TRUTH
by David Hale
The Vikes have an exciting two-headed rushing attack,
but don't forget that QB Tarvaris Jackson has thrown all of
81 career passes.
The fate of the 2007 Minnesota Vikings rests squarely on the arm of Tarvaris Jackson. You’ll forgive fans in the twin cities if they feel a bit like a Mormon church group on a cruise with Fred Smoot upon hearing that.
But really, it’s not as bad as it sounds for the Vikings. Minnesota has floundered through six straight seasons of mediocrity after winning 36 games in three years from 1998-2000, but things are finally looking a bit brighter in the Great White North. The defense was strong last season – ranking eighth in the league – the offensive line, led by center Matt Birk and guard Steve Hutchinson, could be one of the NFC’s best, and the schedule is far from brutal. The competition – both in the weak NFC North and the conference as a whole – allows for quick turnarounds. But the biggest reason for excitement in Minnesota after a 6-10 campaign a year ago is the Vikings’ first-round pick, Adrian Peterson.
Peterson will team with Chester Taylor to give Minnesota the most explosive one-two backfield punch north of New Orleans. And after finishing 23rd in overall offense a year ago, averaging less than 18 points a game, there was really nowhere to go but up.
Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush proved that a dual threat in the backfield can turn a previously moribund offense into a juggernaut last year, and the Vikings will look to do the same in 2007. The problem, however, is that the Saints had Drew Brees, a Pro Bowler, at quarterback. Minnesota will have Jackson, who has thrown just 81 passes in his pro career, with two touchdowns and four picks. A Pro Bowler, he’s not. Of course, with Brooks Bollinger and Drew Henson as his back-ups, he may look like one in practice.
But anything can happen, particularly when the quarterbacks you’re competing against are Rex Grossman, Jon Kitna and an aging and often ineffective Brett Favre. The Peterson-Taylor combo should take a great deal of pressure off Jackson by forcing defenses to play the run, and since both backs are strong pass-catchers, it should leave the novice QB with some added options in the passing game as well. So there are high hopes in Minnesota this year, and rightfully so. Because while no team wants to have a question mark at quarterback, the division rival Bears proved how far you can go when that’s your only question mark.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
Jackson develops quickly into a serviceable quarterback behind a strong offensive line. Peterson wins rookie of the year, while teaming with Taylor to make the Vikings’ running game among the most feared in the NFL. The Vikings feast on a favorable early schedule and ride the success to a division title. And in the NFC, anything can happen from there.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Vikings have a brutal four-game stretch after the bye week, going to Chicago and Dallas before hosting Philly and San Diego. An 0-4 run in midseason could trump any early gains and ravage Jackson’s confidence. Plus, there’s a history of injuries for Peterson that could crop up again. A repeat of last year’s 6-10 campaign isn’t out of the question. But hey, at least the “Love Boat” jokes are starting to die down.
by David Hale
The Vikes have an exciting two-headed rushing attack,
but don't forget that QB Tarvaris Jackson has thrown all of
81 career passes.
The fate of the 2007 Minnesota Vikings rests squarely on the arm of Tarvaris Jackson. You’ll forgive fans in the twin cities if they feel a bit like a Mormon church group on a cruise with Fred Smoot upon hearing that.
But really, it’s not as bad as it sounds for the Vikings. Minnesota has floundered through six straight seasons of mediocrity after winning 36 games in three years from 1998-2000, but things are finally looking a bit brighter in the Great White North. The defense was strong last season – ranking eighth in the league – the offensive line, led by center Matt Birk and guard Steve Hutchinson, could be one of the NFC’s best, and the schedule is far from brutal. The competition – both in the weak NFC North and the conference as a whole – allows for quick turnarounds. But the biggest reason for excitement in Minnesota after a 6-10 campaign a year ago is the Vikings’ first-round pick, Adrian Peterson.
Peterson will team with Chester Taylor to give Minnesota the most explosive one-two backfield punch north of New Orleans. And after finishing 23rd in overall offense a year ago, averaging less than 18 points a game, there was really nowhere to go but up.
Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush proved that a dual threat in the backfield can turn a previously moribund offense into a juggernaut last year, and the Vikings will look to do the same in 2007. The problem, however, is that the Saints had Drew Brees, a Pro Bowler, at quarterback. Minnesota will have Jackson, who has thrown just 81 passes in his pro career, with two touchdowns and four picks. A Pro Bowler, he’s not. Of course, with Brooks Bollinger and Drew Henson as his back-ups, he may look like one in practice.
But anything can happen, particularly when the quarterbacks you’re competing against are Rex Grossman, Jon Kitna and an aging and often ineffective Brett Favre. The Peterson-Taylor combo should take a great deal of pressure off Jackson by forcing defenses to play the run, and since both backs are strong pass-catchers, it should leave the novice QB with some added options in the passing game as well. So there are high hopes in Minnesota this year, and rightfully so. Because while no team wants to have a question mark at quarterback, the division rival Bears proved how far you can go when that’s your only question mark.
BEST-CASE SCENARIO:
Jackson develops quickly into a serviceable quarterback behind a strong offensive line. Peterson wins rookie of the year, while teaming with Taylor to make the Vikings’ running game among the most feared in the NFL. The Vikings feast on a favorable early schedule and ride the success to a division title. And in the NFC, anything can happen from there.
WORST-CASE SCENARIO:
The Vikings have a brutal four-game stretch after the bye week, going to Chicago and Dallas before hosting Philly and San Diego. An 0-4 run in midseason could trump any early gains and ravage Jackson’s confidence. Plus, there’s a history of injuries for Peterson that could crop up again. A repeat of last year’s 6-10 campaign isn’t out of the question. But hey, at least the “Love Boat” jokes are starting to die down.