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Breaking Down the NFC North
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<blockquote data-quote="Dantés" data-source="post: 907916" data-attributes="member: 12283"><p>With the draft in the books, I would like to continue my annual tradition of breaking down the rosters of the Packers and their division rivals.</p><p></p><p><strong>Quarterback: </strong>Obviously the Packers' QB situation is in flux. For the purpose of this exercise, I am going to assume that Rodgers plays at least one more season for Green Bay. He would obviously be the tops in the division by a wide margin, and he has a high upside option behind him. The next in line is also clear, as Kirk Cousins is good without being elite. Deciding between the Bears and Lions for last is tricky, as Goff has a hard ceiling (and likely a lower one without McVay), but is much more experienced than Fields. I will give Goff the nod, but could see that flipping really quickly if Fields is a quick learner.</p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006600">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Running Back: </strong>This one is really close at the top, with both the Packers and the Vikings having strong lead backs, and really good options at RB2. After the season that he had last year, I will give the nod to the Vikings. Jones is superior to Cook in particular areas (e.g. receiving), but Cook's production with that workload is worthy of the top spot. Once again, it's a close call for last between the Bears and Lions. Montgomery is certainly the most established player between the two backfields, but I am going to give the nod to the Lions again here because of my confidence in De'Andre Swift. </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Tight End: </strong>The best overall player at TE resides in Detroit (Hockenson), but the Packers have a nicer group as a whole, especially Tonyan as a pass catcher and Lewis as a run blocker. The Bears and Vikings are both in flux at the position, and both have a young, promising player at the position. Irv Smith is much more of a pass catcher, and a move blocker. Kmet is more of a true Y tight end, with receiving upside. I will give the nod to Chicago, as I like the more well-rounded potential of Kmet. </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 51)">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Wide Receiver: </strong>The way this one breaks down to me is relatively clear. The Packers have the best player at the position of any of the teams, but the Vikings combination of #1 and #2 is a lot stronger than any combo that Green Bay could offer. The Bears have a very good #1 in Allen Robinson and an interesting supporting player in Mooney. The Lions are definitely a clear #4, being in flux at the position.</span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #330066"><strong>Vikings</strong></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Offensive Line: </strong>I think it's largely hidden by their otherwise inefficient offenses, but the Lions have a really nice group here. Decker and Ragnow are established, high end players. Jonah Jackson was a serviceable rookie who you would project takes a step in 2021. Sewell was the best OL in the class, and likely allows Crosby, a middling tackle, to move inside. Vaitai is overpaid, but certainly a high end player to be a swing tackle. I like their group. Behind them, I think the Packers are the next best group in terms of talent, and probably the best overall group in terms of execution because of the offense in which they play. The Bears would be #3 for me, especially after adding Teven Jenkins. The Vikings are certainly making the effort with Darrisaw, but they were so poor last year, and there are enough questions around him, that I will believe it when I see it. </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Interior Defensive Line: </strong>This is a hard spot to call. The Bears have been the class of the division for some time. But they lost a lot of depth this offseason (Robertson-Harris, Urban) and Akiem Hick was definitely on the decline last year. With Eddie Goldman coming back from his opt out, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. But the Packers could overtake them, as Clark is the best iDL in the division, and they have some promise behind him in Keke. The Vikings have bizarrely invested big money in back to back seasons in players who are really limited beyond the running game (Pierce and Tomlinson). They should be reliable, but minimally impactful in the most important aspect of the game. In Detroit, after Brockers, the Lions will be largely reliant on rookies taking their lumps-- so I would expect a lot of growing pains. </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Edge Rusher: </strong>There's a good case that Za'Darius is the best player at this position in the entire division, and he adds the value of working well inside, allowing the Packers to get extra rushers on the field. Gary took a step in year 2, and came on big down the stretch. He's poised to break out. Preston Smith disappointed after a big 2019, but he's a very good 3rd rusher. It's hard to pick between Minnesota and Chicago. Danielle Hunter is the best of the bunch, but the supporting cast isn't great. Khalil Mack isn't far behind him, and Robert Quinn is arguably a better 2nd option, but not by much. I will give the nod to Minnesota because of Hunter's ability. The Lions bring up the rear, as they have solid run defenders on the edge, but lack dangerous pass rushers.</span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #006633"><strong>Packers</strong></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Linebacker: </strong>The Vikings are a clear #1 here. Kendricks is the best player in the division, Barr is also quality, and they have some interesting depth (Dye, Surratt). The Bears have a quality young player in Roquan Smith, but Trevathan have dropped off. It's hard to make a call between the Packers and Lions. Both are young, inexperienced, and talent poor. Jamie Collins isn't what he used to be, but I will give Detroit the nod because of his presence.</span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 102)">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Cornerback: </strong>Perhaps as much a testament to the poor quality of the position in the division as a nod to the Packers' talent, I think Green Bay is #1 here. Jaire is maybe the best corner in the league, let alone the NFCN. King and Sullivan aren't any great shakes, but they're supplemented by a 1st round pick. The Vikings shouldn't be quite as terrible as they were in 2020, with the additions of Peterson and Alexander, and the growth of Dantzler. However, Gladney has been a problem on and off the field, and Peterson has appeared to be washed up. The Lions are hard to call here, because they were horrid in 2020, but were also put in the worst position of any secondary in the league by their coaching. I think fans should be somewhat optimistic about their talent if placed in a different position. The Bears are in a bad way here. Jaylon Johnson was OK as a rookie, but they're now going to have to ask him to be the #1 guy and the rock of the secondary. Behind him, they have reclamation projects who have played poorly in recent seasons (Burns, Trufant). </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #006633"><strong>Packers</strong></span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Safety: </strong>This is another position where the Packers are an easy 1st place. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage are both quality players. Harrison Smith is still a very good player at safety, and you could do worse than Xavier Woods next to him. Tashaun Gipson is a solid player, but Eddie Jackson is more name than game at this point. He's totally fallen off since he lost Amos. The Lions definitely bring up the rear, with poor veteran place holding while the new regime works on the roster. </span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #006633">Packers</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #330066">Vikings</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #000066">Bears</span></strong></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><strong><span style="color: #0080ff">Lions</span></strong></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Overall: </strong>The Packers have five 1st place finishes, the Vikings have three, and the Bears and Lions have one each. The average of the rankings:</span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Packers: 1.7</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Vikings: 2.3</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Lions: 3.0</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Bears: 3.0</span></li> </ol><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Observations:</strong></span></p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: #000000">Green Bay has absolutely no excuse not to improve on defense. They <em>easily </em>have the best combination of talent when it comes to pass rushing and coverage, which are the key aspects of defense in 2021.</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: #000000">The Bears could totally fall apart on defense even as they show signs of life on offense. Mack and Quinn have totally disappointed as pass rushers, Hicks and Trevathan are on the decline, the return of Goldman minimally impacts the passing game, and the secondary is straight trash. </span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: #000000">The Lions have a strong enough roster to play themselves out of a top 3 pick and ruin their shot at a top QB, which is a worst case scenario.</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><span style="color: #000000">Despite all the ******** about how the Packers are Rodgers and nothing else, they have the strongest roster in the division. If he doesn't play, they probably won't win the division. But if Love is solid, they would be competitive for it. </span></li> </ul><p><span style="color: #000000"><strong>Projected Finish:</strong></span></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Packers: 12-5</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Vikings: 10-7</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Bears: 8-9</span></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol"><span style="color: #000000">Lions: 6-11</span></li> </ol></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Dantés, post: 907916, member: 12283"] With the draft in the books, I would like to continue my annual tradition of breaking down the rosters of the Packers and their division rivals. [B]Quarterback: [/B]Obviously the Packers' QB situation is in flux. For the purpose of this exercise, I am going to assume that Rodgers plays at least one more season for Green Bay. He would obviously be the tops in the division by a wide margin, and he has a high upside option behind him. The next in line is also clear, as Kirk Cousins is good without being elite. Deciding between the Bears and Lions for last is tricky, as Goff has a hard ceiling (and likely a lower one without McVay), but is much more experienced than Fields. I will give Goff the nod, but could see that flipping really quickly if Fields is a quick learner. [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=#006600]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Running Back: [/B]This one is really close at the top, with both the Packers and the Vikings having strong lead backs, and really good options at RB2. After the season that he had last year, I will give the nod to the Vikings. Jones is superior to Cook in particular areas (e.g. receiving), but Cook's production with that workload is worthy of the top spot. Once again, it's a close call for last between the Bears and Lions. Montgomery is certainly the most established player between the two backfields, but I am going to give the nod to the Lions again here because of my confidence in De'Andre Swift. [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Tight End: [/B]The best overall player at TE resides in Detroit (Hockenson), but the Packers have a nicer group as a whole, especially Tonyan as a pass catcher and Lewis as a run blocker. The Bears and Vikings are both in flux at the position, and both have a young, promising player at the position. Irv Smith is much more of a pass catcher, and a move blocker. Kmet is more of a true Y tight end, with receiving upside. I will give the nod to Chicago, as I like the more well-rounded potential of Kmet. [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=rgb(0, 102, 51)]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Wide Receiver: [/B]The way this one breaks down to me is relatively clear. The Packers have the best player at the position of any of the teams, but the Vikings combination of #1 and #2 is a lot stronger than any combo that Green Bay could offer. The Bears have a very good #1 in Allen Robinson and an interesting supporting player in Mooney. The Lions are definitely a clear #4, being in flux at the position.[/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][COLOR=#330066][B]Vikings[/B][/COLOR] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Offensive Line: [/B]I think it's largely hidden by their otherwise inefficient offenses, but the Lions have a really nice group here. Decker and Ragnow are established, high end players. Jonah Jackson was a serviceable rookie who you would project takes a step in 2021. Sewell was the best OL in the class, and likely allows Crosby, a middling tackle, to move inside. Vaitai is overpaid, but certainly a high end player to be a swing tackle. I like their group. Behind them, I think the Packers are the next best group in terms of talent, and probably the best overall group in terms of execution because of the offense in which they play. The Bears would be #3 for me, especially after adding Teven Jenkins. The Vikings are certainly making the effort with Darrisaw, but they were so poor last year, and there are enough questions around him, that I will believe it when I see it. [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Interior Defensive Line: [/B]This is a hard spot to call. The Bears have been the class of the division for some time. But they lost a lot of depth this offseason (Robertson-Harris, Urban) and Akiem Hick was definitely on the decline last year. With Eddie Goldman coming back from his opt out, I will give them the benefit of the doubt. But the Packers could overtake them, as Clark is the best iDL in the division, and they have some promise behind him in Keke. The Vikings have bizarrely invested big money in back to back seasons in players who are really limited beyond the running game (Pierce and Tomlinson). They should be reliable, but minimally impactful in the most important aspect of the game. In Detroit, after Brockers, the Lions will be largely reliant on rookies taking their lumps-- so I would expect a lot of growing pains. [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Edge Rusher: [/B]There's a good case that Za'Darius is the best player at this position in the entire division, and he adds the value of working well inside, allowing the Packers to get extra rushers on the field. Gary took a step in year 2, and came on big down the stretch. He's poised to break out. Preston Smith disappointed after a big 2019, but he's a very good 3rd rusher. It's hard to pick between Minnesota and Chicago. Danielle Hunter is the best of the bunch, but the supporting cast isn't great. Khalil Mack isn't far behind him, and Robert Quinn is arguably a better 2nd option, but not by much. I will give the nod to Minnesota because of Hunter's ability. The Lions bring up the rear, as they have solid run defenders on the edge, but lack dangerous pass rushers.[/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][COLOR=#006633][B]Packers[/B][/COLOR] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Linebacker: [/B]The Vikings are a clear #1 here. Kendricks is the best player in the division, Barr is also quality, and they have some interesting depth (Dye, Surratt). The Bears have a quality young player in Roquan Smith, but Trevathan have dropped off. It's hard to make a call between the Packers and Lions. Both are young, inexperienced, and talent poor. Jamie Collins isn't what he used to be, but I will give Detroit the nod because of his presence.[/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=rgb(51, 0, 102)]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Cornerback: [/B]Perhaps as much a testament to the poor quality of the position in the division as a nod to the Packers' talent, I think Green Bay is #1 here. Jaire is maybe the best corner in the league, let alone the NFCN. King and Sullivan aren't any great shakes, but they're supplemented by a 1st round pick. The Vikings shouldn't be quite as terrible as they were in 2020, with the additions of Peterson and Alexander, and the growth of Dantzler. However, Gladney has been a problem on and off the field, and Peterson has appeared to be washed up. The Lions are hard to call here, because they were horrid in 2020, but were also put in the worst position of any secondary in the league by their coaching. I think fans should be somewhat optimistic about their talent if placed in a different position. The Bears are in a bad way here. Jaylon Johnson was OK as a rookie, but they're now going to have to ask him to be the #1 guy and the rock of the secondary. Behind him, they have reclamation projects who have played poorly in recent seasons (Burns, Trufant). [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][COLOR=#006633][B]Packers[/B][/COLOR] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Safety: [/B]This is another position where the Packers are an easy 1st place. Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage are both quality players. Harrison Smith is still a very good player at safety, and you could do worse than Xavier Woods next to him. Tashaun Gipson is a solid player, but Eddie Jackson is more name than game at this point. He's totally fallen off since he lost Amos. The Lions definitely bring up the rear, with poor veteran place holding while the new regime works on the roster. [/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][B][COLOR=#006633]Packers[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#330066]Vikings[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#000066]Bears[/COLOR][/B] [*][B][COLOR=#0080ff]Lions[/COLOR][/B] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Overall: [/B]The Packers have five 1st place finishes, the Vikings have three, and the Bears and Lions have one each. The average of the rankings:[/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][COLOR=#000000]Packers: 1.7[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Vikings: 2.3[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Lions: 3.0[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Bears: 3.0[/COLOR] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Observations:[/B][/COLOR] [LIST] [*][COLOR=#000000]Green Bay has absolutely no excuse not to improve on defense. They [I]easily [/I]have the best combination of talent when it comes to pass rushing and coverage, which are the key aspects of defense in 2021.[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]The Bears could totally fall apart on defense even as they show signs of life on offense. Mack and Quinn have totally disappointed as pass rushers, Hicks and Trevathan are on the decline, the return of Goldman minimally impacts the passing game, and the secondary is straight trash. [/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]The Lions have a strong enough roster to play themselves out of a top 3 pick and ruin their shot at a top QB, which is a worst case scenario.[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Despite all the ******** about how the Packers are Rodgers and nothing else, they have the strongest roster in the division. If he doesn't play, they probably won't win the division. But if Love is solid, they would be competitive for it. [/COLOR] [/LIST] [COLOR=#000000][B]Projected Finish:[/B][/COLOR] [LIST=1] [*][COLOR=#000000]Packers: 12-5[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Vikings: 10-7[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Bears: 8-9[/COLOR] [*][COLOR=#000000]Lions: 6-11[/COLOR] [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
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