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Looking Ahead - NFC North
By Steve Lutz (me)
The Bears have got to develop some type of offense if they plan on being successful in 2006. I do not think that Rex Grossman is the answer, and if they decide to stick with him they will not win the division. If Grossman gets injured I could see Griese leading this team to the playoffs. I almost think that Grossman remaining the starter for this team in the long run, is not a positive for this football team. They've got some RB "controversy" as Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones compete for the starting job. Both battled injuries during camp, so in the beginning this could simply be solved by picking the healthiest of the two. Or if they're both risky starts because of injury risk at the start of the season, we'll likely see Adrian Peterson taking the handoffs. Peterson showed in '05 he was more than capable of producing moderately well in the position. I think this club has "potential."
The Vikings will be finishing third in this division. They added former Raven, Chester Taylor, which will help the running game. However, losing Daunte Culpepper is going to be a bigger problem than they expect it to be. I do not think that he has the proper personnel to run the offense he is aiming at. I don't think that Brad Johnson is going to be successful with this team. They have some good players on defense still in Sharper, and Smoot and the emergence of young DLs, James and Udeze. But this team is far, far away--talentwise from the Vikes in years passed. Barring a miracle or an important acquisition, the season will look very simalar to 2005.
Onto the Lions. Well, get ready for another losing season lion fans! This team has not really upgraded. They bring in a rookie head coach in Rod Marinelli. They sign Jon Kitna, which is an upgrade--but look what they're upgrading from. Kitna is no better than Brad Johnson or Rex Grossman. And at running back, will be the 3rd year player, Kevin Jones. Jones produced well during his rookie year in '04 only to drop the proverbial ball in 2005. Jones may come under fire if he continues to play as he did last year, in which case Shawn Bryson or Artrose Pinner could come in to relieve Jones of his duties. The passing game will be upgraded, and I could see them possibly having the number 1 offense within the division, but they won't have enough firepower to wear the crown at the end of the season.
Now the Packers. I am going to try and be as subjective as possible (I'm a Packers fan). I think the team has upgraded tremendously from last season. They lost Javon Walker, but return Brett Favre. It will be interesting to see if Ahman Green can come out and have a successful season after an injury plagued 2005. Additionally we'll have to watch Samkon Gado to see if he was just a one-hit wonder, or if he is the real thing. Personally, I think he is going to develop into a tremendous running back. He is a smart guy, and is willing to do anything to become an elite NFL player. The Packers also got a real steal in the draft this year, and I'm not talking about AJ Hawk (I'll get into him later). Greg Jennings, wide receiver from Western Michigan has exploded in training camp. He is well ahead of schedule for most rookies, and will probably be a 2 or 3 receiver for the Pack this season. Defensively this team has only gotten better. They added Charles Woodson, which is a big upgrade from Ahmad Carroll. Al Harris is looking to add onto a very successful 2005 campaign. 2005 rookie sensation safety Nick Collins returns. They upgraded at linebacker as well, with #5 overall draft pick AJ Hawk (OSU) and round 3 draft pick Abdul "The Butcher" Hodge (Iowa) will be instant upgrades. The defensive line for the Packers was also upgraded. The Packers signed former Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett. Pickett has been very productive for the Rams in recent years, and is an upgrade over Grady Jackson. The Packers also re-signed standout defensive end Aaron Kampman. With KGB still there, and Colin Cole and Kenny Peterson filling out the other tackle position, the front four are going to be fine for the Pack. The kicking game is going to be a downfall for once with longtime kicker Ryan Longwell leaving for Minnesota. That will be a spot to look at. However, the biggest question mark for the Packers is going to be the offensive line. It's hard to imagine that a few years ago the line was one of the Packers strengths. However, the loss of Mike Wahle and Marco Rivera two seasons ago started the downslide of the Packers o-line. This past offseason they lost longtime center Mike Flanagan to free agency. They drafted Boise State standout Daryn Colledge, and Louisville guard Jason Spitz but thats a lot of pressure to put on a rookies. Whether or not the line holds up under the new zone-blocking scheme will ultimately decide whether or not the Packers are successful in the 2006 season. If they do--watch out. This team may be a sleeper team in '06.
Now onto my predicted final division standings.
1. Chicago --I think the Bears will win the division. This division is still weak, so an above average team will probably take the prize. Don't expect the Bears to go far in the playoffs though.
2. Green Bay --If the o-line holds up, this team wins the division. People don't realize that the Packers had the #1 defense against the pass last year. With upgrades to the linebacker corps. and defensive line this unit could be a top 5 defense. However, the offensive line is in shambles, and GM Ted Thompson did not do enough to repair it. If they can assemble a line in a few years and keep this team together, they will be a true contender in the years to come.
3. Minnesota --I don't think Brad Childress is going to be the coach many viking fans are expecting him to be. I don't like his offense, and I don't think its going to blend with the personnel he has in Minny. Not going to be a good season for the Vikes.
4. Detroit --I think Jon Kitna will do much better than Joey Harrington ever did. And those wide receivers have to produce something, sometime don't they? Unfortunately, thats still not enough if Kevin Jones' numbers continue to fall. The Lions finish dead last in the North this season.
Leading Passer - Brett Favre - He is going to have a breakout year with the receivers he has out there. This could change, however, if he doesn't get the time to throw the ball. I still think he will have the most yards though.
Leading Rusher - Thomas Jones - Assuming he continues to outperform 2nd year RB, Cedric Benson, he will be the leading rusher in this division fairly easily. Unless we see Ahman Green return to his old status, which is going to be hard with the players the Packers have on the Line. Samkon Gado may also be a possibility.
Leading Receiver - Donald Driver - Mr. Consistent will have another standout season. Favre will be looking his way often as well.
Wrote it for the webpage I'm a columnist on, tell me what you guys think.
