NFC North Predictions

[Heyjoe4]

Yeah, I thought the same thing but it's just not worth giving up the draft capital and the money you have to pay them for two or three years of declining production no thank you.......

Agreed. Trades like this are all about paying for past performance. They are expensive in terms of draft capital required, as well as $$$. Hendrickson likely wants Garret and Watt money, $40 mil per. No thanks.

If it is required to plug a hole for a SB run (the Rams did this by acquiring Stafford), then it's probably worth it. Unfortunately, the Packers have been more than one player away from a serious SB run. Has that changed this offseason? I don't think so. I hope I'm wrong.

The Packers did this with Reggie White and later with Charles Woodson, and won SBs both times. Although those were FA signings, not trades.

After the infamous trade for John Hadl, the Packers' organization should be rightfully cautious of big trades. OMG just thinking of that trade causes pain. Two firsts, two seconds and a third round pick. Five very valuable draft spot for a Once v good but then washed up QB. Ouch, indeed.

Did the Bears acquire Khalil Mack in FA or was that a trade? Don't recall. At least Mack had several good years left in him. I think he's still playing in San Diego.

 

[Half Empty]

They whacked their DL coach and hired a new guy. Their names escape me.

And with all the talent on that line, someone had to get whacked. I truly hope better coaching can get first-round guys to play like first-round guys - specifically - Wyatt, Walker, and LVN, although Walker is a LB.

And this will be Hafley's second season. He did a great job last year, with the exception of putting pressure on opposing QBs and getting sacks. I expect that will improve.

All the coaches

 

[Curly Calhoun]

Covington did come from NE. I thought he served a year or two as a DC somewhere. Can anyone confirm or deny? Thanks all.

His resume:

He previously served as an assistant coach at the New England Patriots, Eastern Illinois University, the University of Tennessee at Martin, University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

DeMarcus Covington - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Schultz]

I do too. And they had a good defense last year.

They had a good defense 2 years ago. Last year not so much.

 

[OldSchool101]

They had a good defense 2 years ago. Last year not so much.

Yep. If you recall last year Chicago started strong on Defense. Matter of fact we were like 6-8 games in and all 4 NFC N Defenses were Rockin’. Don’t quote me but something similarly ranked
#4,#6,#7,#9

I didn’t follow Chicago as much down the later stretch because they sorta fell irrelevant past mid season. They obviously dropped to #13 in scoring while GB rose to #6 scoring.

The North Defenses as a combined unit were incredibly good though.
#4,#5,#6,#13. When #13 is lagging far behind the entire Division I’d call that remarkable.

I really don’t see much of a drop off in any of our Defenses we’re just loaded with talent as a group.

 

[OldSchool101]

That’s another thing to consider. The Packers were fortunate to keep all 4 primary Coaching positions intact.
HC, OC, DC, STC… Fluidity and continuity is a key to success imo. Matter of fact I think we got an upgrade at DL from the Patriots Coaching tree. The only remotely concerning departure was Tom Clements replaced by Mannion. Although he was there long enough to form a solid foundation and Mannion is already stressing better footwork for Love. So sometimes those position Coaches can give a better perspective on improving areas of weakness.

Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota all have changes with at least 1 (or Multiple positions)of HC, DC, OC, Teams Coordinator.

Advantage > Green Bay

 

[El Guapo]

I loved Tom Clements - and maybe I said this once before - but it's possible he doesn't connect with the young players as well as he used to do. Even though Mannion may not be the same level of QB whisperer, he may be able to get inside a young QB's ear.

 

[gopkrs]

They had a good defense 2 years ago. Last year not so much.

You probably know better than me. It's tough to be really good when you are getting tired in the 4th quarter though. I hope you are right. I don't think they did a lot in the off season for that side of the ball.

 

[OldSchool101]

I loved Tom Clements - and maybe I said this once before - but it's possible he doesn't connect with the young players as well as he used to do. Even though Mannion may not be the same level of QB whisperer, he may be able to get inside a young QB's ear.

I agree.
Hes got Football Pedigree. His Dad was a College Scout and Sean would travel with his Dad and actually started taking notes on players at the ripe old age of 7yrs! (True Story)
Sean went on to play QB in HS and College. Eventually he was good enough to get signed and played as a career backup for 6 seasons. So he’s played the QB position for over 10 years at HS, College and Pro level.

Mannion is going to have some fresh perspective as a multi season player backup for Seattle, LA and most recently Minnesota (2019,2021) He was Cousins backup.

 

[El Guapo]

I always feel that those QBs who had the mind but not the skill to be an starter, they end up being great coaches. They worked on perfecting the mechanics and their minds, trying to deal with their shortcomings.