NFC North Preview
Chicago Bears: There is not a lot of expectations when it comes to the Bears this season. There is a lot of hope that second year quarterback Justin Fields can be better than he was last year. Last season he threw for 1,870 yards but had threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
The good thing for Fields is that there is a new coach in Matt Eberflus so there is a fresh start. There will need to be progression throughout the season for him and Eberflus has to put him in the right positions to win. For Fields he should have more play-action plays, bootleg plays and rollouts. Have him use his athleticism against opposing defenses and rely less on the offensive line which still needs to be fixed.
Detroit Lions: If you have not watched the Lions on Hard Knocks this season you are missing out. Aside from the entertainment aspect there is legitimate optimism about this team. There is a lot more talent on this team than most will think. They have a quarterback that has played in the Super Bowl in Jared Goff. Good skill players like receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back D’Andre Swift. They also have an offensive line that has three former first round picks. If this offense can put it all together they can be an offense not many teams want to see. In the draft this year they drafted Aidan Hutchinson a cornerstone piece for this defense. Give the defense some time and they can build themselves a powerhouse around Hutchinson. If you know Coach Dan Campbell you’ll know the identity of this team will be to play nasty and aggressive.
Green Bay Packers: Losing Davante Adams in the offseason is a big blow to this team. The topic of conversation everywhere you turn is who will step up as the number one guy. Last season Adams had 123 receptions for 1,553 receiving yards. The next closest to him was Allen Lazard with 40 receptions for 513 yards. They did pick up some talent at the position. Lazard is expected to become the new number one. They drafted two receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Since their quarterback Aaron Rodgers was not at OTA’s this year it will take everyone a while to get on page. Rodgers has to trust his receivers to make plays but they also have to go up and get the ball. Everyone knows Rodgers will put it only where you can get it, but the receivers have to meet him halfway and help him out.
Their run game should be good like it was last season. They still have Aaron Jones and A.J Dillion. Jones rushed for 799 yards last season while Dillion rushed for 803. To have two running backs that can run and put pressure on the defense is a luxury Rodgers has not had a lot in his career. This should allow him to focus more on his receivers and making plays for them.
Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings seem to always be that team that is in the middle of the pack. Kirk Cousins is a good quarterback and he has some skill players that can make things happen. Dalvin Cook is a top five running back when he is healthy. In 13 games he rushed for 1,159 yards and had six touchdowns. A running back like him takes the pressure off Cousins. They have one of the best young receivers in Justin Jefferson. No matter what happens he will go up and get the ball. His run after catch is even better. In open space he can make anyone miss and take it in for a touchdown. Adam Thelin is another receiver that can make things happen. He can get open against anyone in the league. A star studded offense that can make a run at the division title if they can close out games.
On the other side of the ball they have some studs. Harrison Smith is one of the best safeties in the game and back there with him is Xavier Woods. They were both top three in tackles for the team last season. They added Za’Darius Smith to the team this offseason. He did great when he was in Green Bay. Before his injury last season in 2020 he had 52 tackles and 12.5 sacks. If he is what he was in Green Bay that year the rest of the division should be worried.
All in all the Packers are the overwhelming favorites to win the division. As long as they have Rodgers nothing will change much. Don’t be surprised if you see the Lions take another step and make positive strides this season. Coach Campbell is there shifting the tide in a different direction.
