While the picture says it all, I could see any of the top 3 teams winning the division. My gut feeling is that the Packers win the NFC North. The analysis is below with some other thoughts.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
The Packers offense is a crazy machine that can rack up points and yards. The wide receivers have already shown that they can both put up numbers, and Rodgers will have a chance to enjoy mismatches on most passing plays. Eddie Lacy and James Starks offer a solid rushing attack which will allow the Packers once again to enjoy the play action game. The defense has had an injection of youth in the secondary. Both Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are versatile defensive backs that can play across the secondary. While the offensive line will always be considered a position of concern, the linebacker group is my concern. It will be interesting to see how they plan to use Clay Matthews, he had to move inside to solidify the position last year which then affected his ability to rush the passer as he had other assignments in defensive packages. I wonder whether he plays a hybrid role once again moving inside on early downs and rushing the passer on obvious passing downs.
My second year guy – Richard Rodgers (TE)
While the Packers have weapons all over the field, they have struggled to replace Jermichael Finley’s post injury production. As far as I can remember, the Packers always had a tight end that would worry you as a defense. Rodgers showed flashes last year and will continue to get more looks from Aaron Rodgers (especially in the red zone).
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
I will address the “elephant in the room” and say welcome back Adrian Peterson. While we can argue about parenting decisions and his values all we want, the bottom line is he is a once in a generation running back. It will be interesting to see whether he just slides back into being the human battering ram that we remember, or whether the long layoff as resulted in some “rust”. Teddy Bridgewater showed last year that he is a legit starting quaterback in the NFL and will benefit from Adrian Peterson just being on the field as defenses will be worried about him. Kyle Rudolph at the moment looks as he always does, potentially could dominate the league but will most likely be banged up. The wide receiving core offers a variety of weapons. It will be interesting how they are managed. Charles Johnson looked good last year but seemed to fade when he became the main focus of the defensive scheme. Mike Wallace is Mike Wallace – destroys secondaries one week, destroys locker room relationships the next. Cordarrelle Patterson is a mystery wrapped in an enigma – so much potential but just doesn’t seem to get it. Stephon Diggs is the real surprise packet and could potentially be a starter by the end of the year, if consistent. The defense is becoming potentially one of the best in the NFL. While Trae Waynes will struggle as a rookie, name one rookie period who didn’t. There is talent on every level with Everson Griffen, Anthony Barr, Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith all future studs at the respective positions.
My second year guy – David Yankey (OG)
Not just because he is an Aussie. Yankey was given the equivalent of a red shirt year to increase his strength and acclimatize to the NFL. At Stanford, he showed that he can be a force in the trenches. He does have a chance to push for a guard position on the line.
DETROIT LIONS
The offense on this team could potentially match it with the Packers. Golden Tate has been a blessing since arriving from Seattle, and has racked up catches and yards after catch. They have hit a home run with Ameer Abdullah. The offensive line is shaping up as a strength. The defense is going to be the reason they win or lose games (Matthew Stafford will always sling the ball like Brett Favre). The losses on the defensive line will test the scheme as they lost three defensive tackles out of their rotation. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that teams are going to attack the middle of their defense with a power run game early to see whether Ngata and company can handle it. The rest of the defense is solid, and DeAndre Levy (one of the most underrated players in the NFL) will continue to make plays.
My second year guys – Caraun Reid (DT)
While everybody will be watching whether Eric Ebron has finally worked out how to operate in the Lions system, I will be watching Reid’s development. A gem of a draft pick late, Reid was touted as an interior pass rushing force. If he has developed well, he could form a nice combination with Haloti Ngata in the middle of the Lions defensive line and solidify a glaring weakness.
CHICAGO BEARS
This is not a knee jerk reaction to the Kevin White news or my thoughts on Jay Cutler’s ability to do anything. I believe the Bears are still be rebuilt. While they have pieces such as Alshon Jeffery, Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett, the offensive line is still a work in progress (insert Jay Cutler has thrown another interception joke here). The defense, although have some talented pieces, will struggle with the shift from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense. While they have added 3-4 players to try to accelerate the adjustment, history shows that teams undertaking this transition have often struggled.
My second year guy – Kyle Fuller (CB)
I loved this pick last year, and Fuller showed that he can be a play making force in the NFL. Hopefully he has recovered fully from last year. Depending on how the scheme is set up, him and Tim Jennings will form a nice cornerback tandem.
that's OZmusing 