NFL Preview: The NFC North

NFC North – It was a historical season for the Green Bay Packers, on all accounts. In fact, it was the most successful regular season that they had ever had, really. They entered the season as defending Super Bowl Champions, and started off red hot, with the number one ranking behind stud quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and bolted to a 13-0 undefeated start, a streak that, combined with the winning streak from 2010, saw them win 19 games in a row, second in history only to the 2003-2004 New England Patriots championship teams. Dreams of a perfect season ended in Kansas City, but they nonetheless became only the sixth team in NFL history to end a sixteen game season with a record of at least 15-1. They seemed destined for another Super Bowl trophy to bring home to Titletown. Then, just like that, it all fell apart. They allowed a Hail Mary against the Giants just before the end of the first half, and the Giants built a cushion for their lead, a lead they not only maintained, but built upon in the second half. Thus, the Packers made history in a way that no one wants to – they became the first team to go 15-1 or better during the regular season, and not win a single playoff game. Still, the Packers figure to be an elite team, and have to be the early favorites to win the division, if not the NFC as a whole. They might not reach 15-1, but they should rank among the elites, and be a serious contender. Perhaps even a return trip to the Super Bowl. 

There were some who felt that the Detroit Lions were not yet ready to have a break out season. It had been a long time since the last playoff year, back in 1999. But this was a different team. They raced out to a 5-0 start, and finished with a 10-6 record overall, good enough to qualify for the playoffs. They lost to the Saints, but that is hardly something to hang your head in shame over. Their offense is strong and fast and dangerous, with a star at quarterback in Stafford, and perhaps the best wide receiver in the game in Megatron. They had talent, but what they lacked was experience. Last season was valuable in providing them some valuable experience, and they will need to build upon that. But they will not be able to sneak up on people, like they did last season. It will be tough to repeat what they managed to accomplish last season, but this team is heading in the right direction, and has a strong base of talent to keep the team relevant for another season. It will likely be important if they get off to a good start, and then build upon that from there. 

After hosting the NFC Championship Game the prior season, the Chicago Bears figured to be one of the strong teams last season. Indeed, they looked pretty decent heading late into the season, but got off to a very rough start, at 2-3, five games in. At the time, they were three games down against not one, but two teams within the division, and the season looked lost. But they managed to perform well, amassing a strong five game winning streak and seemingly looking like a playoff bound team at 7-3. Yet, after all that, that was precisely the point when it all fell apart for the Bears, and they would only win one more game the entire rest of the season. What did the Bears in? Well, injuries certainly did not help. Quarterback Jay Cutler was injured and out for the duration of the season. Just as quickly as they came back from a poor start, the Bears collapsed, and fell out of playoff contention. Thus, a season filled with promise and potential was wasted. But Cutler now has his favorite wide received from Denver again, as the signing of Brandon Marshall means that the two are reunited. The Bears offense looks like a serious threat, and the Chicago defense is always tough. But this is a tough division, and Chicago has to contend with strong arms and dangerous offenses within their division throughout the season. They will have to be at their very best, and not take any game or opportunity for granted. It’s probably a tall order, and another .500 season is likely. But if this team plays up to their potential and has luck on their side, they could be a playoff contender, and could even surprise the Packers as a contender for the division title. 

It was not long ago that the Minnesota Vikings were legitimate Super Bowl contenders. They went to New Orleans in the NFC Championship game, and were on the verge of winning the game on the last play. They had been outplaying the Saints throughout the game, and all Bret Favre had to do was not throw an interception, and the Vikings would have gotten at least a realistic field goal attempt. But he tossed an ill-advised pass, and the Saints intercepted. In overtime, the Vikings had to watch the Saints kick the winning field goal, and dash their Super Bowl hopes. Minnesota might have won, like the Saints did, and would have been considered the best team in the league. Right now, they are closer to being considered the worst team in the league. The Vikings have never recovered, having won a total of eight games total in the two seasons since. The quarterback situation never seemed settled, as an aging and injury prone Favre proved ineffective in 2010, and the experiment with Donovan McNabb last season proved even worse. Now, the Vikings seem committed to quarterback Christian Ponder, who has looked good in the team practice thus far. Minnesota’s offense still has some weapons, including star running back Adrian Peterson, but the loss of receiver Childs hurts them. Their defense has some talent and star power as well, but was largely a liability last season. This team simply has not been able to put it all together and, unless they really manage to pull something shocking out of their hat, Minnesota figures to be a cellar dweller this season, as well. With red hot teams like the Packers and the Lions in the division, and with the potentially dangerous Bears to boot, it will likely be too tough for Minnesota to seriously contend for a playoff spot, let alone a division title. It is rebuilding time for the Vikings, who’s most noteworthy news is that, with the new stadium deal in place, they will stay in Minnesota. So, in more ways than one, this team does not seem to be heading anywhere.  A last place finish for the men in purple.