As training camp has sprung up creating a vast array of excitement both hopeful for rookies and redundant routines for veterans, it’s never too early to start rampant speculation surrounding the topic of what teams will look like in the league. standings at the end of the season. Through my knowledge of the sport and the teams, as well as careful analysis of recent off-season acquisitions and losses, I have arrived at a forecast of how I expect each team to finish in their respective division. This week I will approach the NFC North with the impression that it is the most volatile division since, quite honestly, any of the four teams has a chance to make the playoffs.
Starting with last year’s division champion Chicago Bears, I feel like the team’s situation last season was a fluke. He can argue that the defense is second to none and with a [hopefully] Rex Grossman’s full year, the Bears will be back in contention not only to win the division, but also to compete for the Lombardi Trophy. While this may be the case, I am a strong proponent of momentum and looking at the Bear playoff game last January, I think the defense will occasionally struggle, like during that game, and cause this team to lose more games than they win. . Already having problems off the field with players like Roy Manning, I believe that situations like these will cause distractions for a team that has a coach who can be argued as soft in some cases. Also, since Chicago won the division, the Bear’s schedule will also be more difficult, as he will have to play both the Giants and the Panthers – potential Super Bowl contenders. Also playing in the NFC West with teams that rely on high offensive power, I can see some of that offense hitting the Bear defense causing some turnovers there as well. Overall, while I don’t see the Bears going down completely in the NFC North, I do see them floundering a bit, putting them in danger of missing the playoffs.
Now that Mike Tice, Culpepper and hopefully the reminiscences of the Love Boat scandal are gone, the Minnesota Vikings hope to make a serious run back to the playoffs. The team added some quality in terms of the offensive line with Steve Hutchinson, but the big key to keep in mind here is that the Vikings have a big problem with the rest of the offense. With the likes of Brad Johnson, Troy Williamson and Chester Taylor replacing the likes of Daunte Culpepper, Nate Burleson and Michael Bennet, there’s little hope a team of this caliber can make the playoffs when they already missed them last year with these players and they barely did it two years ago with Culpepper and Moss healthy. You can argue that a change in direction is good for the team, and to some extent, it’s in the form of chemistry, but to honestly say that the change will dramatically help the team in terms of wins and losses is a bit anxious. Minnesota will have a sub-.500 record this season.
Going from Minnesota to Detroit, I see a decent difference in playstyle that will ultimately lead to a similar result. While Minnesota can be praised for its decent defense, Detroit can be applauded for its stellar offense. With their three wide receivers taken in the first round for three straight years along with a running back in Kevin Jones who seems to have cemented his NFL status, it looks like the Lions could make a division run. I’d even say bringing in Jon Kita was an excellent move, since he’s underrated, especially juxtaposed against Joey Harrington. However, the defense is still shaky and attention-grabbing, especially when a new head coach is brought in to help shape the situation and achieve cohesion that could cost a few games. Even though the Lions were third last year, Detroit will still have to face teams Atlanta and Dallas, who will be in contention with their respective strong offensive support. I’m sorry to say it’s going to be another difficult season for Leon fans.
Now you might be telling yourself that this guy has been a negative for 3 out of 4 of the teams in the NFC North and he must be hoping the Packers have a great year. If you were figuring out this thought, congratulations to you. To analyze the Packers it is important that you look at their calendar. The Packers have six games against the Lions, Vikings and Bears, which I think are all mediocre (see above). The Packers also play in the AFC East division, which I think is also very weak, allowing them to go 3-1 and potentially only lose to the Patriots. Next, the Packers play the Saints and the Eagles, and while both have a chance to compete, I see Green Bay as the stronger team in both games. Now the hardest part of the Packer’s schedule is facing the NFC West. Unfortunately, the Packers got the division when 3 of the 4 teams are possible contenders. I say Green Bay will go 2-2 by beating the Cardinals and 49ers, allowing for an overall record of 12-4. Now, as for the team itself, I think Green Bay made some nice improvements during the offseason that, coupled with the easy schedule, will allow Green Bay to win the division. While the Packers lost Jim Bates and Mike Sherman, I think the Packers’ player trades are efficient along with the addition of Mike McCarthy, allowing for an even better defensive season. Now, assuming all of the core players remain injury-free, players like Carroll will have a solid season as they will be under more pressure to contribute to better performance. The Packer’s CB and LB are pretty good with the addition of Woodson, Hawk and Taylor, and I think both Collins and Manuel will have solid seasons with the defensive line as well. In terms of offense, I agree that there are weaknesses relative to the offensive line, but I have faith in receivers (Cory Rogers will surprise people), and as long as Favre doesn’t have too many botches, the Packers will be in contention for at least less win the division.
Final season standings (* demonstrates how to get to the playoffs):
1.* Green Bay: 12-4
2. Chicago: 7-9
3. Minnesota: 6-10
4. Detroit: 4-12
