NFC North preview
Favre’s departure from Green Bay changes the outlook
This is the sixth of an eight-part series reviewing the offseason moves in the NFL. Today’s installment covers the NFC North.
Quarterback uncertainty is the theme of the 2008 season in the NFC North.
The retirement of Green Bay legend Brett Favre leaves the division up for grabs, despite the fact the Packers won the North title by a comfortable five-game margin last season.
Green Bay is a team with few question marks — except at quarterback, where three-year veteran Aaron Rodgers will try to replace No. 4.
“He’s definitely prepared himself for this,” said Packers coach Mike McCarthy at the NFL owners meetings. “I’ve had the opportunity to watch him mature in all aspects — on the field, off the field, with relationships, how he handles situations. He’s going to need to continue to grow in all those areas like any other first-year quarterback that’s starting, but I think he’s prepared himself as well as he could for this situation.”
Minnesota’s hopes ride with unproven Tarvaris Jackson. Chicago will enter training camp with holdovers Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton competing for the QB job. Detroit’s starter, Jon Kitna, is set. But he turns 36 this year.
Green Bay Packers
Key gains: WR Jordy Nelson (Kansas State), LB Brandon Chillar (Rams), QB Brian Brohm (Louisville).
Key losses: QB Brett Favre (retired), DL Corey Williams (Browns).
Breakdown: GM Ted Thompson won the NFL Executive of the Year award in 2007 after a 13-win season. The Pack has a deep, talented team. It dealt away a good player in Williams but has 2007 top pick Justin Harrell waiting in the wings. The offense was fourth in scoring and the defense was tied for sixth in points allowed. Nelson looks like a great fit at receiver.
Questions: It’s all about the quarterback. Is Rodgers ready? As long as RB Ryan Grant doesn’t have a sophomore slump, Rodgers has plenty of support on offense. Just in case, Brohm was drafted. CB Al Harris is 33. P Jon Ryan could use some competition.
Minnesota Vikings
Key gains: DE Jared Allen (Chiefs), WR Bernard Berrian (Bears), S Madieu Williams (Bengals), FB Thomas Tapeh (Eagles).
Key losses: S Dwight Smith (Lions), DE Kenechi Udeze (illness), DE Erasmus James (released), WR Troy Williamson (Jaguars), DT Spencer Johnson (Bills).
Breakdown: The Vikings now claim the top defensive line in the NFL with Allen joining Pro Bowl DTs Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. The pass defense ranked last in the NFL the last two years, which is why the move was made for Allen.
Questions: The overwhelming question is: Can Jackson be a good quarterback in the NFL? Also, will LT Bryant McKinnie get suspended for four games for bad behavior? If so, Artis Hicks or Chase Johnson may have to start. Can Berrian handle the No. 1 WR job?
Chicago Bears
Key gains: WR Marty Booker (Dolphins), LT Chris
Williams (Vanderbilt), WR Brandon Lloyd (Redskins), RB Matt Forte (Tulane).
Key losses: WR Bernard Berrian (Vikings), WR Muhsin Muhammad (Panthers), DT Darwin Walker (Panthers), G Ruben Brown (unsigned).
Breakdown: All of Chicago seemingly is freaked out about the fact the Bears did not draft a quarterback. GM Jerry Angelo elected to work on the foundation of the team in hopes that Grossman (entering year six) or Orton can be satisfactory at QB. The Bears’ core looks solid. Forte should help right away at running back, where Cedric Benson has disappointed. Williams helps. Now John Tait can move to right tackle. The receiving corps is not explosive.
Questions: Will LB Brian Urlacher be happy and healthy? He wants a new deal because his $57 million contract is obsolete and he had some back and neck issues last year. Can the Bears score?
Detroit Lions
Key gains: RB Kevin Smith (Central Florida), T Gosder Cherilus (Boston College), S
Dwight Smith (Vikings), CB Leigh Bodden (Browns), CB Brian Kelly (Bucs), LB Jordan Dizon (Colorado).
Key Losses: DT Shaun Rogers (Browns), T Damien Woody (Jets), LB Teddy Lehman (Bucs), RB T. J. Duckett (Seahawks).
Breakdown: Mike Martz never was a good fit with defensive- minded head coach Rod Marinelli. So Martz left and was replaced by run-oriented Jim Colletto. Nice fit. Smith, a third-round pick, could have a big rookie year. The Lions will not be 31st in rushing, like last year. That will help the defense. More good news: GM Matt Millen finally drafted for the trenches in the first round. Still, it’s hard to see the Lions contending.
Questions: Aside from switching to a ball-control style, not a ton was done to help a defense that ranked 32nd. Will the two new corners (Kelly and Bodden) be good enough? Dizon and DE Cliff Avril (Purdue) better produce early. Next: NFC South.
