A Look at the NFC North in 2009
Published by John Marchetti on May 15, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The NFC North, inheriting the blue collar, tough-guy bravado from the former NFC Central, failed to ignite much excitement in 2008.
It holds the dubious title of having a team that finished with zero wins. The division was also captured with only ten wins. Only the AFC West (eight wins for the champ) and NFC West (nine) were more pathetic.
However, 2009 might be known more for quarterback play then hard-hitting defense. The Vikings may still land Brett Favre. Jay Cutler slings for the Bears, Aaron Rodgers proved his worth last season, and the Lions have their $40 million man in Matthew Stafford.
The Vikings have to win now, and there’s not much reason they shouldn’t. With a proven offensive line and the stellar (although fumble-prone) running attack led by Adrian Peterson, average quarterback play is all they need, which makes the potential Favre acquisition preposterous. The Vikings don’t need a gunslinger or a gambler. They need a game manager.
The Lions are in complete rebuilding mode. How sad can a team be that simply achieving one victory will be an improvement? With the recent financial collapse and auto industry implosion, Detroit definitely needs to catch a break.
The Packers are solid and are a viable contender for ’09. The Brett Favre drama is over and Aaron Rodgers solidified himself as the team’s future. However, their offense isn’t the problem. Their 20th ranked defense is. And with the Bears upgrading their offense in one dramatic move, the Packers will have their hands full.
The Bears made the most noise during this offseason. They won the Jay Cutler sweepstakes and vaulted themselves instantly into front-runner status. While Kyle Orton was serviceable in 2008, Cutler will make the lackluster receiving corps better, just by being there.
Matt Forte was a wonderful surprise, and the aging offensive line proved itself still formidable. Sad to say, but the Bears defense might be the biggest problem in 2009. A diminishing middle linebacker and inexperienced safeties might keep the Bears from walking away with the division.
In true NFL dramatic fashion, could there be a more fitting way to end the first Sunday of the regular season than with the Bears invading Lambeau Field, under the lights, in what will be the first of many toe-to-toe slug-fests between the two young, hot0shot quarterbacks?
