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NFC north

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

CHICAGO BEARS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: After allowing a team-record 66 sacks, the Bears need help on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle. But G.M. Jerry Angelo says he won't overvalue the position, emphasizing that teams have won Super Bowls without great left tackles. The team could use its first-round pick on a wide receiver. Angelo also might try to trade down and recoup the third-rounder he sent to Miami with WR Marry Booker for LE Adewale Ogunleye. Even with QB Rex Grossman expected back as the starter and Chad Hutchinson a potential backup, the team might pursue Kurt Warner. Count on K Paul Edinger being challenged and possibly replaced. FINAL GRADES: Offense: F. The Bears regularly abandoned the run after losing Grossman. Defense: C+. The future looks bright; none of the Bears' top 20 defensive players is older than 28. Special teams: B. P Brad Maynard, KR Jerry Azumah and PR R.W. McQuarters are among the NFCs best. Coaching: D. The new staff did less with a more talented roster.--Mike Mulligan

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GREEN BAY PACKERS PLAYOFF READINESS ***

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The secondary is the most troublesome area. Rookie CBs Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas continue to commit dumb penalties and make mental errors. Carroll starts on the left and can be hidden because AI Harris can cover an opponent's best receiver. But when Thomas plays in the dime package, teams have two rookies to attack. DT Cullen Jenkins might replace starter Cletidus Hunt to help the pass rush. Hunt has underachieved all year and needs a fire lit under him. On offense, QB Brett Favre has increased confidence going downfield to TE Bubba Franks. Franks' emergence is the result of opponents focusing on the running game. FINAL GRADES: Offense: A-, The running game isn't as good as last year, but Favre is stretching the field more than ever. Defense: D-. Penalties, blown assignments, poor tackling-there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Special teams: D+, K Ryan Longwell is the bright spot. The return and coverage units are mediocre. Coaching: C. The defense's lack of improvement reflects poorly on the entire defensive staff.--Tom Silverstein

DETROIT LIONS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The Lions' free-agent plans will be primarily internal. In the final week of the season, they re-signed three players, including DT Shaun Rogers, who would have gotten the franchise tag. They also would like to re-sign TE Stephen Alexander, C Dominic Raiola, WR Reggie Swinton and KR Eddie Drummond. If the Lions are able to re-sign the free agents they want, their draft wish list will be short. There will be holes at right tackle, left guard and both safety spots. The line spots could be filled in the free-agent market and in the draft; the safeties likely will come in the draft. The Lions will search for a backup quarterback because Joey Harrington will be on a much shorter leash next season. FINAL GRADES: Offense: O. There is a lot of talent but little sustained production. Defense: D, The unit can't stop anyone on third down. Wanted: A playmaking strong safety. Special teams: A-. All facets were productive. Coaching: O. The staff is far too conservative on defense and even more so on offense.--Tom Kowalski

MINNESOTA VIKINGS PLAYOFF READINESS *

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The team still hasn't learned how to play well in pressure situations, and its young players regularly commit turnovers and penalties in key situations. Blitzing teams have their way with the club's patchwork line. The Vikings haven't been able to find a cure for cover 2 defenses that take away the deep ball to WR Randy Moss. He hasn't been the same since straining his hamstring in October, and without the constant threat of Moss, the running game rarely finds rhythm. On defense, the secondary isn't aggressive. DT Kevin Williams beats double-teams, but no other defensive player has the ability to make game-breaking plays. The team will have to start S Willie Offord, a liability in coverage, after SS Corey Chavous fractured his elbow last week, FINAL GRADES: Offense: 13. It started fast but never found itself after Moss' injury. Defense: D, Problems in the secondary never were solved. Special teams: C-, There were no big plays, below-average kicking and holes in coverage. Coaching: C. The team lost seven of its last 10 games for the second consecutive year.--Kevin Seifert

NFC north

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005

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