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NFC North

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

CHICAGO BEARS

MLB Hunter Hillenmeyer has been a pleasant surprise as a fill-in for Brian Urlacher (hamstring). Hillenmeyer understands he doesn't have great speed but takes good angles, anticipates well and is solid tackler. He's not overpowering but takes on blocks when necessary instead of trying to run around them. He reads and reacts well.... WR David Terrell is the team's best receiving option, but he anticipates hits too often. That's why he lunges forward after catches instead of staying on his feet and running.... Coach Lovie Smith told rookie DTs Tommie Harris and Tank Johnson they must do more. Harris has shown flashes of greatness. Johnson has struggled after a fast start. HRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C-. Was ascending before Rex Grossman was hurt. Defense: C-. Injury-riddled unit has kept the team in games. Special teams: D. Have been hurt by big plays and K Paul Edinger's inconsistency. Coaching: C. Winning at Green Bay was important for Smith.--Mike Mulligan

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DETROIT LIONS

A rash of slow starts in the first halves of games are a combination of coach Steve Mariucci's conservative play-calling and QB Joey Harrington's inability to seize opportunities when he's provided with them.... RB Artose Pinner has been more than an adequate fill-in for RB Kevin Jones (ankle). Pinner's lack of outside speed will limit the offense, but he is a rugged runner inside who hits the hole hard and is difficult to bring down.... RT Stockar McDougle is trying to do too much and is off to a slow start. McDougle has excellent size with a strong punch and good feet. He can handle outside speed rushers--but only when his technique is sound. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: C-. The running game isn't there yet. Defense: C. Is overmatched against better teams. Special teams: A, The team has blocked field goals; kick returns and coverage have been exceptional. Coaching: D+. The team must lose the conservative approach on offense and defense.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Losing C Mike Flanagan to a season-ending knee injury is a huge blow. C Grey Ruegamer isn't as quick as Flanagan, and Ruegamer's lack of athletic ability will affect the running game because the center is counted on to be mobile on the team's misdirection plays. Ruegamer is better when he's confined to space and can maul big nose tackles. ... CB Michael Hawthorne is starting for now, but the team desperately needs someone with more speed who doesn't have to play so far off the line. Rookie CB Ahmad Carroll (groin) should get a look once he's healthy.... FB Nick Luchey has become a very effective blocker in the power package, in which he gets to beat up on safeties and linebackers. FIRST QAURTER GRADES: Offense: B+. Until the Giants game, moving the ball hadn't been a problem. Defense: F. Can't stop the run or pass. Special teams: C-. Coverage units are good; returns are mediocre. Coaching: D. Home-field advantage is out the window.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

CBs Terrance Shaw and Ralph Brown, both signed as free agents after the season opener, have helped settle down the secondary after the season-ending loss of CB Ken Irvin (Achilles'). Shaw provides strong coverage in the nickel and can play safety. Brown provides depth on special teams.... Don't be surprised if K Aaron Elling is used on field-goal attempts of about 50 yards or more. K Morton Andersen remains the go-to guy, but his range is proving to be about 45 yards.... WR Nate Burleson is emerging as the most reliable midrange receiver when defenses focus on WRs Randy Moss and Marcus Robinson. Burleson's soft hands and precise route running could lead to a big year. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: A-. A few red zone gaffes spoil an otherwise stellar start. Defense: B-. It's giving up too many yards--375 per game. Special teams: C+. The coverage has been inconsistent, returns only average. Coaching: B. Defense and special teams remain unsettled.--Kevin Seifert

NFC North

Sporting News, The, Oct 11, 2004

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