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NFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 14, 2005

CHICAGO BEARS

The team tried to replace SLB Hunter Hillenmeyer in the offseason, but he has been effective as a first- and second-down player who comes out in nickel situations. Ideally suited for middle linebacker, Hillenmeyer is an overachiever whose football IQ helps him overcome athletic limitations. He has good size (6-4, 238) and is a solid tackler but does not have great change-of-direction ability and can be exploited when playing in space. ... The run defense is reaping the benefits of having SS Mike Brown closer to the line, but the team's emphasis on stopping the run might be slowing the line's pass rush by a half-step, and coach Lovie Smith's scheme is predicated on the front four getting pressure. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D+, One TD in each of the team's two losses is no way to be competitive, but this is the third offense in as many seasons. Defense: B. Talk in camp was this could be a top five unit; it's playing the part so far. Special teams: C-. P Brad Maynard picked up where he left off as one of the NFC's best. K Doug Brien is missing too many kicks. Coaching: B-. It's difficult to have a rookie at quarterback.--Mike Mulligan

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GREEN BAY PACKERS

The team has found a bit of success with its eight-man defensive line rotation. The group has established a high effort level that appears to be rubbing off on the entire defense, The biggest improvement has been against the run--Ts Grody Jackson, Cerey Wllliams and Colin Cole have provided resistance in the middle and kept guards off MLB Nick Barnett-but the tack of a consistent pass rush remains a problem. ... WR Antonio Chatman is proving to be more than a punt returner. At 5-8, Chatman isn't ideal for this offense, but his long arms are an asset and make him a bigger target than he appears. He is especially good in the slot because he's able to put a strong fake on his defender when he isn't jammed at the line. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. A weak running attack has put too much pressure on a passing unit that desperately misses WR Javon Walker (knee). Defense: C. There have been too few turnovers and too many penalties. Special teams: D, P B.J. Sander has been shaky as the holder, and the coverage and return units have been sloppy. Coaching: D+, Penalties, turnovers and mental mistakes reflect poorly on the staff.--Tom Silverstein

DETROIT LIONS

The Lions need a signature offensive play they can turn to in difficult situations. Some of the players even have beefed about Detroit's reluctance to repeat plays that work. ... CB Dre' Bly has earned the reputation for being a playmaker, not just in going after errant passes but in knowing when to strip vulnerable ballcarriers. Bly has nice speed and is good along the sideline but sometimes loses coverage on receivers cutting across the field. He has excellent hands and positions himself well in traffic. He can be very good in run support but isn't consistent enough. ... When opponents are able to cut down DTs Shaun Rogers and Dan Wilkinson, cutback lanes open because Detroit's linebackers are overpursuing. When the Lions don't maintain gap responsibility--particularly in third-and-short situations--they aren't good enough to stop big plays. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D-. QB Joey Harrington isn't the answer. Defense: B. Some issues still remain. Special teams: B. Jason Hanson has hit 18 straight field goals, and Nick Harris is one of the best pin-down punters in the league. Coaching: D-. The talent is better than the team's record indicates.--Tom Kowalski

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

QB Daunte Culpepper seems to be hindered by the right knee injury he sustained in the season opener. Culpepper still is willing to run, but his mobility clearly is reduced--he has been sacked 16 times in the past two games. Culpepper also is rushing his throws. ... Rookie CB Dovonte Edwards, an undrafted free agent, has caught the team's eye with his confident attitude and approach. Edwards runs well, appears to be a good tackler and doesn't back down from receivers. He could get a long look because several members of the secondary will be free agents after the season. FIRST QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D-, Other than a 17-point outburst in the first quarter against New Orleans, the offense has scored 40 points in 15 quarters. Defense: C-.The defense has given up a lot of yards, but the offense hasn't put it in many good spots. Special teams: B-. P Chris Kluwe has been the surprise of the season, and Paul Edinger has been accurate on short and long kicks. Coaching: D. Losing starts at the top, and the team has looked lost and disorganized at times.--Kevin Seifert

NFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 14, 2005

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