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NFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 18, 2004

CHICAGO BEARS

During the open week, Pro Bowl C Olin Kreutz had cartilage removed from his elbow, and Pro Bowl LG Ruben Brown had surgery for a torn lateral meniscus in his knee. Kreutz might not miss any time but could be slowed, and the Bears have no experienced backups. Terrence Metcalf would be a gamble. Brown will be out two to four weeks; the team hopes G Rex Tucker (elbow) will return and fill in. He's athletic, has quick feet and can battle linebackers at the second level. RG Steve Edwards, who started 16 games at left guard last year, is another option. ... CB/KR Jerry Azumah (neck) is expected to play at nickel back when he returns but won't return kicks right away. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Because of the rash of injuries to the defensive backs, the Bears have had to play a lot of cover 2. That cuts down on big plays but contributes to yards allowed. Opponents have been able to move the ball between the 20s, but the defense has forced field goals instead of allowing touchdowns.--Mike Mulligan

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DETROIT LIONS

CB Fernando Bryant, brought in to complement Pro Bowl CB Dre' Bly, was the main man in the secondary for the first month of the season because Bly was out with a knee injury. Although he weighs only 175 pounds, Bryant is tough in run support and gives up his body to make the tackle or force the play inside. He has excellent speed but sometimes has difficulty finding the ball on deep passes. ... LBs Alex Lewis, Teddy Lehman and James Davis are getting better with every game. They're developing into a group of playmakers who force turnovers at key times, an element that has been missing from that position for years. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: KR Eddie Drummond believes the most important yards on any return are the 3 yards directly behind the wedge at impact. With the five-man wedge going a little better than half-speed, Drummond, who's at full speed, must time the collisions perfectly so he's just two strides behind the wedge at impact. That's how quickly a hole will open and close.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

SS Mark Roman gives the team dependability in the secondary. Roman isn't a big hitter or a gifted cover man, but he's a sure tackler and a faster alternative to the typical in-the-box safety. He has done a good job of disguising coverages and faking blitzes. ... CB Al Harris understands what offenses are trying to do because of his preparation. He studies film to get dues about how receivers react to inside or outside technique, how down and distance affect the play call and how formations might tip off what route will be run. This helps make Harris, who doesn't have great speed, solid in coverage. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The screen pass, which used to be an offensive staple, has been a nonfactor of late. RB Ahman Green used to be an effective screen weapon, but lately RB Tony Fisher has gotten all the opportunities because Green comes out on third downs. Opponents no longer fear the Packers' screen.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

CB Antoine Winfield has been the team's best free-agent pickup in years. He provides reliable tackling and spunky coverage. He's the team's best tackler, wrapping up with aggressiveness and strength. He makes up for being 5-9 with quickness and the threat of a big hit. ... Rookie Mewelde Moore is carrying the load at running back for now. He runs much harder than scouting reports suggested, showing the ability to break tackles and fall forward. He also displays soft hands and the ability to make defenders miss. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: With the injuries at running back, the team is making extensive use of four- and five-receiver sets. In the past, the team has been most productive in two-tight end and three-receiver sets. But the coaches are using the healthiest players and game-planning around them. The four- and five-wideout sets tax the pass blockers but give WRs Marcus Robinson, Nate Burleson and Kelly Campbell chances to catch more passes downfield.--Kevin Seifert

NFC north

Sporting News, The, Oct 18, 2004

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