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NFC North

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

CHICAGO BEARS

KEY ISSUES: Quarterback problems--rookie Craig Krenzel became the third starter in the win over the 49ers last Sunday--are preventing the team from finding out much about its young receivers. Questions also remain at tight end. The team needs to step up on defense, where it has spent a lot of money and draft picks in an attempt to get its version of the cover 2 correct. The run defense has been a problem, but one that can be fixed with better gap control. An inexperienced defensive line needs to show progress. PROJECTION: The only run this team is primed to make is one at the first overall selection in the draft. Unless the commitment to the running game increases and the defense improves dramatically, this team could end up as the worst in the NFL. It's difficult to imagine even four wins unless Krenzel emerges as a fifth-round version of Ben Roethlisberger. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: D-. Defense: D+. Special teams: D. Coaching: D+. Overall: D.--Mike Mulligan

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DETROIT LIONS

KEY ISSUES: Coach Steve Mariucci is intent on getting the running game clicking, but the interior run blocking has been poor. Limited success has come when the passing game has been successful and teams are forced to play both safeties back. Defense has been the key to winning, but only because the unit is among league leaders in turnover efficiency. Going into the stretch, the team can't rely on fumbles and interceptions and must play fundamentally sound, especially on third down. PROJECTION: The Lions will make a run at the playoffs, but it will be a rocky road because inconsistency always dogs a young team. Look for some pretty impressive second half performances as the team has the talent to play with anybody. The Lions already have proved they can bounce back from just about anything, including injuries. But inexperience is going to bite them. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: C. Defense: B. Special teams: A. Coaching: B. Overall: B.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

KEY ISSUES: The team needs to get back to the blitzing style it worked on all offseason. That means rookie CBs Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas have to become reliable parts of the clime package. The coaches must devise a way to put the athletic but mistake-prone duo in situations where they can succeed, which might mean moving them around and making them a part of the blitz package to lessen their exposure to tough coverage situations. Coach Mike Sherman must continue to be involved heavily in the offense on game day. When Sherman is calling plays, QB Brett Favre continually hears about ball security and better understands what Sherman wants done. PROJECTION: The Packers can compete with the NFL's elite only on offense, and a playoff run will require that unit to stay in top form every week to make up for the defense's shortcomings. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A-. Defense: D. Special teams: C-. Coaching: B-. Overall: C+.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

KEY ISSUES: A rotation must be established among four deserving running backs: Mewelde Moore, Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith and Moe Williams, who finally are all healthy and active at the same time. For now, Moore starts, with Bennett and Smith spelling him. Williams' value is as a short-yardage runner and a third-down blocker. The team must get more consistency from its linebackers. Injuries have limited MLB E.J. Henderson and OLB Chris Claiborne, forcing a different combination of starters almost every week. Henderson remains key; there is no other viable middle linebacker. PROJECTION: The team must avoid another second half collapse, and it won't be easy piling up a good record because the remaining schedule is tough. The key to finishing strongly will be WR Randy Moss' strained hamstring. The offense isn't the same without him. APPROVAL RATINGS: Offense: A-. Defense: C+. Special teams: C-. Coaching: B. Overall: B.--Kevin Seifert

NFC North

Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004

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