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NFC north

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004

CHICAGO BEARS

Newly signed QB Jeff George hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2001. The plan is to keep him off the field but determine if he can be a backup in 2005. George has been working out for the last year, throwing to friends several times a week and running most days. He claims to have run 10 systems in his career and says it will take him only days to pick up a complicated scheme. ... The team will try to evaluate reserve G Terrence Metcalf, who nearly won a job in camp, after losing Ruben Brown (neck) for the year. The line also lost RT John Tait (knee) for at least three weeks. He likely will be replaced by utilityman Steve Edwards. SIBE A DIFFERENT GAME: Coach Lovie Smith recently criticized the pass protection, but it's hard to play well in front of quarterbacks who hold the ball too long, lack pocket presence and run into sacks. C Olin Kreutz is a perennial Pro Bowl player, Brown went to eight straight Pro Bowls with the Bills, Tait was a big-money free agent and RG Rex Tucker has been a Pro Bowl alternate. The line isn't as bad as it looks.--Mike Mulligan

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GREEN BAY PACKERS

Backup RB Najeh Davenport is going to be a key figure in the stretch run. Davenport is a great complement to the speedy Ahman Green because he can pound on defenses with his straight-ahead powerful style. But he has to stay healthy so he can get eight to 10 carries a game and take pressure off Green. ... At some point, the team has to get some production from pass-rushing DE R-Kal Truluck, who hasn't made any big plays coming off the edge on passing downs. It could help that teams likely will spend more time focusing on DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who is getting some sacks, leaving Truluck with more one-on-one opportunities. ... SLB Hannibal Navies is a smart, physical player who can run with most tight ends but isn't dominant at the point of attack and struggles at times in zone coverage. He has been used extensively in the blitz package and has had some pressures. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The fake reverse has been a staple of the kickoff return unit recently. Though it takes a blocker out of the mix, it forces opponents to honor the fake and take a split second to determine which way the return is going.--Tom Silverstein

DETROIT LIONS

The quarterback situation could change every week in the final five games. Joey Harrington remains the starter, but backup Mike McMahon could get more time. Coach Steve Mariucci says the player who gives the team the best chance to win will play. But McMahon will be an unrestricted free agent, and Mariucci wants to make sure the Lions make the right decision in the offseason. Harrington still is the odds-on favorite. ... The team suffered a huge loss when return specialist Eddie Drummond broke his left shoulder. Drummond will be replaced by Reggie Swinton, who has good speed and vision but doesn't have that extra burst through the hole. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The running game has kicked it up a notch. Rookie RB Kevin Jones is doing a better job of being patient and finding cutback lanes. C Dominic Raiola and LG David Loverne are doing a lot of pulling and are on the move instead of power blocking. The team has also done a better job of zone blocking on the outside with the tackle and tight end.--Tom Kowalski

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

WR Randy Moss (hamstring) has returned and is in position to help the team because of his nimble footwork and excellent hands, but he is missing the burst that made him a deep threat. ... RB Onterrio Smith has a chance to take over the spot he has been sharing with speedy RB Michael Bennett. Smith is a more physical runner but is less likely to break a big play than Bennett. ... DE Kenechi Udeze has had an inconsistent rookie season, in part because of a right shoulder injury that will require offseason surgery. He has the speed and hand strength to be a dominant pass rusher but at times has been unsure of what to do in the team's defensive schemes. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: After leading the NFL in rushing offense two years ago, the running game has become secondary to the passing game. The offensive line does not drive block well, and there are playmakers among the receivers. So coach Mike Tice has shifted the focus to the passing game. Now, the running game opens up when the passing game succeeds, instead of the other way around.--Kevin Seifert

NFC north

Sporting News, The, Dec 6, 2004

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