NFC north

Sporting News, The, Dec 13, 2004

CHICAGO BEARS

It appears the team finally has found a serviceable replacement for injured QB Rex Grossman. Chad Hutchinson has ideal size (6-5, 237), athletic ability and arm strength. His mechanics have improved significantly in the past two months. He made solid decisions against the Vikings on Sunday, showing a cool demeanor in the huddle and a solid command of the offense.... With CB Charles Tillman returning from an injury, R.W. McQuarters has moved from corner to free safety. McQuarters plays the ball in the air a lot better than Todd Johnson. Johnson was filling in for injured FS Mike Brown (Achilles'). THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D. The unit would have earned an F if not for Hutchinson's performance against the Vikings. Defense: B. Failed to stop the run after MLB Brian Urlacher was injured. Special Teams: B. Inconsistency on field-goal attempts and kickoffs prevents a higher grade. Coaching: C. The team gives top effort but commits too many penalties.--Mike Mulligan

DETROIT LIONS

LE Cory Redding has a great motor, finds the bali well in the running game and tackles well. He has good size (6-4, 285) and strength and plays physically over the tight end. He must develop counter moves and do a better job with his bull-rush move. But he's getting better with every game, and the Lions privately admit they should have played him more as a rookie in 2003 so he would be more advanced now.... Lacking ideal size for a center, Dominic Raiola (6-1, 295) has refined his power-blocking technique by staying low and getting better push. He also has upgraded his footwork and is more effective at getting to the second level. Raiola will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and the Lions will make a hard push to keep him. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: D-. Can't convert on third down and can't score. Defense: D . Lacks consistency in forcing turnovers. Special teams: B . Without them, the Lions would be eligible for the top draft pick. Coaching: D. The staff is far too conservative and bungles game-day decisions.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

The safety position is a serious problem. FS Darren Sharper is playing on a hurt knee and doesn't have his normal burst, making it difficult for him to play near the line of scrimmage and cover sideline to sideline. At strong safety, Mark Roman and Bhawoh Jue have struggled. Jue has much better speed than Roman, but he struggles with assignments. Roman is sure about his assignments, but he doesn't do well in coverage.... MLB Nick Barnett is not having the kind of breakout season the club hoped. He is used a lot on blitzes because of his speed, but he has been ineffective because his moves are raw and his timing can be off. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B . For the most part, it was tearing defenses up--until the loss to Philadelphia. Defense: D-. The only reason the run defense has a good rating is because opponents throw so much. Special teams: C. K Ryan Longwell is the bright spot on an otherwise average unit. Coaching: B. After fixing the offense, maybe coach Mike Sherman should start calling defensive formations.--Tom Silverstein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

TE Jermaine Wiggins has blossomed into a go-to receiver for QB Daunte Culpepper, but Wiggins' blocking--especially on passing plays--has been suspect. On passes, the offense relies on tight ends to block linebackers and sometimes defensive ends. Coaches want tight ends at least to slow down rushers, but Wiggins is not a natural drive blocker and doesn't move laterally well enough to stay with speed rushers.... DE Lance Johnstone is one of the top situational pass-rushers in the NFL. Johnstone uses his arm length to keep linemen from getting too close to him. Speed is his best attribute. He is fast enough to cover running backs and tight ends in zone blitz situations. THIRD QUARTER GRADES: Offense: B . The team has had passing success even without WR Randy Moss, but the running game has been inconsistent. Defense: C-. There is too much talent to be giving up such huge yardage. Missed assignments and undisciplined play have hurt. Special teams: C . PR Nate Burleson has had a few nice returns, but coverage has been up and down. Coaching: B-. Players aren't solely to blame for confusion on defense.--Kevin Seifert