NFL preview - NFC North

This is my first (of many I hope) annual NFL preview... Yeah, it's a little late and the season actually started this past Thursday, but give me a break.. I just started this blog this week. So, without further ado, here is my NFC North Preview. I will post previews for each division later.

NFC North
Minnesota Vikings - 2010 record: 6-10, (t-3rd)
What's new: The Vikings said goodbye to essentially every QB they had on their roster in 2010, with Favre retiring (for now) and Tavaris Jackson now in Seattle. So the Vikings drafted Christian Ponder in this year's draft (I don't see him being anything more than a backup in this league) and then traded for Donovan McNabb.

Reasons for optimism: Mainly, RB Adrian Peterson. While McNabb looked pretty much done at times last year in Washington, he didn't have anything near the level of RB that Peterson is. His presence alone will force defenses to play closer to the line and respect the run. As long as Peterson stays healthy, McNabb has a chance to succeed.

Reasons to worry: This team has undergone a bit of an overhaul, and say what you want about Favre, I don't think McNabb presents a significant upgrade at the QB position. I think this team will continue to struggle on offense, and I didn't see them doing much to improve a declining defense, especially in the defensive backfield.

2011 prediction: 7-9 (4th in the NFC North)

Chicago Bears - 2010 record: 11-5 (1st)
What's new: The Bears were quiet for most of the off-season, much to the chagrin of their fan-base, who were hoping for a big name or two to put them over the edge. Instead the Bears scooped up Cowboy cast-offs Roy Williams and Sam Hurd to "upgrade" the WR spot, and draft bust Vernon Gholston, LB Nick Roach and DT Amobi Okoye. I don't see any of these moves having major impact.

Reasons for optimism: While the Packers won the Superbowl last year, it was the Bears that won the division with a renewed defensive dominance and a balanced offense that at times had to overcome erratic performances from QB Jay Cutler.

Reasons to worry: Cutler. I remember watching Jeff George in the 90's play for team after team, and the similarities to Cutler, in my view, are eerie. Both had monster arms and could make all the throws. Both have a tendency to make terrible decisions, especially under pressure, and make head scratching throws even when not pressured. And both have poor attitudes that quickly wear on coaches and teammates. I think this team will be good, but Cutler makes too many mistakes, critical mistakes. And QB is the one position where that just can't be overcome to reach the top.

2011 prediction: 9-7, 3rd in the division.

Detroit Lions: 2010 record: 6-10 (t-3rd)

What's new: The Lions didn't do much in the off-season... in fact they did nothing on the offensive side of the ball. This is odd to me because I think it was offense where the team was most lacking. At any rate they added defensive depth with DB Eric Wright, LB Stephen Tulloch, and CB Chris Houston. And they drafted monster DB Nick Fairley in the 1st round, pairing him with Ndamukong Suh to make a pretty fearsome D-Line for years to come.

Reasons for optimism: When healthy, Drew Stafford has looked every bit the part of the franchise QB... strong arm, poise, accuracy and can read defenses. If he can stay healthy, he could emerge as one of the better young QBs in the game this year. Also, the defense has rounded into an attacking, fearsome group that will continue to improve.

Reasons to worry: Stafford's health. All the things I said about him mean nothing if he continues to be felled with serious injuries year in and year out.  And until he can prove he can stay healthy, he's going to carry that stigma. Also, this is a very young team that will still be prone to mistakes.

2011 Prediction: 10-6, 2nd in the division.

Green Bay Packers: 2010 record: 10-6, (2nd), Won Superbowl
What's new: Almost nothing. This team did very little in the Free Agent market, but then again, didn't need to do much. As long as they avoid the injuries that so badly hampered them during the regular season last year, they will be a great team.

Reasons for optimism: Too many to list here, but as a start, they are fairly young, and now mostly healthy, and already have won a Superbowl. Aaron Rodgers has become an elite QB, one of the top 5 in the game, and they have a young and talented WR corps that can match up with any defense in the NFL.

Reasons to worry: Not many, but I have my doubts about their secondary. Woodson, while still productive, is ancient and you have to figure he's going to slow down at some point.

2011 Prediction: 13-3, 1st in the division