NFC NORTH 2009 Season Preview

By Adam Barone

The quarterback situation has been entirely made over in the NFC North, and promises many exciting duals for seasons to come. The Packers handed the reins to Aaron Rodgers last season, and the off season saw the additions of Jay Cutler, Matt Stafford, Sage Rosenfels, and possibly Brett Favre to the division. Who isn’t excited to watch Cutler and Rodgers duke it out on a frigid Sunday afternoon at either Soldier or Lambeau Field? This has a chance to be one of the most exciting divisions in the NFL in 2009. Here’s how we see things shaping up for the coming season:

1. Chicago Bears (12-4): The addition of Jay Cutler makes everyone on the team better. He’ll make the wide receivers look more talented (which isn’t much of an accomplishment considering that the team’s leading receiver last season was running back Matt Forte with 63 catches) and could help tight end Greg Olsen reach his lofty potential. More holes will open up for Forte to run through with defenses respecting Cutler’s cannon arm, and because Cutler can make throws that Kyle Orton can’t, the offensive line will probably take less of a pounding.
The Bears added three new pieces to that line, including stud tackle Orlando Pace. Chicago fans will see something they’ve never seen from the Bears in the past—an exciting offense.
Cutler’s ability to get the ball into the end zone will put less pressure on the defense as well. That side of the ball is basically the same as last season, aside from the addition of linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa. The team’s biggest weakness is the safties, and generally defending the pass. It ranked 30th against aerial attacks in 2008—allowing 241.2 yards per game through the air.

2. Minnesota Vikings (11-5): The Vikings still have Adrian Peterson, and traded for quarterback Sage Rosenfels in the offseason, but they’ll become a real threat if (when) they sign Brett Favre. Favre may be over the hill, which he showed last season when he wore down dramatically as the season progressed, but he’s still a great leader. His rifle arm and great pocket presence will open up a ton of running room for running back “All Day” AdrianPeterson, and the Vikings could become nearly impossible to stop. Rookie playmaker Percy Harvin could have an immediate impact with his big-play ability as well.
The possible suspension of both defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams could be problematic, but the defense will only need to be solid, not spectacular, considering the potential of the offense. As usual, Minnesota was first against the run last season, thanks to the Williams’. They were also able to improve against the pass from last to 18th, allowing 215.6 yards per game through the air.

3. Green Bay Packers (9-7): Aaron Rodgers proved himself more than capable as an NFL starting quarterback in 2008, finishing with an impressive 93.8 rating, but he’ll need to lead the Pack to better than a 6-10 record in 2009. Running back Ryan Grant should be at full strength heading into the season, unlike last year when a hold-out likely led to a hamstring injury. Grant still finished with 312 rushes for 1,203 yards despite the injury.
The defense is switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under new coordinator Dom Capers, which could bring growing pains. The Packers were able to add a nose tackle in the draft, selecting monstrous former Boston College stand-out B.J. Raji in the first round to be the center-piece of the new defense.
There are a few reasons for concern with the Packers, but if things break right they could have a breakout season.

4. Detroit Lions (5-11): Not only did the Lions draft quarterback Matt Stafford as their face-of-the-future, but they grabbed some quality free agents in the offseason. Cornerback Phillip Buchanon, and linebackers Larry Foote and Julian Peterson go a long way toward making the Lions look respectable—at least on paper. The Lions finished dead last in defense last season while going winless, so there’s nowhere to go but up.
On offense, receiver Calvin Johnson could be the best overall player in the entire league. He put up some impressive numbers (78 catches, 1331 yards, 12 TD) despite playing for a team that didn’t win a game. He’s in just his third season, so watch out. Second-year running back Kevin Smith averaged 4.1 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns in his rookie season, and is another reason for optimism. With Daunte Culpepper likely to begin the season as the starting quarterback, the Lions should be reasonably competitive.

If you have any questions or would like to respond to our articles, just email us