NFC North – Review

[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Duane.jpg” ]Duane Harrington, @twins_inc [/author]

 

The North Division is usually a one-sided division and it’s usually the Green Bay Packers, but there could be some competition in 2015. The Packers lost Pro-Bowler Jordy Nelson and avoided a scare with Randall Cobb. This brings the Pack down the earth just a bit. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings get their ace back in Adrian Peterson, the Detroit Lions will have a healthy Calvin Johnson back along with talented Golden Tate and the Chicago Bears get a chance to start fresh under the their new head coach John Fox. The old “Black and Blue” division might be up for grabs considering the injuries the Packers are dealing with.

 

Chicago Bears

Record in 2014: 5-11

Key players: Safety- Antrel Rolle

Player to watch: Quarterback- Jay Cutler

To get the Bears back to prominence all eyes will be on Jay Culter and the defense. Jay will have to be more consistent and have less turnovers. The Bears have had a great talent on offense to help support Culter so he does not have force himself to make plays. The defense have been the backbone for Chicago Bears for many years however the the last couple of years they have been bad. The Bears are in a rebuilding state and getting younger on defense. Prediction: 7-9

 

Green bay Packers

Record in 2014: 12-4

Key players: Wide Receiver- Devante Adams

Player to watch: Running Back- Eddie Lacy

The Green bay packers ended last season 12-4 and also with MVP Quarterback Aaron Rogers leading the way. The packers was one game away from going to the superbowl and now have plans of achieving it this season. This pre-season they were handed an injury that was unexpected by loosing Jordan Nelson with a torn ACL injury. It will be up to Eddie Lacy and the receivers to pick up the work load. Prediction: 10-6

 

Detroit Lions

Record in 2014: 11-5

Key players: Defensive Tackle- Haloti Ngata

Player to watch: Running Back- Abdullah Ameer

The Lions had a great season last year by going 11-5 and a lot of the success can go towards the defense. Going into the 2015 season, The Lions will not have the heart of the defense, Ndamukong Suh, who left team during free agency and signed with the Miami Dolphins. They did sign former pro-bowler Haloti Ngata from Baltimore Ravens to help filled the void. Detroit can be as successful this year with rookie running back Ameer who has been great this preseason and with a health Calvin Johnson with Golden Tate as a great sidekick the Lions could have a breakout season again. Prediction: 11-5

 

Minnesota Vikings

Record in 2014: 7-9

Key players: Running Back– Adrian Peterson

Player to watch: Quarter Back- Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgewater had a strong rookie season without Adrian Peterson in the backfield. The Vikings made alot of moves this off season to make a run for the division title and deep run into the playoffs. For right now on paper, Vikings has one of the best offenses that will have defensive coordinators up late. Mike Wallace can stretch the field that will have less people stacking the box to stop Peterson. Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Petterson poses as deep threats to make this young team very dynamic. Lets not forget about the defense players Anthony Barr, Harrison Smith, rookie Tre Waynes and veteran Terence Newman and Captain Munnerlyn just to name a few. Prediction: 12-4

 

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