NFL
By Monte Perez
The NFC North has been dominated by the Green Bay Packer for the past decade. Green Bay has won 7 division titles over the past 10 years.
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers (Projected Finish, 12-5):
The off-season for the Packers scared a lot of Green Bay fans. Aaron Rodgers appeared to be unhappy with the direction the team was going. Devante Adams will be an unrestricted free agent in 2022. This could be the last year we see Rodgers throwing to Adams at Lambeau Field.
The Packers offense was downright scary last season. They led the NFL, scoring 31.8 points per game. They did this with a balanced offense. They averaged 256 passing yards and 132 rushing yards per game.
Aaron Rodgers deserved the MVP Award. Rodgers has 48 touchdowns only 5 interceptions and threw for 4,299 yards. Devante Adams is now the most productive wide receiver in the NFL. In 14 games, He had 115 catches and 18 touchdowns. TE Robert Tonyes caught 11 touchdowns. He became a huge target in the Red Zone for Rodgers late in the season. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion should provide a great 1-2 punch at the running back position. Pro Football Focus has Green Bay ranked 16th on the offensive line.
After another NFC Championship Game letdown, the Packers and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine decided to part ways. Now, Joe Barry comes over from the Rams to run this defense. Over the past few seasons, this unit has been pushed around and bullied at times. The Packers strength is getting opposing quarterbacks to throw the ball and take advantage of their pass rushers. The team had 41 sacks last season and I expect them to be more aggressive in 2021.
Minnesota Vikings (Projected Finish, 10-7):
Kirk Cousins is scheduled to make $21M this season and a whopping $35M in 2022. Last season Cousins threw for 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Statistically, he had a good year, but can the Vikings trust him in a big spot? Dalvin Cook is a top-tier running back. Last season he rushed for over 1,500 rushing yards and averaged 5 yards per carry. Justin Jefferson out of LSU could have won rookie of the year. He had 88 catches and 1,400 receiving yards. Adam Thielen had 14 touchdown receptions. This could be the best WR combo in the NFC North.
Defensively, this team only had 23 sacks. During free agency, the Vikings added defensive tackles Dalvin Tomlinson and Sheldon Richardson and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Something to watch for, The Vikings have the lowest vaccination rate in the league at 70% and 64.5% fully vaccinated. Their players could miss a ton of games due to COVID.
Chicago Bears (Projected Finish, 10-7):
Photo Credit:(NFL Network).
There should not be a controversy at the quarterback position. Andy Dalton does not put fans in the seats, he does not excite the offense and has never won a playoff game. Justin Fields should be the starter. Even though he is a rookie, Fields is a better passer, a better runner, and has a higher ceiling. David Montgomery led this team in rushing last season. He rushed for 1,070 yards and caught 54 balls out of the backfield. Allen Robinson had 102 catches in 2020 and he is a legitimate No.1 option. Cole Kemet and Jimmy Graham had 10 Touchdowns combined.
Defensively, the Bears were led by Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan. They two had 251 combined tackles. Khalil Mack had 9 sacks last season and can still be an elite pass rusher. Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols anchor the defensive line. Hicks had 49 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, 3½ sacks, and 21 quarterback hits. Eddie Jackson and Jaylen Johnson have a ton of potential at the safety and defensive back position. This defense has enough playmakers to win games.
Detroit Lions (Projected Finish, 6-11):
The Detroit Lions traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and two future first-round draft picks as well as a third-round selection. Marvin Jones led the receivers last season with 76 catches, 978 yards, and 9 touchdowns. Jones is now in Jacksonville Jaguars. The Lions do not have a legitimate No.1 wide receiver. TJ Hockeson had 67 receptions and 6 TD’s at the tight end positions. Running back D’Andre Swift will be the featured back. This offense will struggle to score points during the season. They just do not have enough weapons.
Last season the Lions set franchise records for most points (519) and yards (6,716) allowed. They also ranked last in quarterback pressures with one of the lowest blitz percentages in the league. Most experts have this defense ranked 25th in the NFL. Like their offense, they just do not have enough playmakers on defense.
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