NFC North preview
Green Bay Packers' Nick Collins (36) celebrates a touchdown with Clay Matthews (52) during the first half of NFL Super Bowl XLV football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday. Credit: AP
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Prediction: First.
Coach: Mike McCarthy, sixth season (53-34).
Coordinators: Off., McCarthy. Def., Dom Capers.
Outlook: What a brilliant run through the playoffs last year by the Packers, who overcame a rash of regular-season injuries and got on a postseason roll that ended with their 31-25 win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Aaron Rodgers completed his emergence from Brett Favre's shadow, and put his own stamp on a superior team that has improved health, especially at running back, and plenty of confidence. Clay Matthews leads a defense that looks every bit as good as it was last season.
Last word: There hasn't been a repeat Super Bowl winner since New England in the 2003-04 seasons, but the Packers have a shot if they can stay healthy and deal with a very deep NFC.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 6-10, 11-5, 10-6.
DETROIT LIONS
Prediction: Second.
Coach: Jim Schwartz, third season (8-24).
Coordinators: Off., Scott Linehan, Def., Gunther Cunningham.
Outlook: Three years after they produced the most ignominious season in NFL history, could it be that the Lions are ready to mention the "P" word this season? Lions fans are surely skeptical after so many years of losing, particularly that 0-16 season in 2008, but the pieces just might be there for a meaningful run. The key is the health of QB Matthew Stafford, who hasn't been able to stay on the field. If Stafford can be there for most of the season, then we're liking this team to start winning. Throw in big-time DT Ndamukong Suh, who is rapidly changing the perception of this team, and this could be the turnaround season in the Motor City.
Last word: Playoffs? There's an outside chance, but in a crowded NFC, the Lions still might be a year away.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 0-16, 2-14, 6-10.
CHICAGO BEARS
Prediction: Third.
Coach: Lovie Smith, eighth season (66-52).
Coordinators: Off., Mike Martz, Def., Smith.
Outlook: It will be a season of heightened expectations for the Bears, who won the NFC North by a game over the Packers but couldn't get past Green Bay at home in the playoffs. Does another year of working with Martz give QB Jay Cutler a leg up on the competition? Can the resurgent defense continue to improve in what figures to be a much-improved division? Can Brian Urlacher continue as an impact player in his 12th season? And, perhaps most importantly, can the Bears' leaky line keep Cutler in one piece?
Last word: Smith's Bears have a history of following up a good year with a mediocre one. Could happen again.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 9-7, 7-9, 11-5.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Prediction: Fourth.
Coach: Leslie Frazier, first full season (3-3).
Coordinators: Off., Bill Musgrave, Def., Fred Pagac.
Outlook: After a two-year run with Brett Favre, the Vikings have made a transition to the Donovan McNabb era, however long that lasts. McNabb was acquired in a trade from the Redskins, but he'll need to play well enough to prevent the Vikes from going with first-round rookie Christian Ponder. Adrian Peterson again will be the workhorse of the offense, and he remains the league's most punishing runner. The defense can be dominant, but took a step back last year.
Last word: This is a team in transition, from the coach to the QB. Translation: long year.
Three-year trend (2008-10): 10-6, 12-4, 6-10.
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