NFC North: Viking redemption
Cris Carter's division previews:
• AFC: East | North | South | West
• NFC: East | North | South | West
The NFC North is setting up to be a competitive division again this year – at least for the top two spots. I see it coming down to a horserace between Minnesota and Green Bay in the final weeks of the season again. But the Vikings have an edge because of offseason additions.
Minnesota had a heartache to end last season, and it responded by concentrating on a big need in its secondary. The acquisition of Antoine Winfield will help tremendously. He has the cover skills and physical presence that can help the Vikings bounce back from the disaster in the desert.
Minnesota Vikings (Last season: 9-7, 2nd)
Players to watch: Antoine Winfield and Marcus Robinson
Winfield should bring stability to a secondary and be fit well with safeties Corey Chavous and Brian Russell, who were outstanding last season. He also will help the development of young corner Brian Williams and represents Minnesota's big move in the offseason.
Robinson has a big year in front of him. He was brought in for an added punch to the offense and to take the double teams away from Randy Moss. If he performs well, defenses will have to stay honest instead of mobbing Moss like last season.
Burning question: Is Tice the man for the job?
As a young coach, Mike Tice has the opportunity to take a young team to the next level and get into the playoffs. The team has really taken to Tice's personality over the past two seasons. The Vikings are able to identify with his coaching style and ready to perform above their ability.
Bottom line:
The Vikings have done the right things to move into the top spot of this division by adding key players to a team that was so close last season. The team is equipped to forget last year's tumble and win the division for the first time since 2000.
Green Bay Packers (Last season: 10-6, 1st)
Player to watch: Mike McKenzie
Is Green Bay's premier corner going to continue his offseason demands and stay on the sidelines or will he rejoin the team? The Packers saw this controversy coming and drafted Ahmad Carroll in the first round and Joey Thomas in the third round. These two young cornerbacks may have to step it up in their first season if McKenzie decides not to join the team.
Burning question: Mindset of Favre?
As long as No. 4 is on the field, he is going to be the guy to watch. But does he really enjoy the game as much as he used to? We'll have to watch his eyes, the bounce in his step, and whether he is yelling at the defensive line. If he still has the drive, Green Bay has a chance to beat any team in the league.
Bottom line:
The Packers still have enough firepower to hold off the Lions and Bears. Many people think they have enough to win the division. They really do if everyone stays healthy, but I think Minnesota is in a better position.
The Packers are counting on running back Ahman Green to stay healthy. They have worked him to the max the last couple of years. With too much use, a running back eventually will break down. And if that happens, the Packers will struggle to remain competitive.
Detroit Lions (Last season: 5-11, 4th)
Player to watch: Charles Rogers
After a hot start to his rookie season last year, wide receiver Rogers broke his collarbone. Not only is he healthy this year, but he is joined by talented rookie wideout Roy Williams. Can these two young guys develop quickly into elite receivers for quarterback Joey Harrington? They both have size and speed – two things that you can't teach – and are ready to grow up quickly in Detroit's offense.
Another rookie Kevin Jones will be an immediate boost at running back and can help ease their learning curve. A good running game will leave single coverage for Rogers and Williams – exactly what every receiver wants.
Burning question: Can a young team come out very fast?
Are the Lions ready to compete immediately? They had better be because they have a tough first three weeks and need to come together very fast. Detroit opens the season with a tough divisional road game in Chicago and will get a huge test in Week 3 when it welcomes Philadelphia.
Bottom line:
I like the moves the Lions made and I think coach Steve Mariucci is proving to be the perfect fit for Detroit. He is a winner and the younger players should learn a lot from him and feed off his past success. The overall enthusiasm of Mariucci will help carry the team to a level that it hasn't seen in many years.
Chicago Bears (Last season: 7-9, 3rd)
Players to watch: Rex Grossman and Brian Urlacher
Grossman takes over the offense in Chicago, and the verdict is still out regarding whether he can be an effective starter in the NFL. He lacks the size and physical skills that we are accustomed to seeing, but coach Lovie Smith is ready to go with him.
Defensive leader Brian Urlacher missed some of training camp but should be ready to start the season. But how effective will he be? The four-time Pro Bowler is the anchor of that defense, and the Bears need him at full strength. Newly acquired Adewale Ogunleye and Chicago's defensive draft picks will play a big role this season.
Burning question: Does Smith have the tools?
Can coach Smith's defensive scheme bring the same type of punch that it did in Tampa Bay and St. Louis? Players love a coach who has a pedigree that they can grab a hold of, and the Bears really like Smith's enthusiasm, especially in the dog days of summer when it is tough to get through those practices.
Bottom line:
Besides hiring Smith and trading with Miami for Ogunleye, the Bears didn't make any significant moves that will make them competitive in the NFC North. There still are question marks with Grossman that will have to be ironed out over the course of the season. They are moving in the right direction under Smith, but this is a tough division to move up in.
