How Will Free Agency affect the NFC North - 03/06/2010 (143 views)

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The Chicago Bears showed they wanted to make changes from their 7-9 record last season. The Bears, who so far have dominated the free agent scene, have already added key players such as, running back Chester Taylor, Tight End Brandon Manumaleuna, and their best addition, defensive end Julius Peppers. Looking to improve in 2010, Chicago hopes Taylor can improve the struggling running game, which featured only Matt Forte last season. Manumaleuna, a great blocking tight end, who came from San Diego, will also aid in the running game, in result helping franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler perform like the Bears thought he would after immense success in Denver. The Bears do not have a deep threat wide receiver like Cutler had in Brandon Marshall during his tenure with the Broncos, so Chicago's problems may not be solved.
The Green Bay Packers, so far have not made any moves in free agency, but the Packers, the runner-up to the division title in 2009 at 11-5 return a promising depth chart. Pro Bowl quarterback Aaron Rodgers looks to get back to the playoffs, but may not be able to do so without a reconstructed offensive line. On the defensive side of the ball, NFL defensive MVP, Charles Woodson and good-looking rookie Clay Matthews both return. In need of some secondary help, the Packers, who had one of the top defenses last season will have to either take advantage of players in free Agency or do good things in April's NFL Draft.
The Minnesota Vikings, who disappointed Minneapolis after falling to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship, are focused on Brett Favre to get them to the promise land. Favre, who has said he is still unsure about his future, led Minnesota to 12-4 record and a division title. Favre's decision will probably explain Minnesota's outlook next season. If Favre decides to not come back, the Vikings will likely turn to quarter back Tavaris Jackson. Jackson has yet to prove he can win games in the NFL, so Favre's decision is Minnesota's lifeline. The departure of Chester Taylor to the rival Chicago Bears results in less depth at the running back position held by pro bowler Adrian Peterson. The Vikings, who have been rumored to be interested in free agent running back Brian Westbrook, might need to do work in the NFL draft to improve on last season.
The fourth and final team in the NFC North, the Detriot Lions have much to improve on in 2010. A key addition to the defensive line, the Lions signed former Tennessee Titan Kyle Vanden Bosch, a good defensive end that will help in the pass rush. Also the Lions, who were 2-14 last season added wide receiver, Nate Burleson, who should complement star wide receiver Calvin Johnson and make for a good receiving core in Detroit.
The question is, do the Bears, who made giant off-season moves become the favorite for first or second place in the division next year? Or are the Packers and the Vikings still the class of the NFC North?
My predictions for the standings of the NFC North for 2010 look like this:

Green Bay Packers: 11-5
Minnesota Vikings: 9-7
Chicago Bears: 9-7
Detroit Lions: 4-12


Comments
Ken Schonmeier
(Tuesday, March 09 2010, 04:44 PM)

One thing that free agency does this year is make the NFC North much more competitive.

Minnesota - If Favre does not come back, Minnesota could find themselves watching from the bottom in 2010. If he comes back, they are co-favorites for 1st place.

Green Bay - The Pack's O-line settled down as last year went on. It would not take much for them to move ahead of Minnesota as favorites, but something will have to be added in the draft to do it.

Chicago - Taylor and Manumaleuna are good additions, but they are depth, not starters. The real improvement will come from Peppers but they need him to play hard. The emergence of Aromashodu could add life back to their passing game. Still, I am not sure this is enough to move up to GB or MIN level.

Detroit - If the Lions draft Ndamukong Suh, they could be a surprise to the NFL as they have added some good players in free agency. Suh would give them a very good defensive line. Stafford will be another year older and experienced. Still, the Lions do not have a very good running back and that alone will keep them at the bottom another year. Unless Favre actually retires for once.


Jeremy Powers
(Sunday, March 07 2010, 08:17 PM)

I think Favre will come back, but I do not think that makes them the automatic favorites. As a Favre supporter for years I know his tendencies and while he is arguably the best quarter back ever, I can't see him having the same numbers and win totals. I also believe Sidney Rice benefited from Favre and Rice without Favre could mean mediocracy for the former Game Cock. I also wouldn't be surprised if Favre proved me wrong.


Evan Jacoby
(Sunday, March 07 2010, 03:11 PM)

I like your thoughts here and it's always good to deflect detention away from Brett Favre........ But the reality is, the one and only major factor that will affect the NFC North is Brett Favre's future. If he's coming back, they are automatic favorites. One play away from making the Super Bowl and they are loaded with talent, including Sidney Rice now an emerging top 5 WR in the league and Percy Harvin's sophomore year could be huge....

I like the predictions... I'm assuming they're accounting for Favre not coming back though


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