The Case Files: Kings Of The North

Expectation vs Reality

The Case Files: NFC North

In this article we are looking at what each respective team in the NFL is hoping for from their rosters this coming season. Keep in mind that the expectation portion is a hopeful assessment of a team, baring injuries and the regression of some players. Whilst the reality section is an assessment of what may happen if things go very wrong. So without further ado lets get started.

Detroit Lions

A very interesting team coming into this season, it remains to be seen whether or not Golden Tate can lead this wide receiver group after the departure of the legend Calvin Johnson. A team that finished with 7-wins last season, they are hoping to push for a playoff spot.

Best Case 8-8

This is a team that has talent, that cannot be denied. Yet the biggest issue for this team is their ability to produce consistently and score points at will. This franchise still rests on the success or failure of Matt Stafford, the former overall number one pick, who has shown at times that he can throw it with the best of them. Yet his inconsistent play at the quarterback positon has hurt this offence in the past. This team will have to ride its offence towards a winning record, this may come in the form of an improved Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah showed flashes of brilliance in his first season in the league, he is a shifty back that can make defenders miss in space. If he can take a step forwards this year, then this woeful Lions rushing attack may have a resurgence.

This is something the Lions front office is aware of, with them drafting two Offensive Linemen in the draft. These acquisitions will hopefully keep Stafford protected, and also to create running space for Abdullah and Theo Riddick.

The Lions have some good pieces on the defensive side of the ball. A player that I love and think will have a dominate season this year is Ezekiel (or Ziggy) Ansah, who finished with 14.5 sacks at the end of last season, he is a dominate and disruptive pass rusher on this defence. Couple Ansah with Haloti Ngata and Devin Taylor, and this could be a disruptive front, that may cause some teams trouble down the stretch. The secondary is a question mark heading into this season, and one that will need to be addressed if the Lions are going to be any hope to make the playoffs.

Worst Case 5-11

With the departure of Calvin Johnson, this team loses a red zone threat. This may have been mitigated with Eric Ebron, yet this preseason we received the news that Ebron has a mysterious leg injury, and has been seen hobbling around at practice. Ebron was a pick for me to have a strong season, this injury hurts the Lions, especially in the redzone. Now more pressure will be placed on Golden Tate and the newly acquired Anquan Boldin, both will have to show that they can handle the work load, in order to take the pressure of Stafford. Zach Zenner and Ameer Abdullah are going to have to drastically improve on last seasons effort, if the Lions are any chance to effectively run the ball.

The defence as mentioned before has a number of question marks against it heading into the season. The secondary is an area that needs drastic improvement, if they are to try to keep up with the Packers and Vikings. The line backing core is also an area of concern for this team, with blue chip talent DeAndre Levy only playing 17 snaps last season, and currently being on the active/non football injury list at this point in camp. The Lions may struggle to hold opposing offences in check this season.

Chicago Bears

A team that always seems to be on the cusp of a great season, yet continually falls short. This Bears team is going through a transitional period at the moment, no more so then their defense, which I foresee being a real strength of the Bears in seasons to come.

Best Case 9-7

This team has a very good nucleus of talented positional players on the offensive side of the ball. If Alshon Jeffery can stay on the field this season, and shake the injury bug that plagued his 2015 season, then he could be a top 10 or even top 5 receiver. He is an athletic freak and dominates corners and safety’s continually. We also get to see Kevin White finally step on the field, after missing his entire rookie season sidelined with injury, we will be able to see the former first round pick in action. White is a very talented receiver, and I think he is in for a big year. The big question for this offence is whether or not Jeremy Langford can fill the role that Matt Forte has left. Forte was a huge reason as to why the Bears have in previous seasons been competitive in games. It remains to be seen whether or not Langford can shoulder the substantial load.

The last issue that this offence may face is the sporadic and perplexing play of Jay Cutler, long touted as a potential breakout quarter back who was one good season from being elite, we now all know that this will never eventuate. If Cutler can iron out some of the turn overs and look to keep the ball safe, then this offence may surprise a few people. If Cutler could model his game off anyone at this stage of his career, I would suggest to look at Alex Smith and the success he has had. If Cutler can turn into more of a game manager who takes his shot when it presents its self, then the Bear’s may be looking at a winning season.

The Bear’s have always prided themselves on stout defense, we need only look at the more recent years in which Brian Urlacher lead this team to defensive success. Yet that has now changed and this Bears defensive unit is looking to some young play makers for success. With the acquisition of the veteran and super bowl winner Danny Trevathan, to lead this defense, this unit will see immediate improvement. Not to mention some of the other stars in Pernell McPhee (OLB) and Kyle Fuller (CB), both who are very talented and will look to have another productive season under Vic Fangio, the defensive coordinator. Also look for first round pick from this year draft Leonard Floyd to make an impact.

Worst Case 6- 10

If Alshon Jeffery cannot stay healthy then this offence will struggle. Not to mention we don’t know how Kevin White will play after missing an entire season of football, sometimes practice and real life games can make a world of difference for these athletes. Throw in the fact there is uncertainty at the running back position, as to whether or not Langford can shoulder the substantial load or someone like Ka’Deem Carey will have to share the load.

As mentioned before my confidence in Cutler is fairly low, as stated previously he is a capable quarterback, yet is capable going to be enough for an offence that needs a difference maker? Only time will tell, but I don’t hold high expectations.

One of the major issues for this team lies in its offensive line, Kyle Long is a bight spot for this line, but he needs more help keeping the pocket upright. Last season the offensive line and its continual poor play lead to Jay Culter constantly placed under pressure. If the Bears are going to have any success running the ball and keeping their offense moving forward, then the key for them is the offensive line. (First pre season game they surrendered eight sacks).

The Bears defense as mentioned, is improving and they will be substantially better than last season. Yet this is a young defense with only a few differences makers in key positions, watch for teams such as the Packers and Vikings to exploit the weaknesses that this defense may show.

Minnesota Vikings

A favorite team of many this season to make a deep playoff run, this team is an exciting team that will look to cause a few upsets.

Best Case 12- 4 (Win a Wildcard Spot)

This Vikings team is stacked offensively. Lead by arguably one of the best running backs of this generation, the always incomparable and immensely talented Adrian Peterson. This running back is the greatest back in the league at the moment, and the Vikings would love to win a super bowl for him before his time is up.

Couple this with a good young quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, teams cannot stack the box against Peterson, due to the fact that Bridgewater will take a shot down the field to expose this tactic. Bridgewater has a plethora of young receivers around him, who can make plays and allow him to take multiple reads down the field. Stefon Diggs emerged last season as a future player to watch, as a rookie he showed immense talent to run some of the routes that he did, and was also great after the catch. The Vikings also drafted a big young rookie wide receiver, in the form of Laquon Treadwell, look for this young rookie to dominate defenders in the red zone. Still a very raw talent, Treadwell will be a good fit in this offence.

On the defensive side of the ball, this Vikings team is looking to move into the elite realm of defenses. In my opinion one of the most underrated defenses last year, this Vikings unit has been tailor made to stop offences and create pressure, through exotic blitz’s and great personnel acquisitions. Lead by pro bowler Harrison Smith (FS), who has an uncanny ability to diagnose plays. If you also look at players like Sharrif Floyd, Everson Griffen and Anthony Barr, it is evident that this unit will be a force this year. Barr in my opinion is primed to have a stellar season, look for him to lead this team deep into the playoffs.

Worst Case 8-8

The worst case for this team is that offensively the wheels fall off. This may be the year we see Peterson regress (altho

ugh not likely, he defies the normal assessment of running backs), if Peterson does struggle it will have a massive impact on Bridgewater. Speaking of Bridgewater, he needs to show improvement this upcoming season, last season he was good, but not spectacular. Hopefully the acquisition Treadwell and development of Diggs will allow him to go for a career year.

For me the success of the Vikings this season will come down to their offence. Defensively this team is ready for the playoffs, yet it remains to be seen if this offence will be able to take another step up.

Green Bay Packers

Fun fact, this franchise is the only professional team in the NFL to be solely owned by the fans. Something that I find endearing of this legendary franchise. This Packers team is looking to go back to the playoffs and challenge teams for the right to the super bowl after last seasons epic loss to the Cardinals in the playoffs (FYI if you haven’t seen it, go watch the highlights between the Cardinals and Packers in the 2015 playoffs).

Best Case 14- 2 (Win Division)

Arron Rodgers… Enough said. The man is an absolute talent, one of the best quarterbacks to play the game in decades. Look to see Rodgers as a first ballot hall of famer, once everything is all said and done. Last season the Packers were incredibly unlucky, losing Jordy Nelson in the preseason with a torn ACL. You could see the impact that Nelson has on this team, with him sidelined the offence struggled to reach the lofty heights we all expected. This was not helped by Eddie Lacy (RB), coming into the season overweight and out of favor with the coaching staff. Again for this team to make it as far as it did last season, it was all down to Rodgers and his ability to manufacture success.

This offence is primed for a huge year. With a now healthy Nelson back, a slimmed down Lacy, and a fantastic complimentary piece in Randall Cobb. This receiving core will look to put up big numbers, I foresee both Nelson and Cobb to have over 1,000 yards each. Let’s not forget the acquisition of the athletic tight end Jared Cook who allow Rodgers another big body in the red zone, alongside Richard Rodgers. The Packers also have one of the best offensive lines in the game, if all of their lineman can stay healthy this year, look for this unit to post up big numbers.

Defensively the Packers did struggle at times last season. Yet being able to move Clay Matthews back to his favored position of outside linebacker will pay immediate dividends. Matthews did a great job last season having to play on the inside, yet his pass rushing ability was sorely missed from the outside. Mike Daniels is finally getting the recognition he deserves, a disruptive run blocker on the inside, he stabilizes and sets the tone for this defense. We also cannot overlook the talented Ha Ha Clinton- Dix who constantly seems to come up with game changing plays. This defence will look to improve on last season, and I think they have the right pieces/will have the right game script (leading by a lot) that will allow them to flourish.

Worst Case 9-7

For the Packers it all comes down to this offence and injuries. Talent wise this offensive unit it is almost on par with the Arizona Cardinals, the only difference is that Arron Rodgers to me is just a cut above the rest of the quarter backs in the game right now. If he can stay healthy and the Packers have some better luck than last year, look to see this offence be in the top 3 overall in scoring, in the NFL.

Defensively this unit will not win them games, yet if the Packers have a substantial lead, as I think they will, then look to see this defense make plays whilst not under too much pressure. A lot of the success of this unit will rely on Matthews ability to get to the quarter back, and Julius Peppers to have one more productive season. There are some question marks at the corner back positon, with Sam Shields showing he is capable enough, but outside that this, the secondary is quiet thin.