NFC North: Week in Review
By Mike Praser
May 14, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Happy Friday Bears fans. This week we got a taste of what is yet to come with some Organized Team Activities, or OTAs as they are called. The Bears have already lost wide receiver Domenik Hixon when he tore his ACL. Michael C. Wright from ESPN.com broke down the Bears practice that was open to the media, but more importantly we break it down here on BearGogglesOn. This is exciting stuff people. Let us take a look at what was going on in the rest of the NFC North this past week.
Packers
Sep 13, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Bears 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Rob Demovsky takes a look at the Packers’ OTA sessions. And why not? It’s always good to know what the enemy is doing.
Tight end Jermichael Finley met with Packers’ team doctors on Wednesday, but it sounds like it is more of a formality. I think Green Bay wanted to make sure that he was officially broken before letting him go visit other teams. It is a shame, he had a lot of potential to be really good. I never like it when players get injured and can’t continue their career. Football is a dangerous sport.
The Packers released LB Victor Aiyewa on Wednesday. Who? Man, I am scraping the bottom of the barrel for news this week. That just means that the Packers can sign someone else who nobody knows and will be a pro bowler before we know it.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune made the trip up to Green Bay to find out how they are going to be using the “revitalized” Julius Peppers.
Yep, you guessed it, more articles on Julius Peppers. It’s like the Packers never signed a high profile free agent before. I guess it has been a while. That’s what happens when you draft well.
Vikings
Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former Minnesota Vikings head coach Bud Grant acknowledges the fans during the closing ceremony following the game against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Injuries limit Kalil and others in Vikings OTAs according to ESPN’s Ben Goessling. It is never a good thing when you have injuries in the offseason. These guys need all the time they have to try and learn the complicated Norv Turner offense. Good luck Vikings. I know Norv Turner is a good offensive coordinator, but I know players need time to learn that Air Coryell offense. I will never forget the Mike Martz years here in Chicago.
Did you know that Bud Grant had a garage sale? Well, you do now. It’s actually a nice story. I’m waiting for Ditka to have a garage sale.
Lions
Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fan holds a sign showing support for Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Some OTA observations from the Detroit Free Press say the Lions need some work. Luckily for them, they have a lot of time before opening day kick off.
Michael Rothstein from ESPN.com writes that the Lions are setting up for an aggressive defense. And this is different from the last few years how? I’m not sure how aggressive they will be if they can’t cover any recievers. I still don’t know why they didn’t address their secondary more in the draft.
While the Lions are setting up for their aggressive defense, their offense still has issues to work on. How about learning a new offense? It is never easy to learn new systems when new coaches arrive. It is going to be a struggle for the Lions and Vikings this year.
Uh oh… Calvin Johnson, of all people, is caught up in an incident that I am sure that the Lions are aware of and are waiting for more information until they make a comment. What is a molly wop?
What did I miss? Is there any other NFC North news from this week that peaked your interest? Make sure you post it in the comments below. And remember, GO BEARS!