NFC North Rivals – 5 Questions with Lombardi Ave.
By Mike Praser
It’s the off-season and we have been focusing on what the Bears have done in free agency. Let us not forget that we have 3 NFC North teams that are also addressing needs and making moves as well. To get some insight on our NFC North Division rivals, we have contacted our frienemies at fellow fansided sites to bring you “NFC North Rivals – 5 Questions”. Today’s questions are being answered by Dan Dahlke from Lombardi Ave, the Green Bay Packers Fansided site.
Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) and linebacker Nick Perry (53) walks off the field after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 23-20 during the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
How do Packer fans feel about the Julius Peppers signing?
Jan 25, 2013, Ko Olina, HI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) poses with Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Kevin Greene at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
"Overall, it seems fans love the Peppers signing. This is the time of year Packers fans usually voice their frustration with Ted Thompson’s conversative ways in free agency. The Peppers signing was surprising to say the least. Like most of the fans, I didn’t believe the Packers would actually go out and sign a veteran in the first week of free agency, especially not a big-name player like Peppers. It comes as a pleasant surprise, honestly. Peppers adds another pass rusher to line up alongside Clay Matthews. In the past, when Matthews would be out because of an injury, the Packers pass rush would really drop off. Peppers may help alleviate some of that and take some of the pressure off of Matthews. Having said this, most fans aren’t looking at this with rose-colored glasses. We know Peppers is 34 and his best years are behind him. We know he’s not the dominant player he once was in Carolina or in his first few years with the Bears. It seems the Packers will try to use him in any way they can and get at least a couple of good years out of him. This seems fair. Peppers could add something to this defense, while younger guys develop. Plus, it will be nice to not have to face Peppers twice a year."