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NEW FACES OF THE NORTH

 

The Minnesota Vikings have marked their territory atop The NFC North, taking the Norris crown in 2 of the last 3 years, including a trip to NFC Championship game last season. The Packers welcome back All Pro Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, along with a revamped roster that has potential, while the Lions and Bears hired new coaches, plus added quality players through free agency and the NFL Draft. 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Minnesota has been building ever since Head Coach Mike Zimmer arrived back in 2014. When you look at their current roster, the majority of draft picks during that time have evolved into Pro Bowlers or starters. The Vikings won their 2nd division title in 3 years last season and came up just short of a Super Bowl appearance but feel that new free agent Quarterback Kirk Cousins is the final piece to the puzzle.

DETROIT LIONS

Detroit is a team that is pretty easy to sum up. They've been milling in mediocrity for quite sometime, as evidenced by their 3 Wild Card Playoff appearances and losses since 2000. As of late, the issues have been the same. Suspect offensive line, modest running game and inconsistent defense. Now with the hiring of new Head Coach Matt Patricia, the Lions brass and fan base are hoping he can bring new life into the Motor City.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

The Packers begin this year in a similar position that they've been in for quite some time and that's one of the early favorites to come out the NFC. That's what happens when you have a Future Hall of Fame Quarterback like Aaron Rodgers on your team, however those expectations have been somewhat of a reach over the last few years but Green Bay has upgraded their roster and Rodgers knows how to lead a team, which has Green Bay poised for a strong season.

CHICAGO BEARS

Chicago is another team in the division that hasn't had much success lately, with only 1 winning season in the last 7 years. It's impossible to pin point one specific cause or reason because there's plenty of blame to go around. Enough blame, that change became inevitable. Now, with an established 3rd year Running Back and promising 2nd year starting Quarterback, bringing in Matt Nagy as the new Head Coach was the right decision. Chicago made some nice moves in the off season and is headed in the right direction.

NFC NORTH OFF SEASON GRADES

  • Chicago: A+

  • Green Bay: A

  • Minnesota: B+

  • Detroit: B-

Click here for in depth analysis on ALL Off Season Grades

Pure NFL Podcast - NFC North

Season Preview - September 7, 2018

Pure NFL Podcast - NFC North

Preseason View -August 6, 2018

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