NFL: Predicting the NFC North for 2006
The NFC North was the division of the unexpected in 2005. There weren’t too many people that expected the Green Bay Packers to play as bad as they did. Things were sour at training camp when wide receiver Javon Walker held out for a better contract. Then in the second week of the season, Walker went down with a season ending knee injury. Javon wasn’t the only Green Bay Packer that went down early from injury. Running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport suffered season ending injuries as well. What matters worse, future Hall Of Fame quarterback Brett Farve had the worst season of his career; throwing 29 interceptions. The Packers finished the season with a 4-12 record.
With hardly any offense all season (ranked 29), the Chicago Bears won the division and earned a spot in the playoffs with a 11-5 record. Rookie Quarterback Kyle Orton (who led the Bears to most of their 11 victories) was replaced at the end of the season for Rex Grossman. Defense was the answer in the Windy City. The defensive unit led by Brian Urlacher gave up an average of 12 points a game in the regular season. The Bears were the ranked second in total defense in 2005.
The Detroit Lions were all messed up in 2005. They started off good in week one by defeating the Packers 17-3, but took a turn for the worse after that. There seemed to be no leadership on the field, the sidelines, and the front office. Head coach Steve Mariucci became the fall guy for the ongoing lack of discipline of the players and was fired by General Manager Matt Millen halfway through the season. The Lions finished the season with only 5 wins.
Last but not least is the Minnesota Vikings. Let’s see, where do I begin? First, Quarterback Dante Culpepper begins the season performing like a little league rookie, then suffers a season ending knee injury. On the Vikings bye week, newly acquired cornerback Fred Smoot puts to together a boat cruise that consisted of illegal gambling and naked women. This was all witnessed by the teenage employees of the cruise. However, the Vikings were able to bounce back from national embarrassment and make a serious run to the playoffs. Unfortunately they fell short, ending the season with 9 wins and seven losses. Head coach Mike Tice was fired once the Vikings season concluded.
The NFC North will be the division to watch in 2006. It will be interesting to see how each team bounces back from unfortunate events that happened during the 2005 season.
Here are my predictions for 2006:
Green Bay Packers – Record in 2005: 4-12
Brett Farve decided to play one more season before hanging up his helmet. Farve had a bad season last year, but will make a comeback like all the greats before him and have a good season. Running back Ahman Green will be healthy and will take some pressure off of the passing game. The addition of corner back Charles Woodson was needed, but there are still too many holes on defense. Prediction: 9-7
Chicago Bears – Record in 2005: 11-5 (Division Title, and Playoffs)
If quarterback can stay healthy for an entire year, the Chicago Bears will be much stronger in 2006. They have great offensive weapons in Thomas Jones, Cedric Benson and Muhsin Muhammad to put up lots of points. The defense led by linebacker Brian Urlacher will be among the best in 2006. The Bears could go very far in the playoffs.
Prediction: 13-3 and Division Title
Minnesota Vikings – Record in 2005: 9-7
The Vikings have a new owner, new coach and a new attitude after the strong finish in 2005. Brad Johnson is the starting QB again in Minnesota and will look to make an impact before his time is up. This team can be explosive if they learned how to get out of their own way. Prediction: 9-7
Detroit Lions – Record in 2005: 5-11
I really don’t know what to say about the Lions. They may have the most talented receivers in the league, but no quarterback with enough skill to get them the football. Only time will tell if new head coach Rod Marinelli will get the players in shape and disciplined. We’ll see about that. Prediction: 4-12
