2006 NFC North Preview

The Bears will dominate the North division in the NFC. Head coach Lovie Smith has created a nicely balanced defense and is hoping that a healthy Rex Grossman at quarterback will invigorate what was one of worst passing games in the league. RB Thomas Jones still may be traded and that could certainly cause concerns for the ground attack, although Chicago has some promising new talent.

Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit have all hired new head coaches. Detroit GM Matt Millen hired first-timer Rod Marinelli—a defensive specialist. Marinelli smartly surrounded himself with great coaches, including Mike Martz as offensive coordinator and Donnie Henderson as defensive coordinator. Green Bay’s offensive line coach Larry Beightol has also been added. However, with Jon Kitna and Josh McCown at QB, all coaching may be moot.

The Vikings hired the inexperienced Brad Childress, who has surrounded himself with even more coaches that lack experience. Childress traded the talented Daunte Culpepper and is betting on 38-year old veteran Brad Johnson to use his experience and leadership to create stability on the field. It’s not a bad idea. However, along with sound leadership, the team needs reliable receivers and a strong running game. Johnson can’t really help in those areas.

Mike McCarthy heads the coaching staff of the Pack. Another first time head coach, he’ll have to work at rebuilding a weak offensive line, developing talent at receiver and dealing with an unpredictable quarterbacking situation. Does Brett Favre have one last hurrah in him? And will he have the sense to know when he doesn’t?

2006 NFC North Predictions

Just on experience and smarts alone, Lovie Smith and the Bears should win the division. Look for the Vikings to be competitive, while the Lions stay abysmal, and the Pack start the rebuilding process.

Predicted order of finish, click on the team name for a more in-depth look at the professional football club.

1) Chicago Bears
2) Minnesota Vikings
3) Green Bay Packers
4) Detroit Lions

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