NFC North Review: Vikings Surprise Early, Lions Offense is Back, Packers Playing Catch-Up, and the Bears Coaching Stinks

 

As we hit the quarter mark of the NFL season, it's the perfect time to break down what is currently the best division in football: the NFC North.

First off, the Minnesota Vikings are absolutely rolling at 4-0, beating legit teams like the 49ers, Texans, and (almost) handing the Packers a win. Kevin O'Connell is the coach of the year right now, and Sam Darnold? He's not the "seeing ghosts" version we all laughed at the past few years. He’s in the top ten in completion percentage and also tied for the most deep pass completions with Brock Purdy. The Vikings rank first in passing touchdowns and top five in yards per reception. Brian Flores can’t go unnoticed either, he has his defense locked in, they are tied for first in INTs and first in sacks. It’s impressive what they’ve done so far against the great offenses they’ve faced. They're not messing around.

Now, onto the Detroit Lions. Let me tell you, they are back. They started slow, but after losing to the Bucs, they turned around and beat the Cards and Seahawks, lighting up the scoreboard. The offense? Filthy. Their run game is cooking and one of if not the best backfields in the NFL. David Montgomery’s career was revived in Detroit last season and the Jahmyr Gibbs pick is clearly paying off. Offensively, they're top five in passing yards and rushing TDs, and they have one of the best O-lines in the league. Their defense, though, is letting a lot of passing yards fly but holding strong against the run.

And then there are the Bears, everyone’s favorite team to roast. Sitting at 2-2 after scoring only five offensive touchdowns, they have problems. Caleb Williams is behind a garbage O-line, and the coaching? Trash. They can’t run the ball, but somehow, they're still .500. The defense, however, is pretty good, allowing just two passing TDs and tied for third in sacks. If they want to make anything happen this season, they need the offensive line and play-calling to sharpen up. It's a work in progress for the Bears, but they’ve got a five-game stretch of winnable games coming up that could impact their season for the better or worse.

Finally, let’s talk about my Packers, fresh off an almost-comeback against the Vikings. Jordan Love, after shaking off some rust in the first half, balled out in the fourth quarter with three TDs and 202 yards. Sure, people will say it’s garbage time, but the Packers nearly stole this game. Love is just getting back into rhythm and against the Rams and Cardinals in the next two games I expect the offense to light it up. The key moving forward? Josh Jacobs. He’s been a monster when given the rock, and if the Packers lean on him more, it’ll open things up for Love. Also, how incredible has Jayden Reed been this season? He’s sixth in receiving yards in the entire NFL and has been a crucial part of the Packers' rushing attack. Offensively, though, they’re one of the worst in the league when it comes to penalties, and that’s something they need to clean up and fast.

The defense has been hit or miss, dominating bad teams but struggling against good offenses. They lead the league in interceptions and takeaways, but with Devonte Wyatt and Jaire Alexander injured, things could get dicey. Also, we don’t have a kicker, and that position just hasn’t been the same since Mason Crosby was cut. Man, I miss that guy.

If I had to call it now, three of these teams could make the playoffs, barring major injuries. After the next couple of games, we’ll see more divisional matchups, and chaos is sure to follow. Last season, the Bears beat the Lions, the Packers lost to the Lions in Week four, and then bounced back on Thanksgiving.

The NFL is a week-to-week league, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Stay tuned for the second-quarter recap of the season in a couple of weeks.


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