NFC PREVIEW
Can the Packers overcome the loss of Jordy Nelson?
1. GREEN BAY 2014 | 12- 4, 1st in North Last year in playoffs | 2014
Going all the way: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off a most- valuableplayer season and is in his prime. He has a bruising back in Eddie Lacy, who forces defenses to honor the run. The Packers went from a bad defense to a decent one last season by moving Clay Matthews from outside to inside linebacker. The team lost two corners in free agency but has done well finding young replacements, using its first two draft picks on corners Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins, and signing the undrafted Ladarius Gunter.
They’re doomed: Losing receiver Jordy Nelson to a season- ending knee injury was a big blow, especially considering how he stretches the field. Matthews has been slowed by knee and elbow issues. Much is resting on outside linebacker Julius Peppers, who at 35 is a senior citizen by NFL standards.
Now hear this: “It’s difficult to lose a guy like that in a meaningless game.” — Rodgers on Nelson
2. MINNESOTA 2014 | 7- 9, 3rd in North Last year in playoffs | 2012
Going all the way: If the way Adrian Peterson bounced back from his 2012 ACL injury is an indication, he will come back strong from missing the 2014 season. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has looked sharp and comfortable in the second year with Norv Turner’s offense. Tight end Kyle Rudolph is healthy after missing 17 games the last two seasons. The young defense, in part led by linebacker Anthony Barr from UCLA, is teeming with potential.
They’re doomed: The Vikings have had to reshuffle their offensive line, and are particularly inexperienced on the right side. They haven’t decided on a middle linebacker, although that could be Eric Kendricks, an undersized but playmaking rookie from UCLA. Kicker Blair Walsh, dealing with a revolving door at long snapper, has looked especially shaky lately.
Now hear this: “It’s going to be a fun year. I have a ton of weapons at my exposure; I can’t wait to get everyone going.” — Bridgewater, to the Minneapolis Star- Tribune
3. DETROIT 2014 | 11- 5, 2nd in North Last year in playoffs | 2014
Going all the way: After a season of injuries and protection problems, the Matthew Stafford- led offense should be better. The Lions really like second- round pick Ameer Abdullah, who’s not the fastest running back but has excellent vision and good hands. Outside linebacker DeAndre Levy made the Pro Bowl last season and should be a leader. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is a rising star on track to become a head coach.
They’re doomed: Losing All- Pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh completely changes the look of Detroit’s defense. Haloti Ngata is a solid replacement, but he’s 31 and hasn’t practiced because of a bum hamstring. No one on the roster has had more than eight sacks in a season. The offensive line is young and inexperienced, and right tackle LaAdrian Waddle is eight months removed from ACL surgery.
Now hear this: “We’re trying to shake the ‘ same old Lions.’ ” — Receiver Golden Tate, to the Detroit Free Press
4. CHICAGO 2014 | 5- 11, 4th in North Last year in playoffs | 2010
Going all the way: The Bears have a renewed commitment to the running game, so that means getting the ball into the capable hands of Matt Forte. He has some promising backups, too, in Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Jeremy Langford. The Bears are happy with defensive end Pernell McPhee’s ability to get to the quarterback. Coach John Fox and coordinators Adam Gase and Vic Fangio all have experience getting teams to the Super Bowl.
They’re doomed: Quarterback Jay Cutler is on his fifth coordinator in seven seasons, and he led the league with 24 turnovers in 2014. Top receiver Alshon Jeffery has been sidelined by a calf injury, and fellow wideout and top pick Kevin White could miss his rookie season because of a stress fracture in his leg. The roster has next to no one experienced in a 3- 4 defense.
Now hear this: “Why does everyone always assume the quarterback is the leader?” — Tight end Martellus Bennett, to Chicago magazine