NFC North: Sizing Up the Division for the 2015 NFL Season
Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) runs after a pass reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
THE FAVORITES – The Green Bay Packers
Jordy Nelson won’t be around to help this year and in no way can that be considered a positive. However, any team that boasts Aaron Rodgers as their starting QB has to be considered a favorite. Rodgers may be the best quarterback in the league and continues to prove it year in and year out. He finished last season with an incredible 38 touchdown passes to only FIVE interceptions. Matter of fact, he hasn’t thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since 2012.
Despite the loss of Nelson, Randall Cobb and Devante Adams should pick up the slack. Rodgers has an uncanny ability to get everyone involved and make average wide receiver’s look spectacular. Adams showed flashes in his rookie campaign and is going to be critical to the success of their offense as he can help alleviate some of the coverage teams will give to Cobb.
Aug 23, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back
(27) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Ty Montgomery and second-year WR Jeff Janis will have much bigger roles out of the gate. Janis is one to watch as he is a local player (Saginaw Valley State University) that has the physical tools to succeed at this level. He stands 6’3″ yet still runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and will most likely run many of the routes they ran with Nelson. Richard Rodgers and Andrew Quarless will share the TE snaps, with Rodgers looking to improve on a relatively successful rookie season(20 receptions, 225 yards).
Eddie Lacy spearheads the ground game and is developing into one of the better all-around backs in the NFL. He is a true workhorse back that has the ability to not only run the ball but excels as a blocker and a receiving threat out of the backfield. James Starks spells Lacy and has molded into a solid #2 back that is reliable when given opportunities.
Defensively, the Packers will look to improve upon their 23rd overall ranking from last season. Tramon William’s left via free agency and his departure could spell a little bit of trouble for the secondary. Truthfully, their offense produces enough points that their defense is often left with a cushion and isn’t needed to be their strength. Linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers return to help the front line. Bend but don’t break most likely is all Green Bay will need for this unit to be good enough.
The Packers again should clinch this division despite overall improvements to both the Lions and the Vikings. The loss of Nelson hurts, but Aaron Rodgers is good enough to carry this team to a fifth straight division crown.
PREDICTION – 12 wins, 4 losses
Next: The Contenders