My Greg Jennings Blog

Minnesota Vikings
Projected Record: 11-5

Brett Favre is coming back. Brett Favre does not want (nor does he probably need) training camp and he and the Vikings both know this. My guess is the only reason this is a story is because the Vikings don't want to show themselves as a team that openly allows a player to miss training camp. Make no mistake, number 4 will be under center when the Vikings take on the Saints to open the season.

Adrian Peterson still runs like a bull. The problem is he still carries the ball like a loaf of bread. Everyone criticizes Brett Favre for throwing that interception at the end of the NFC title game (rightfully so) but don't forget Peterson's fumble at the end of the half that cost the Vikings at least three points. While Peterson will get his yards, rookie Toby Gearhart will likely take the place of Chester Taylor as the third down back. Sydney Rice and Visanthe Shiancoe emerged as prime targets in the Vikings offense last season and their production should continue to increase this season.

Jared Allen and The Williams Wall (Kevin Williams, Pat Williams) make up one of the most dominant front fours in all of football. Reports say that linebacker E.J. Henderson's recovery from a horrific knee injury is ahead of schedule which is key for the Vikings. His health could be the difference in the Vikings defense being good or very good. Second round pick Chris Cook adds youth to a veteran secondary that is lead by Antoine Winfield.

The Vikings were within a whisker of the Super Bowl last year and without a significant drop off in talent they appear to be in a great position reach the big game this year. Obviously, the health of Favre is key, but the Star Caps case could affect the Vikings defense if ruling comes down some this season. I don't think it will but it's worth keeping an eye on.

Green Bay Packers
Projected Record: 11-5

Aaron Rodgers was awesome in the playoff loss at Arizona. I don't think I remember a QB in his first road playoff start playing so well. Rodgers certainly had the respect of the organization before that performance but I think the world as a whole now views Rogers as a difference maker and an elite quarterback in the league.

The Packers drafted Brian Baluga to help sure up an offensive line that had some problems protecting Aaron Rodgers last year. Baluga is coming off dealing with a thyroid issue, but the Packers felt he was recovered enough to warrant a first round selection. Offensively Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley still give defenses match up problems across the board. Ryan Grant, though not spectacular, continues to be a reliable workhorse at running back.

The defense, which had been a strength for the Packers, really fell apart in the playoff loss at Arizona. The Packers drafted defensive end Greg Neal and safety Morgan Burnett to add youth and speed to defense that was susceptible to big play at times last season. The line backing corps are still the strength of the unit with veterans Nick Barnett, A.J. Hawk, and Clay Matthews returning. The secondary is also strong with Charles Woodson, Al Harris, and Atari Bigby patrolling the passing air ways.

The Packers should be able to challenge Minnesota for the NFC North. The defense will be better in its second year under defensive coordinator Dom Capers and Aaron Rodgers should continue his excellent play. Green Bay shouldn't be looked as a dark horse but as a legitimate Super bowl contender.

Chicago Bears
Projected Record: 8-8

Last off season the Bears made a major move trading for Jay Cutler. The Bears were applauded for bringing the first potential franchise quarterback to the city, since Jim McMahon. This season the Bears still have high hopes for Cutler but, the 26 interceptions he threw and his erratic play last year have to be a bit of concern for a player they've invested so much in.

To maximize their investment in Cutler the Bears brought in offensive coordinator Mike Martz. The Bears don't have a true number one receiver but they believe their receiver by committee approach can get the job done. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett, and Devin Aromashodu should all get plenty of opportunities to showcase their talent in Martz's system. The Bears hope one of them will emerge into the big play threat Chicago desperately needs. Free agent acquisition Chester Taylor should provide a nice compliment to Matt Forte in the backfield. Taylor's pass catching abilities will be used frequently in the Bears new offense.

Defensively, the Bears made a huge upgrade on the defensive line with the signing of defensive end Julius Peppers. Peppers should help Chicago augment a pass rush that has been lacking in previous seasons. Brian Urlacher also appears to be at full strength after suffering a wrist injury that kept him out of 15 games last year. Chicago added safety Major Wright as well as defensive end Corey Wooten and corner back Josh Moore via the draft. The Bears are hoping to infuse some youth into a defense devastated by injuries last season.

I like most of the things Chicago did this offseason, the signing of Martz will help the offense and the signing of Julius Peppers will help the defense. However, I don't think the Bears are better than the Vikings or Packers who also play in their division, which puts them out the running for the postseason.

Detroit Lions
Projected Record: 4-12

The good news for Detroit is that they made a 2 game improvement on their win total from the previous season. The problem is they didn't win any games the previous season. Head coach Jim Schwartz heads into his second season with second year quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the Lions on the road back to respectability. Stafford showed flashes of brilliance last year but it's too early to tell if he is the franchise quarterback this team so desperately needs.

The Lions got a lot of help in the draft taking all-world defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and the lightening quick,explosive running back Jahvid Best. Cornerback Amari Spievey should help out in the secondary and tackle Jason Fox will provide some added depth along the offensive line.

On offense, receiver Calvin Johnson (aka Megatron) is second to no one in terms of talent. He routinely beats double teams and is becoming one of the best receivers in the league. Free agent pickup Tony Scheffler should also provide another receiving threat at tight end for the Lions.

Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch reunites with his former head coach Jim Schwartz and hopes to spark a Lions pass rush that was lacking during last season. Veteran linebacker Julian Peterson and cornerback Dre Bly provide experience for a defense that is still trying to find its identity.

The Lions helped themselves immensely in the draft this year. If Stafford continues to develop the Lions could develop into a contender in the next season or two. Unfortunately for Lions fans the results might look a lot like last year, but crawling is a prerequisite to walking.