NFL’s Biggest Question For Every Team: NFC North

Detroit Lions: Do the Lions Trust Goff?

For the Lions in 2021, it is most likely going to be a rebuilding year with QB Jared Goff under center. The team is looking to form a culture with new head coach Dan Campbell and the era of Matthew Stafford officially over. Detroit is going to have their struggles in 2021 due to a young roster so that will be expected. The one bit of unknown for Detroit is how they view Goff. Goff, who was recently traded by the Los Angeles Rams for Stafford, has had underwhelming years since his Super Bowl run in 2018-19. Is Goff just a bridge guy? Or does Detroit view him as a building block for a winning culture in their future?

Minnesota Vikings: Can the Young Secondary Improve Enough to Compete?

Outside of a rough start to the year by QB Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings offense was a force in 2020, pushing the ball down the field with two pro bowl caliber receivers while also having the ability to hand the ball off to all-pro RB Dalvin Cook. WR Justin Jefferson broke the receiving yards record for a rookie, totaling 1,400 yards. His running mate, Adam Theilen, had 14 touchdowns as well, helping Cousins throw 35 in 2020. Despite this, the Vikings missed the playoffs and went 7-9 due to having the worst defense in the NFC. Minnesota gave up a conference worst 475 points and struggled in the secondary. Despite this, they have two young corners in Cam Dantzler and Jeff Gladney that showed improvement as the season progressed. Cleaning up the secondary would be huge for the Vikings to complement their offense. A lot of it will be on the shoulders of the growth of their two young corners, who I expect to take a big step in 2021.

Green Bay Packers: What is Going On with Rodgers?

I do not believe any team has had a crazier offseason to this point than the Green Bay Packers and the state of their QB Aaron Rodgers. It has been made very clear by Rodgers that he does not want to be there and has made no effort to show up to anything yet, including missing mandatory minicamp. Rodgers, the reigning MVP, was in the news last year when QB Jordan Love was drafted. Many felt this strained his relationship with the Packers, and this year may or may not have proved it. The biggest question right now for the Packers is who is going to be their quarterback in 2021? They have been stern on wanting Rodgers back, but also have a first-round pick waiting in the wings. Things are not going to get easier from here in Green Bay with important questions remaining unanswered.

Chicago Bears: Are the Bears Contenders or Pretenders?

People seem to forget that the Bears made the playoffs in 2020 and were a dropped touchdown away from possibly winning against the Saints. Regardless, the Bears needed to make a change to get out of the crossroads of contenders or pretenders. The Bears have been mediocre the past few seasons, but have had enough talent to compete. QB Justin Fields will more than likely become the starter at some point this season. If he plays well, the Bears will be right in the mix for the division and the playoffs.

Info from profootballreference.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas