Vikes99ej
05-13-2008, 08:59 PM
I got this idea in my head today, so I figured what the hell. I don't do many of these, so don't be too cruel. I'll do one for defense later.
Quarterback
Green Bay Packers: Whenever you lose a quarterback like Brett Favre, you are going to have a dropoff. Assuming he progresses well through training camp, Aaron Rodgers should at least be a good game manager, with the great recieving unit around him. There is no reason Rodgers can't throw 15+ TDs, especially with a running game with Grant and Wynn. The addition of Brian Brohm should light a fire under Rodgers, too, although it makes me wonder how much confidence the Packers coaching staff and FO has in Rodgers. The only thing that worries me about this unit is the experience, with no real veteran QB on the roster (I know Rodgers has been in the league for a while, but to me he's playing his first full season as a starter). I would have thought for sure the Pack would have gone after Gus Frerotte.
Grade: C+
Minnesota Vikings: Here's to hoping Tarvaris Jackson can finally put it together. His accuracy and pocket-presence SHOULD improve through training camp and workouts, and he SHOULD be able to work on his decision-making and chemistry with Rice and Wade, but no one really knows. The kid is an athlete in every since of the word, but he needs to work on the mental aspect of being a quarterback. Injuries have also been a problem for Tarvaris, missing 4 starts last year, mostly due to his decisions to run out of the pocket. Hopefully improving his awareness and presence can remedy that. I was lukewarm on the Gus Frerotte pickup. He's playing in a completely different system than in St. Louis, but he can also give Jackson a few tips. I don't foresee John David Booty doing anything for us this year, as much attention as he has gotten here. This unit, much like the Green Bay unit, hinges on a young quarterback.
Grade: C
Chicago Bears: I would be worried as a Bears fan. The only quarterback they have added this offseason is Caleb Hanie, an UDFA from Colorado State. So that leaves them Grossman, Orton, and Hanie. I thought for sure the Bears would draft a quarterback in the first four rounds, but I guess the FO believes this year will be different for Grossman and Orton. Grossman can truly leave you shaking your head, whether it be after leading a fourth quarter comeback, or throwing the football right into the hands of opposing defensive backs. To me, it seems like there is no middle-ground for him. He either makes really great plays, or he makes **** plays, and last year we saw more of the **** plays. The Orton situation is not that much different. He's been given his chances, and once again it looks like the Chicago Bears quarterback job is Rex Grossman's to lose.
Grade: D+
Detroit Lions: Well, at least their quarterback has confidence. Coming off of some solid seasons sharing time with Carson Palmer (and eventually giving it up), I really thought that Kitna could lead the Lions to some .500 or above seasons. But alas, that has not been the case. His over-aggressiveness has cost them in games, and he has struggled, even with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, and the under-rated Mike Furrey at his disposal. However, the hideous offensive line play can not be understated, as the Lions were third in the league in sacks allowed. I don't know how much the presence of a first rounder in Cherilus can help them, as he can't play all 5 positions, but it sure can't hurt. I don't see Marinelli giving up on Kitna and letting Stanton have the reins quite yet, but it could still happen. That was one pick I actually liked. It's a shame he had to get injured last year, though. Not much can be said about Dan Orlovsky, except that he's from Connecticut, and he doesn't play much.
Grade: C+
Runningbacks
Green Bay Packers: Ryan Grant was one of the surprises of 2007. Everyone was sure the Packers would be in the market for a running back come draft-time this year, but he took away all of those concerns. I'll admit I honestly thought he was another SamKon Gado, but he maintained his ability to make plays into the playoffs. He runs hard, and he runs angry, and he was one of the few runners who was able to make plays against the Minnesota defense, notching 119 yards and a touchdown. Grant looks like he can take Ahman Green's spot as feature back for years to come.Wynn is probably the second best runner on the team, but his season was cut short due to injury. Brandon Jackson did not impress me that much, but it was hard to get any attention when you had Ryan Grant ahead of you. The Packers run a fullback-by-committee group.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson stole the show last year, notching offensive rookie of the year honors tearing up the Pro Bowl. Had it not been for him, we'd probably be coming off of a 5-11 or 6-10 season. He will again be the focal part of our offense this season, and assuming he can stay healthy (OMG), should put more superb numbers. I am of course assuming that Tarvaris can at least be a semi-decent quarterback this year, something he wasn't at the later part of the 2007 season, leading to 11 men in the box on every play. Adrian Peterson is a superstar, but his play and his season will depend on the quarterback position. Chester Taylor did a wonderful job filling in Peterson last year. It's hard having to take second fiddle, and Taylor played the role with no complaints. He's the definition of a blue-collar runningback. Maurice Hicks is the third string, basically there for kick returns.
Grade: A-
Chicago Bears: Nothing really stands out to me here. They had better hope that Forte is their best running back, because all they have otherwise is Cedric Benson (a head-case and a mediocre runningback), Garrett Wolfe (a dwarf), and some guy named Adrian Peterson. Benson should have been the featured back in Chicago, but things just haven't worked out for the top 5 pick. He has the size and speed, but there's just been something missing. Had I been the Bears, I would have gone after Mendenhall, and gotten Nicks or Cousins in later rounds, but I don't fault them for wanting to build up their line with Chris Williams. I just wonder how much pressure Forte and the others can take off of those buffoons at quarterback.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions: Had Kevin Jones been able to make it through a full season without ending on IR, we'd have a different story. I was a Kevin Jones fan, but it seemed like everyone was placing bets on which week he would suffer his season-injury. He was explosive, and he could make catches out of the backfield, but his fragility was his downfall. I think their situation is extremely similar to the Bears; they have several mediocre running-backs with a rookie who was extremely productive at the college level. I can't really see how Smith's game is going to the translate at this level, but seeing as the Lions coaches have said it's his job to lose, he must be a better runner than Tatum Bell, who didn't really accomplish much during the 2007 year. Behind Bell and Smith there is Artose Pinner and Brian Calhoun. I expect a bigger focus on the running game with the subtraction of Mike Martz.
Grade: C
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Green Bay Packers: This is a very young (except Driver) and talented group. Driver, Jenning, Jones, Lee, and eventually Nelson should all be able to help Rodgers in the passing game. Driver is one of the most under-rated receivers in the game, and has some great hands. Jennings is the playmaker of the group, and had a fantastic rookie season last year. Jones had his share of plays as well. Hell, even Ruvell Martin is a decent option. You really can't go wrong with this bunch. Donald Lee is a good pass-catching tight end, and Jermichael Finley will be developing behind him. One little question I have about this unit is how much better a perennial pro-bowler and future hall-of-famer made them look, but you have that question whenever you go to a team with a superb quarterback. This is the best receiving corps in the NFC North.
Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings: This is a very young and inexperienced group, with the only receiver with any sort of resume being new-comer Bernard Berrian. The success of this unit depends on whether Berrian can transition from being a #2 wideout to a #1 wideout. I am pretty sure Berrian should be able to do it, and be everything that Troy Williamson was supposed to be. Sidney Rice should put together a solid season with his height and jumping ability making plays for him. There should be a battle for the slot receiver between Bobby Wade, Robert Ferguson and Aundrae Allison. Wade was out of position last year as the main target, but we didn't really have anyone better than him. Hopefully Wade can somewhat flourish as a slot target. I was surprised we resigned Robert Ferguson, and I don't think we'll be asking too much out of him. Allison had a kick return for a TD last year, and I expect to see him returning kicks this year. I really don't even want to talk about the Vikings' tight ends. You have Shaincoe, Jeff Dugan, and Garrett Mills. To say the least, it's a shaky unit. As with the whole team, the success of the receiving corps is going to depend on the progress of Tarvaris Jackson.
Grade: C
Chicago Bears: Having lost Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammed, this unit is going to have a different look with Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Earl Bennett as the new faces. I don't really know what to the think of this group. Berrian was great for them as a speed threat last year, and Muhammed, while declining with age, still had relatively consistent hands. No one scares in me out of the wide-outs, but I'm not going to say Earl Bennett can't surprise some people, as I wanted him on the Vikings. I can't predict who is going to the lead as the #1 receiver, but it probably won't matter unless Grossman or Orton can get their act together at quarterback. For how mediocre and bland their WRs, I really must say the Bears have a nice set of tightends. Greg Olsen is a freak of an athlete, someone who I foresee giving the Vikes problems for years. Desmond Clark isn't bad at all either.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions: On paper, this should be the best unit in the division, with Roy Williams, Mike Furrey, and Calvin Johnson. But things haven't really played out that way, due in part to the quarterback play and the offensive line. I can't say anything bad about Roy Williams, other than he is on the Lions. He can get away from the cornerbacks, and has a put up the numbers to solidify his spot as one of the receivers in the league. Furrey is also underrated, with a set of reliable hands. Calvin Johnson really had an inconsistent year, but he also dealt with the injury bug. I'm pretty sure he will come around though, with the physical attributes of a god. It might not be this year, but he is going to break through in a big way. The tight ends are serviceable at best, but have never really been a focal part of the offense. It will definitely be interesting to see how the passing game does with Mike Martz leaving.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
Green Bay Packers: Probably the most-well balanced line in the division. Chad Clifton is still a very good offensive tackle at his age, and Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, and Mark Tauscher are all at the least above average. There is also some young potential there in Allen Barbre and Daryn Colledge. This unit is built for both passing and running the ball. Aaron Rodgers has the advantage of playing behind a good offensive line in his first year, something not all young quarterbacks have.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings: This is a very talented, but aging offensive line. Hutchinson and Birk are both still very good at what they do, but they are also on the wrong side of 30. However, I can see Hutchinson playing for at least three more years for us, while this may be Matt Birk's last season in Minnesota. McKinnie is one of the biggest question marks on the line. He has had his bright spots, and is generally recognized as one of the better offensive tackles in the league, but his latest off-the-field problem may have an effect on his playing status, and we have nothing behind him if has to miss time. Anthony Herrera is making progress at right guard, something I hope Ryan Cook will do in the near future. If Bryant McKinnie can't be there for us, this may be a longer year for Tarvaris Jackson than it already could be.
Grade: B
Chicago Bears: This is the epitome of a veteran group, with Olin Kreutz probably the best player on the line. The line basically went through addition by subtraction by letting the ancient Fred Miller, creating a space for Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams, someone I was hoping the Vikes would draft, if we would have still had a first round pick. With Tait moving to the right side I'm assuming, I think Williams will do a fine job for the Bears at left tackle. While it wasn't the sexy pick, such as Rashard Mendenhall, it might end being the right pick for the Bears. However, the window may be closing for the offensive line, with the interior lineman at, or approaching the age of thirty. However, I still think this line can get the job done.
Grade: B-
Detroit Lions: As I stated in their quarterback section, the Lions were third to last in the sack department, so there is definitely room for improvement. The Lions were also 31st in the league in running the ball, too. They "lost" Damien Woody, leaving an opening at one of the guard positions. Like the Bears, the Lions decided to use their first round pick on offensive lineman, Gosder Cherilus, someone some thought would be taken a little later. I think he is better than George Foster, so there should be some better play on the edges. Dominic Raiola is one of the more underrated centers in the league. This unit still has a ways to go to being a respectable unit.
Grade: C-
Quarterback
Green Bay Packers: Whenever you lose a quarterback like Brett Favre, you are going to have a dropoff. Assuming he progresses well through training camp, Aaron Rodgers should at least be a good game manager, with the great recieving unit around him. There is no reason Rodgers can't throw 15+ TDs, especially with a running game with Grant and Wynn. The addition of Brian Brohm should light a fire under Rodgers, too, although it makes me wonder how much confidence the Packers coaching staff and FO has in Rodgers. The only thing that worries me about this unit is the experience, with no real veteran QB on the roster (I know Rodgers has been in the league for a while, but to me he's playing his first full season as a starter). I would have thought for sure the Pack would have gone after Gus Frerotte.
Grade: C+
Minnesota Vikings: Here's to hoping Tarvaris Jackson can finally put it together. His accuracy and pocket-presence SHOULD improve through training camp and workouts, and he SHOULD be able to work on his decision-making and chemistry with Rice and Wade, but no one really knows. The kid is an athlete in every since of the word, but he needs to work on the mental aspect of being a quarterback. Injuries have also been a problem for Tarvaris, missing 4 starts last year, mostly due to his decisions to run out of the pocket. Hopefully improving his awareness and presence can remedy that. I was lukewarm on the Gus Frerotte pickup. He's playing in a completely different system than in St. Louis, but he can also give Jackson a few tips. I don't foresee John David Booty doing anything for us this year, as much attention as he has gotten here. This unit, much like the Green Bay unit, hinges on a young quarterback.
Grade: C
Chicago Bears: I would be worried as a Bears fan. The only quarterback they have added this offseason is Caleb Hanie, an UDFA from Colorado State. So that leaves them Grossman, Orton, and Hanie. I thought for sure the Bears would draft a quarterback in the first four rounds, but I guess the FO believes this year will be different for Grossman and Orton. Grossman can truly leave you shaking your head, whether it be after leading a fourth quarter comeback, or throwing the football right into the hands of opposing defensive backs. To me, it seems like there is no middle-ground for him. He either makes really great plays, or he makes **** plays, and last year we saw more of the **** plays. The Orton situation is not that much different. He's been given his chances, and once again it looks like the Chicago Bears quarterback job is Rex Grossman's to lose.
Grade: D+
Detroit Lions: Well, at least their quarterback has confidence. Coming off of some solid seasons sharing time with Carson Palmer (and eventually giving it up), I really thought that Kitna could lead the Lions to some .500 or above seasons. But alas, that has not been the case. His over-aggressiveness has cost them in games, and he has struggled, even with Roy Williams, Calvin Johnson, and the under-rated Mike Furrey at his disposal. However, the hideous offensive line play can not be understated, as the Lions were third in the league in sacks allowed. I don't know how much the presence of a first rounder in Cherilus can help them, as he can't play all 5 positions, but it sure can't hurt. I don't see Marinelli giving up on Kitna and letting Stanton have the reins quite yet, but it could still happen. That was one pick I actually liked. It's a shame he had to get injured last year, though. Not much can be said about Dan Orlovsky, except that he's from Connecticut, and he doesn't play much.
Grade: C+
Runningbacks
Green Bay Packers: Ryan Grant was one of the surprises of 2007. Everyone was sure the Packers would be in the market for a running back come draft-time this year, but he took away all of those concerns. I'll admit I honestly thought he was another SamKon Gado, but he maintained his ability to make plays into the playoffs. He runs hard, and he runs angry, and he was one of the few runners who was able to make plays against the Minnesota defense, notching 119 yards and a touchdown. Grant looks like he can take Ahman Green's spot as feature back for years to come.Wynn is probably the second best runner on the team, but his season was cut short due to injury. Brandon Jackson did not impress me that much, but it was hard to get any attention when you had Ryan Grant ahead of you. The Packers run a fullback-by-committee group.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson stole the show last year, notching offensive rookie of the year honors tearing up the Pro Bowl. Had it not been for him, we'd probably be coming off of a 5-11 or 6-10 season. He will again be the focal part of our offense this season, and assuming he can stay healthy (OMG), should put more superb numbers. I am of course assuming that Tarvaris can at least be a semi-decent quarterback this year, something he wasn't at the later part of the 2007 season, leading to 11 men in the box on every play. Adrian Peterson is a superstar, but his play and his season will depend on the quarterback position. Chester Taylor did a wonderful job filling in Peterson last year. It's hard having to take second fiddle, and Taylor played the role with no complaints. He's the definition of a blue-collar runningback. Maurice Hicks is the third string, basically there for kick returns.
Grade: A-
Chicago Bears: Nothing really stands out to me here. They had better hope that Forte is their best running back, because all they have otherwise is Cedric Benson (a head-case and a mediocre runningback), Garrett Wolfe (a dwarf), and some guy named Adrian Peterson. Benson should have been the featured back in Chicago, but things just haven't worked out for the top 5 pick. He has the size and speed, but there's just been something missing. Had I been the Bears, I would have gone after Mendenhall, and gotten Nicks or Cousins in later rounds, but I don't fault them for wanting to build up their line with Chris Williams. I just wonder how much pressure Forte and the others can take off of those buffoons at quarterback.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions: Had Kevin Jones been able to make it through a full season without ending on IR, we'd have a different story. I was a Kevin Jones fan, but it seemed like everyone was placing bets on which week he would suffer his season-injury. He was explosive, and he could make catches out of the backfield, but his fragility was his downfall. I think their situation is extremely similar to the Bears; they have several mediocre running-backs with a rookie who was extremely productive at the college level. I can't really see how Smith's game is going to the translate at this level, but seeing as the Lions coaches have said it's his job to lose, he must be a better runner than Tatum Bell, who didn't really accomplish much during the 2007 year. Behind Bell and Smith there is Artose Pinner and Brian Calhoun. I expect a bigger focus on the running game with the subtraction of Mike Martz.
Grade: C
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Green Bay Packers: This is a very young (except Driver) and talented group. Driver, Jenning, Jones, Lee, and eventually Nelson should all be able to help Rodgers in the passing game. Driver is one of the most under-rated receivers in the game, and has some great hands. Jennings is the playmaker of the group, and had a fantastic rookie season last year. Jones had his share of plays as well. Hell, even Ruvell Martin is a decent option. You really can't go wrong with this bunch. Donald Lee is a good pass-catching tight end, and Jermichael Finley will be developing behind him. One little question I have about this unit is how much better a perennial pro-bowler and future hall-of-famer made them look, but you have that question whenever you go to a team with a superb quarterback. This is the best receiving corps in the NFC North.
Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings: This is a very young and inexperienced group, with the only receiver with any sort of resume being new-comer Bernard Berrian. The success of this unit depends on whether Berrian can transition from being a #2 wideout to a #1 wideout. I am pretty sure Berrian should be able to do it, and be everything that Troy Williamson was supposed to be. Sidney Rice should put together a solid season with his height and jumping ability making plays for him. There should be a battle for the slot receiver between Bobby Wade, Robert Ferguson and Aundrae Allison. Wade was out of position last year as the main target, but we didn't really have anyone better than him. Hopefully Wade can somewhat flourish as a slot target. I was surprised we resigned Robert Ferguson, and I don't think we'll be asking too much out of him. Allison had a kick return for a TD last year, and I expect to see him returning kicks this year. I really don't even want to talk about the Vikings' tight ends. You have Shaincoe, Jeff Dugan, and Garrett Mills. To say the least, it's a shaky unit. As with the whole team, the success of the receiving corps is going to depend on the progress of Tarvaris Jackson.
Grade: C
Chicago Bears: Having lost Bernard Berrian and Mushin Muhammed, this unit is going to have a different look with Brandon Lloyd, Marty Booker, and Earl Bennett as the new faces. I don't really know what to the think of this group. Berrian was great for them as a speed threat last year, and Muhammed, while declining with age, still had relatively consistent hands. No one scares in me out of the wide-outs, but I'm not going to say Earl Bennett can't surprise some people, as I wanted him on the Vikings. I can't predict who is going to the lead as the #1 receiver, but it probably won't matter unless Grossman or Orton can get their act together at quarterback. For how mediocre and bland their WRs, I really must say the Bears have a nice set of tightends. Greg Olsen is a freak of an athlete, someone who I foresee giving the Vikes problems for years. Desmond Clark isn't bad at all either.
Grade: C
Detroit Lions: On paper, this should be the best unit in the division, with Roy Williams, Mike Furrey, and Calvin Johnson. But things haven't really played out that way, due in part to the quarterback play and the offensive line. I can't say anything bad about Roy Williams, other than he is on the Lions. He can get away from the cornerbacks, and has a put up the numbers to solidify his spot as one of the receivers in the league. Furrey is also underrated, with a set of reliable hands. Calvin Johnson really had an inconsistent year, but he also dealt with the injury bug. I'm pretty sure he will come around though, with the physical attributes of a god. It might not be this year, but he is going to break through in a big way. The tight ends are serviceable at best, but have never really been a focal part of the offense. It will definitely be interesting to see how the passing game does with Mike Martz leaving.
Grade: B-
Offensive Line
Green Bay Packers: Probably the most-well balanced line in the division. Chad Clifton is still a very good offensive tackle at his age, and Scott Wells, Jason Spitz, and Mark Tauscher are all at the least above average. There is also some young potential there in Allen Barbre and Daryn Colledge. This unit is built for both passing and running the ball. Aaron Rodgers has the advantage of playing behind a good offensive line in his first year, something not all young quarterbacks have.
Grade: B+
Minnesota Vikings: This is a very talented, but aging offensive line. Hutchinson and Birk are both still very good at what they do, but they are also on the wrong side of 30. However, I can see Hutchinson playing for at least three more years for us, while this may be Matt Birk's last season in Minnesota. McKinnie is one of the biggest question marks on the line. He has had his bright spots, and is generally recognized as one of the better offensive tackles in the league, but his latest off-the-field problem may have an effect on his playing status, and we have nothing behind him if has to miss time. Anthony Herrera is making progress at right guard, something I hope Ryan Cook will do in the near future. If Bryant McKinnie can't be there for us, this may be a longer year for Tarvaris Jackson than it already could be.
Grade: B
Chicago Bears: This is the epitome of a veteran group, with Olin Kreutz probably the best player on the line. The line basically went through addition by subtraction by letting the ancient Fred Miller, creating a space for Vanderbilt offensive tackle Chris Williams, someone I was hoping the Vikes would draft, if we would have still had a first round pick. With Tait moving to the right side I'm assuming, I think Williams will do a fine job for the Bears at left tackle. While it wasn't the sexy pick, such as Rashard Mendenhall, it might end being the right pick for the Bears. However, the window may be closing for the offensive line, with the interior lineman at, or approaching the age of thirty. However, I still think this line can get the job done.
Grade: B-
Detroit Lions: As I stated in their quarterback section, the Lions were third to last in the sack department, so there is definitely room for improvement. The Lions were also 31st in the league in running the ball, too. They "lost" Damien Woody, leaving an opening at one of the guard positions. Like the Bears, the Lions decided to use their first round pick on offensive lineman, Gosder Cherilus, someone some thought would be taken a little later. I think he is better than George Foster, so there should be some better play on the edges. Dominic Raiola is one of the more underrated centers in the league. This unit still has a ways to go to being a respectable unit.
Grade: C-