Behind Enemy Lines: An NFC North Round Table
By Mike Payton
What is your teams Biggest Strength?
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) runs onto the field giving fans high fives before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Payton, SLR:
For the Lions it’s got to be the defense. Even with the loss of Ndamukong Suh the Lions defense is still quite talented. Guys like DeAndre Levy, Ziggy Ansah, Darius Slay, Haloti Ngata, and Glover Quin are some of the best in the league at their position. With the retention of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, I wouldn’t expect much of a drop off in 2015.
Schmelzer, BGO:
The Bears’ offense is well ahead of the defense in the talent department. For a specific position, I would probably have to pick wide receiver as the Bears’ biggest strength.
Alshon Jeffery returns, and figures to be a focal point of the offense. Free agent addition Eddie Royal is getting rave reviews out of the slot so far, rookie Kevin White has freakish upside and Marquess Wilson is a favorite breakout candidate among the Bears’ community.
Between those four, and tight end Martellus Bennett, the Bears have a nice collection of depth and talent with their pass catchers. New offensive coordinator Adam Gase will know how to use them, but the question will be whether Jay Cutler can take advantage.
Zinski, TVA:
They’re well-coached on both sides of the ball. I’d say the coaching staff is the biggest strength. Position-wise I’ll have to go with defensive line. I think it’s becoming a very good defensive line. It could be one of the best if they find someone to step up at left end.
Rivard, LA:
A. The Green Bay Packers will rely heavily on their offense once again in 2015. With MVP Aaron Rodgers under center and throwing to the likes of wide receivers Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams, in addition to a pounding rushing attack led by Eddie Lacy, this could be the best Packers offense ever. Throw in the fact that they’ve got what head coach Mike McCarthy likes to call his best offensive line ever and you’ve got a recipe for a spectacular season on that side of the ball.
Next: What is your teams biggest weakness?