Now, with the weekend drawing to an end, it seemed like a good time to provide an updated look (and, as always, give some thoughts on it all). After all, it’s hard [...]]]> Friday morning, I provided a brief look at what the other three NFC North teams had been doing in free agency up to that point.

Now, with the weekend drawing to an end, it seemed like a good time to provide an updated look (and, as always, give some thoughts on it all). After all, it’s hard to find a division that was busier than the NFC North.

Chicago Bears - In terms of activity and dollars spent, the Bears have been the unquestioned kings of free agency thus far. On Friday alone, they dished out roughly $121 million to three players: defensive end Julius Peppers (six years, $91 million with $42 million in guaranteed money), running back Chester Taylor (four years, $12.5 million with $7 million in guaranteed money) and tight end Brandon Manumaleuna (five years, $17 million with $6 million in guaranteed money).

When you consider just how much pressure is on general manager Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith to win – and win now – the highly active approach was likely necessary (especially when you consider Chicago doesn’t pick until the third round this year).

If I’m a Bears fan (thank God I’m not), I like the Taylor and Manumaleuna signings. Taylor turns 31 in September, yes, but he’s only had season in which he carried the ball over 200 times (2006, when he ran for 1,216 yards in his first year in Minnesota). He’s got much more tread left on his tires than the average back that age. His role declined in Minnesota after 2006 due to the presence of that Peterson fella, but he’s still a crafty, tough runner who brings extra value as a pass catcher. Matt Forte is just not a No. 1 back and the Bears, as a team, were 29th in rushing yards per game last season (a paltry 93.3). Taylor will boost that number.

Manumaleuna – hate typing that name already – is a pure blocking tight end at 295 pounds. He should help in protecting Jay Cutler as he’s basically an offensive lineman. Plus, the Bears can now look into trading Greg Olson or Desmond Clark for added draft picks as new offensive coordinator Mike Martz really doesn’t use the tight end all that much.

If I’m a Bears fan (again, thank God I’m not), I’m not on board with the Peppers signing. Sure, he’s a freak of nature, physically, and can take over games. But those things only happen when HE wants them to and far too often, Peppers just doesn’t want them to. He takes plays/games/seasons off. Now that he’s paid in full, something he’s wanted for a long time, you have to wonder if “Bad Peppers” shows up even more now.

I kind of get why the Bears did it – their secondary stinks and Brian Urlacher’s body is breaking down, leaving Lance Briggs as their only real player in the final two levels of the defense. They’re hoping Peppers’ presence can cover for some of those weaknesses. I’m just not on board with it if I’m a fan. As a Packers fan, here’s how I know the Bears made a bad move: When the Vikings got Jared Allen, I thought, “Oh, no – this guy dominates week in and week out.” When Peppers signed Friday, I thought, “Eh, that guy only shows up about half the time, anyways, and they STILL gave him $42 million in guaranteed money.” See the difference?

Detroit Lions - The Lions have been almost as busy as the Bears. They’ve signed defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch (four years, $26 million) and wide receiver Nate Burleson (five years, $25 million with $11 million in guaranteed money) and also traded for defensive tackle Corey Williams and cornerback Chris Houston.

In my Friday morning post, I pretty much bashed Detroit for these moves – it just traded for Houston on Sunday afternoon – although I did like the Vanden Bosch signing. After I stood back and looked at it, though, I have to say I think the Lions, shockingly, did a decent job here.

Detroit needed to upgrade its defensive line in a major way; Cliff Avril led the team in sacks last season with just 5.5. Vanden Bosch, as I said Friday, is not the player he once was. But he’s still a hard-working player who you have to account for. Williams was a major flop in Cleveland as he was never cut out to be a 3-4 end. He’ll move back to tackle now, though, where he had seven sacks in each of his last two years in Green Bay. If Jim Schwartz can keep him motivated and get him in a rotation, he’ll provide a boost. With those two – and, say, Gerald McCoy, who we have them taking in our latest mock draft – the Lions will get to the quarterback much more this season.

Detroit clearly overpaid for Burleson, but he did have 63 catches for 812 yards for Seattle last year, so he’ll be a major upgrade over Bryant Johnson and take some heat off Calvin Johnson. Houston never lived up to his second-round pick status in Atlanta, but he still has some talent. And considering all Detroit gave up was a sixth round pick – plus swapping fifth rounders with the Falcons – Houston isn’t much of a gamble.

Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings have been very quiet thus far. A lot of that is likely due to the fact that, as one of the final four teams in the playoffs, Minnesota can’t sign any restricted free agents and can only sign unrestricted ones if it loses one of its own (plus, the first-year salaries on the two players have to match up).

Well, the Vikings have two openings now as they lost Taylor on Friday and guard/tackle Artis Hicks on Sunday (signed a three-year contract with the Washington Redskins). While they still have Peterson, Taylor’s loss leaves a big hole. He was so good as a third down back/pass catcher. Peterson can probably take over the third down role, but he is not a pass catcher. Plus, if he gets hurt, Minnesota basically now has no one behind him. The Vikings will need to address that situation soon.

Hicks, while primarily a backup, provided great depth because of his versatility. Like Taylor, his departure leaves Minnesota thin in the event something happens to a starting o-lineman. Last season, Taylor made $3.1 million and Hicks made just under $1 million, so the Vikings should be able to find decent players at those positions for those prices. But, surprisingly, there seems to be no sense of urgency coming from the organization. The Vikings don’t seem to even have any interest in anyone. Perhaps someone should tell them they were just one bad Judas pass away from a possible trip to the Super Bowl.

Wait, we’re Packers fans – nevermind. Nobody say anything.

-Chris Lempesis

We know about the primetime television audience.

We know about the rivalry.

As fun as all those things are – and, believe me, they are fun – we should probably, at some point, talk about the actual matchup itself.

Well, that time is now, as we are going to break down all the important [...]]]> We know about the storylines.

We know about the primetime television audience.

We know about the rivalry.

As fun as all those things are – and, believe me, they are fun – we should probably, at some point, talk about the actual matchup itself.

Well, that time is now, as we are going to break down all the important information and matchups that comprise Packers vs. Bears, Sunday night at Lambeau Field at 7:20 p.m. Lambeau time.

(Gives me chills just writing that)

Weather report: At the time of this posting, the Weather Channel forecast for kickoff suggest a possible high of 79 degrees and a possible low of 52 degrees, with zero chance of rain. That’s likely to change a half-dozen times between now and kickoff, but at the moment it sounds like it will be a perfect early fall evening at Lambeau.

Injury report

Packers

Will Blackmon (quad), Brandon Jackson (ankle) and B.J. Raji (ankle).

Raji practiced today and it sounds like he’s planning on playing. Whether the coaching staff agrees remains to be seen. Still, I think the big fella will play, albeit in a slightly reduced role.

Jackson and Blackmon, however, haven’t practiced in awhile. Jackson is almost guaranteed to be out, I think. Blackmon will test his quad today, but he’s been out with that injury far longer than originally thought and I doubt it heels in time for Sunday.

Bears

The only real major player battling an injury for the Bears is cornerback Charles Tillman (back).

Tillman was listed as a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Chicago is being secretive, as you’d expect, regarding his status but my bet is that he’ll play.

Key matchups

Offense

Packers wide receivers vs. Bears secondary

The Bears’ secondary won’t be quite the unit we’re used to seeing. In other words, it likely won’t be as good.

As of now, Chicago is definitely starting a rookie sixth-round pick, Al Afalava, at strong safety.

Tillman, even if he plays, won’t be 100 percent. If he doesn’t, Trumaine McBride, a third-year player with very little experience, will go in his spot. Nathan Vasher will start at the other corner. But he’s struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over the past two seasons.

Kevin Payne is the starting free safety and he’s a hard-hitter who is solid overall.

Regardless, the Packers elite group of wideouts should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Defense

Packers linebackers vs. Bears tight ends

With the Bears so questionable at wideout (Devin Hester as a No. 1 target? Really?), it’s a safe bet that their very good tight ends – Greg Olson and Desmond Clark – will be Jay Cutler’s top targets in this contest.

The Packers have to make sure those two don’t own the seams or else, suddenly, the whole field will open up for Cutler. The linebacking group, which has some strong cover guys (Brandon Chillar, Nick Barnett) and some who, well, aren’t strong (Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk) will have to be physical with Olson and Clark to keep them from finding space.

Special teams

Packers cover teams vs. Bears returners

Hester wasn’t his normal game-breaking self last season as a returner, likely because he had more responsibilities as a wideout. Still, he’s always dangerous. Danieal Manning handles the kickoff duties and all he did was lead the league in return average last season.

The Packers struggled on coverage duties last year. The group appears to have improved in the preseason, but it will be put to the test Sunday. It has to respond.

The Packers will win if….

1. The offensive line creates space for Ryan Grant and Grant takes advantage. Most of the talk surrounding the Packers’ preseason showings dealt with how well Aaron Rodgers looked. Rodgers was fantastic, to be sure, but the o-line and Grant are the real keys to success Sunday night. With the Bears’ secondary being so weak, you have to think head coach Lovie Smith – who is calling the plays on defense this year – will scheme it so that group is covered (i.e., running a lot of nickel and dime defenses early). If Chicago is sitting back on its heels, the running game should have a chance to get rolling early on. If it does, that will get the Bears leaning forward. Then its playaction time and the Pack will dominate.
2. Cutler is pressured. Yes, saying that you have to pressure the quarterback sends me dangerously close to “Master of the Obvious” territory, I know. But with Cutler, it’s really true. Remember, he doesn’t know his receivers that well yet. So, if the defense pressures Cutler, he will rely on his gunslinger mentality (he’s got a big arm and is a huge Judas fan, keep in mind). That will cause early and, oftentimes, poor throws. That will allow the Packers’ playmaking secondary to do what they do best: Create turnovers.
3. Green Bay gets off to a hot start. First quarters were not good for the Packers last season. A hot start Sunday is key because it will just reinforce for the team that it is as good as it was in the preseason. That type of momentum spreads throughout the entire team. It also lets Chicago know what type of game its in for. The Bears, a far-less talented team, could then start pressing in order to keep up.

How I think the game will go

Offensively, it’s all set up for the Packers to dominate. The Bears defense is on the downside even with a proven mastermind like Smith calling the plays. The Packers offense, on the other hand, is on the cusp of becoming one of the league’s best. If the o-line does its job, Green Bay will score in bunches. Period.

Defensively, the Packers have to prove the strong preseason showings weren’t a fluke. I think they will, somewhat, although don’t expect that group to dominate like it did. The games count now and the Bears have had some time to look at the tape from the preseason. Plus, Cutler is going to make one or two brilliant throws because, well, he almost always seems to and Matt Forte will get his touches and yards. That said, the Packers’ secondary is so good, I expect they will come up with at least a turnover or two.

That will prove to be the difference as Green Bay will make a statement that it is for real.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 20

-Chris Lempesis

For the record, I have him third…and that’s only because I don’t know how good Matthew Stafford is really going to be. I wanted to put [...]]]> With Judas’ return to the NFC North, there seems to be an awful lot of discussion amongst fans where he fits on the list of quarterbacks already in the division.

For the record, I have him third…and that’s only because I don’t know how good Matthew Stafford is really going to be. I wanted to put him fourth, but even I couldn’t do it.

That got me thinking, who are the other best’s at their respective positions in the division?

After putting some thought into it, I came up with my list. Some were easier to pick than others, that’s for sure.

Anyways, here’s the list. Some fun and debatable reading if you happen to find yourself with a case of the Mondays.

(And if you didn’t pick up on the reference in the title, just Google Joe Esposito+You’re the best around. It will be the most awesome few minutes of your day, I promise.)

-Chris Lempesis

Best quarterback: Aaron Rodgers (Packers)

Last season, Rodgers threw for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns with a shoddy offensive line and an injured shoulder. He’s healthy now and has an improved o-line in front of him. He’s got all the intangibles you look for in a leader and, with a ridiculous set of weapons to work with, he should be even better this year. Runner up: Jay Cutler (Bears).

Best running back: Adrian Peterson (Vikings)

This was the easiest one to pick. Peterson is big, fast and aggressive – basically everything you’d want in a back. He’s already put up two huge seasons and is the only runner currently in the league with a shot to hit 2,000 yards. As Packers fans, we’re going to hate this guy for a long time to come. Runner up: Ryan Grant (Packers)

Best fullback: None

When I looked at the fullbacks currently in the division, none really jumped out at me, which is to say there isn’t a best in the bunch. So rather than make some uninformed guess, I just left it blank. That’s the kind of honesty you get at OBOD.

Best wide receiver: Calvin Johnson (Lions)

That Johnson has amassed the numbers he has playing with the types of QBs he’s had (cough, Jon Kitna, cough, cough) shows just how good he really is. For example, he put up over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. Blessed with size (6-feet, 5-inches and 235 pounds) and an ability to outrun and outjump almost anyone, Johnson is a freak of Randy Moss proportions. Imagine what he could do with a good quarterback. Runner up: Greg Jennings (Packers)

Best tight end: Greg Olson (Bears)

There’s some good tight ends in the division, but no really great ones. In that event, I picked the player with the most upside right now. That player is Olson. At 6-feet, 5-inches and 252 pounds, Olson has more than enough size. But he can also run, has good hands and a natural playmaking ability. He blossomed in year two last season, recording 574 yards and five touchdowns. With a new quarterback who likes utilizing the tight end, Olson should put up much bigger numbers this year. Runner up: Jermichael Finley (Packers)

Best offensive lineman: Steve Hutchinson (Vikings)

Hutchinson is getting up there in age (he’ll be 32 in November). Still, he’s a lock to make the Pro Bowl every season, almost never misses a game and is equally good in pass protection and run blocking. He’s got good size (6-feet, 5-inches and 313 pounds) but can move pretty well. Runner up: Olin Kreutz (Bears)

Best defensive lineman: Jared Allen (Vikings)

Of all the non-Judas Vikings, this is the guy I really dispise. With his mullet and phony attempts at humor/trying to prove he’s a cowboy (don’t get cowboy confused with white trash, Jared), how could you not? Still, Allen is a hell of a defensive end. He can play the run almost as well as the pass. But it’s as a pass rusher where he really makes his mark. He recorded 14.5 sacks in his first year in purple and he has a nonstop motor that will likely allow him to put up similar numbers this year. I would have put Aaron Kampman here, but he’s a linebacker now. Runner up: Cullen Jenkins (Packers)

Best linebacker: Lance Briggs (Bears)

I have, for years, thought that Brian Urlacher was ridiculously overrated. Now I can finally share that with the masses! Briggs is the true star of the Bears linebacking corps, a sideline-to-sideline player who can cover, rush the passer and stop the run. The Bears defense could survive without Urlacher; the same can’t be said if Briggs goes down. Runner up: Nick Barnett (Packers)

Best defensive back: Charles Woodson (Packers)

Woodson will be 33 in October and many probably thought he’d be out of the game by then. No, no, not Woodson – Woodson is flourishing. He made his fifth Pro Bowl appearance last season and, with a new scheme that is tailor-made for his playmaking abilities, he’ll likely be there again this year. He’s been dominant in the preseason and that should only get better. Runner up: Nick Collins (Packers)

Best kicker: Jason Hanson (Lions)

Yes, he’s 38. Yes, he’s spent the majority of his career kicking indoors. Still, Hanson is as solid and reliable as they come. Consider last season where he led the NFL in field goal percentage (95.5 percent) and, oh yeah, became the first kicker ever to go 8-for-8 on field goals over 50 yards. Runner-up: Robbie Gould (Bears)

Best punter: Brad Maynard (Bears)

With 40 – yes, 40 – punts landing inside opponents’ 20 yard line last season, Maynard proved a master at setting his defense up to win the field position battle. He’s getting up there in age, turning 35 this year, but is still one of the best around. Runner up: Chris Kluwe (Vikings)

Best coach: Lovie Smith (Bears)

Since Smith is the only coach in the division to reach a Super Bowl, he seemed the most obvious choice. But the real reason he’s here is for his ability to win even with seemingly inferior talent. The guy is as smart and tough as they come. Runner up: Mike McCarthy (Packers)

The Bears, longing for the days of, well, Sid Luckman, finally got themselves a big-name quarterback this afternoon when they acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos.

Cutler came with a price tag befitting a big name, as well: Chicago’s first round [...]]]> Well, it looks like that Sunday night Bears-Packers season opener at Lambeau just got a whole lot more interesting.

The Bears, longing for the days of, well, Sid Luckman, finally got themselves a big-name quarterback this afternoon when they acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos.

Cutler came with a price tag befitting a big name, as well: Chicago’s first round picks in 2009 and 2010, its third round pick in 2009 and the team’s current starting quarterback, Kyle Orton. The Bears also pick up Denver’s fifth round selection in this year’s draft.

The move makes the Bears a buzzworthy team heading into next season and Chicago fans, at least for the moment, are excited to have an actual quarterback. For some Bears fans, it’s the first time in their lives they can actually say such a thing.

Cutler is a young quarterback who certainly has some potential, but when you step back and take a good look at both Cutler and what the Bears gave up to get him, the move just doesn’t add up.

Cutler has a record of just 17-20 as a starter playing in a system that has gotten good numbers from some very average quarterbacks (the names of Brian Griese and Jake Plummer come to mind here).

His “career” year came last season, when he threw for 4,526 yards, certainly a great amount. But 25 touchdowns to 18 interceptions? Not a very good ratio (his career rating of 54 to 37 also leaves something to be desired).

When his team, in the midst of an AFC West divisional title chase last season,  needed him to be his best, he was anything but. Denver lost three straight games to end the season, with its “star” quarterback compiling QB ratings of 74.3, 72.4 and 74.9. He also threw just two touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

Positively Grossman-esque.

Things are even less rosy with regards to the team he’s going to.

Once known for their top-flight defense, the Bears are nowhere near as good as they once were on that side of the ball. Last season, they finished 21st in total yards allowed, including a 30th place showing in passing yards allowed. They also were 22nd in sacks. Head coach Lovie Smith will take over play-calling duties for the defense this season, but even he can only do so much.

What’s that have to do with Cutler, you ask?

The Broncos had a similarly poor defense last season. That meant Cutler had to carry a lot of the load in order for the team to win. Mixed results followed.

It will be a similar story this season – in fact, it could be worse as the Bears lack any of the consistent, big-time playmakers that Denver had. And don’t mention Devin Hester, Matt Forte or Greg Olson, Bears fans – remember, I said consistent, big-time playmakers. There’s no one close to Brandon Marshall’s level on Chicago’s offense.

The Bears could always get him some help in the dra – oh wait, they can’t because they only have one pick in the first three rounds now.

If all of this wasn’t bad enough, there’s also one more factor to consider: Cutler seems like a real jerk.

This is a guy who just could not deal with the fact that his new head coach (Josh McDaniels) might have been trying to get rid of him in order to acquire a quarterback (Matt Cassel) that he helped groom and who knew the system he was going to install.

Cutler pulled a Favre – yes, I said it – and got his agent, the increasingly detestable Bus Cook, to inform the team he wanted to be traded. Then, like Favre – yes, I said it again – he tried to act like the whole thing wasn’t his fault.

This is a business, sweetheart – grow up a little bit. If Cutler had a hard time dealing with McDaniels, how in the world is he going to deal with Smith, who seems like one tough, old school S.O.B.?

In the end, you come to the conclusion that while the Bears might have finally gotten a quarterback, they’ll likely be kicking themselves for a long time for what they gave up.

Besides, we still have the best quarterback in the division.

-Chris Lempesis