NFL Team Reports: NFC North

Several times a week, The Trenches will present team reports from Sporting News’ 32 NFL correspondents. Check back each day for the latest news on your team.

Green Bay Packers

CB Charles Woodson(notes) aggravated a right shoulder injury that has had him on the injury report since Thanksgiving, and it could affect his tackling ability in Sunday’s playoff game at Arizona. Woodson did not return to the game, but coach Mike McCarthy said he would have if it had been a playoff game.

Woodson spent a good deal of time on WR Larry Fitzgerald(notes) and beat him to a ball for an interception that he returned 45 yards for a touchdown. Coordinator Dom Capers likes to use Woodson all over the field, especially close to the line because of his tackling ability. He may be a little reluctant to do that if Woodson’s shoulder is bothering him.

RB Ryan Grant(notes) finished the season with four strong games, an indication he could be a factor in the playoffs. McCarthy likes to throw a lot, but if Grant keeps breaking big runs, defenses are going to have to pay attention to him.
Tom Silverstein

Chicago Bears

Although the Bears rushed for more than 105 yards in five of their last seven games, they have clear needs for another hard runner to back up Matt Forte(notes) and better run blockers in the line. The Bears could seek upgrades at guard and tackle. If they opt to change centers, Josh Beekman(notes) figures to be Olin Kreutz’s(notes) successor.

On the defensive side, the top priority is to add a free safety, though coaches liked what they saw of Craig Steltz(notes) in place of injured Al Afalava(notes) in the last two games.

A decision on coach Lovie Smith’s fate is expected today or Tuesday. Since he produced two wins to finish the season, it seems unlikely he’ll be replaced. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner was helped by the 36- and 37-point efforts to close the season, but it’s far from certain that he and several offensive assistants will return.
Gene Chamberlain

Detroit Lions

The Lions need to target three positions if they’re going to make any significant gains in the offseason: defensive line, cornerback and running back.

The Lions have to shore up a defense that will take more than one year to become solid, but they also need to add another playmaker on offense to take the heat off the Matthew Stafford(notes)-to-Calvin Johnson connection. Despite all the defensive needs, don’t be surprised if the Lions take a running back with one of their top two draft picks.

For the first time in the second half of the season, WR Bryant Johnson(notes) (four receptions, 42 yards) caught more than two passes. Regardless, the Lions will be searching for a No. 2 receiver with greater speed to replace Johnson and become a better complement to Johnson.
Tom Kowalski

Minnesota Vikings

Rookie Jamarca Sanford(notes) saw extended action at strong safety in the blowout win over the Giants. He rotated with starter Tyrell Johnson(notes), who has struggled. Sanford is known for his aggressive play and hard hitting. Johnson has had problems tackling, and he has taken some bad angles on plays. Coach Brad Childress said he isn’t considering a change in the starting lineup, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Sanford inserted for the playoffs.

CB Antoine Winfield(notes) played in a nickel role after two poor outings in his usual spot at left corner. Winfield had struggled to keep up with faster receivers after returning from a fractured left foot. Winfield did a good job in slot coverage against WR Steve Smith, who averaged only 5.7 yards per catch and didn’t score.

It’s clear the Vikings want to minimize Winfield’s ineffectiveness on the outside until his health improves. The first-round bye could help Winfield as much as anyone on the team.
Rick Alonzo


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304 Comments

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    viking Wed Jan 06, 2010 07:13 pm PST Report Abuse
    Gilbert Brown would go to the Vikings for a Cheese steak and a large cook.
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    Sure Thing Tue Jan 05, 2010 08:10 am PST Report Abuse
    Joseph, I listed to Gilbert Brown & Leroy Butler on Milwaukee talk radio and they have stated several times they understand the rivalries and would never even consider going to the Vikings and they are friends of Favre, so I guess you're wrong about players not caring.
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    Helter Mon Jan 04, 2010 08:53 pm PST Report Abuse
    haters need to get a life and stop jerking off outside little old ladies windows
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    Helter Mon Jan 04, 2010 08:53 pm PST Report Abuse
    haters need to get a life and stop jercking off outside little old ladies windows
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    Joe Mon Jan 04, 2010 03:46 pm PST Report Abuse
    after all is said and done, aaron rodgers will win more super bowls than prima donna hillbilly faver
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    JOSEPH Mon Jan 04, 2010 01:48 pm PST Report Abuse
    NEWS FLASH TO EVERYONE......

    BRETT FAVRE IS NO LONGER WITH THE PACKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Let it go people. The one thing everyone in the world forgets to mention in the ordeal is that Rogers contract helped force the hand of the Packers when it came to Favre staying or going reguardless of the retirement. Favre had wavered on the edge of retirement for so many years anyways and Rogers only having one more year left on his contract for the Packers to see if they indeed had thier quarterback of the future (which he definately seems to have proven). Both sides made it messy and both sides should have done things differently, like grow the F&&^ up and act like adults instead of spoiled brats.
    As far as Favre being a traitor, it's a team he has seen for 18 years twice a year. if people really thing that the rivalries mean as much to the players as it does the fans take a deep breath and come back to the reality of todays sports.
    Let the Favre thing drop and just get ready for some excellent playoff football.
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    Sure Thing Mon Jan 04, 2010 01:22 pm PST Report Abuse
    Cade, how do you get Packers getting rid of Favre when he retired prior to a draft in which they wasted 2 picks on a QB? Where they supposed to know he would unretire AGAIN? Can't keep 4 QB's and you sure don't want to throw away a high pick (2nd round) because that's what they would have had to do to bring Favre back. Let's also not forget this is the same Favre that refused to come out of blowout games so that Rodgers could get some game experience. He held the team hostage for several years and they finally got tired of it. It's that simple. I hate when people believe Favre's pathetic lies which are EASILY proven wrong by his own words and his own actions.
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    Cade Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:58 pm PST Report Abuse
    #299, The Packers are the ones that got rid of Favre, they wanted to get Rodgers into the starting position. Favre wanted to prove to the Packers that he still had it, and that is why he choose Minnesota. He wanted to go into Lambeau and beat the Packers just to stick it to them. This is the Packers fault not Favres. And I hate Brett Favre, but I understand why he did it; very few athletes get a chance at the end of their career to prove to their old team that they could still do what the team believed they couldn't.
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    Teamsneedsoverplayersalwa ... Mon Jan 04, 2010 12:34 pm PST Report Abuse
    Brett Farve is a traitor! I understand he wanted to play in a warm environment, because he was getting to old to play in Green Bays cold weather, but he should have just admitted that from the begining and Packer fans would have been a lot more understanding. Also, he could have went to just about any other team, and Packer fans wouldn't have cared near as much! He went to the viqueens because he had a temper tantrum with T.T. and Mike Mc., knowing this would make Packers fans furious, because we HATE the viqueens more than any other team. Those stupid and retarded horns they blow during the games in MN are so darn loud it gives them an unfair advantage over the opponents, that is why they continue to go undefeated or close to it every year in their dome but are painfully average away from home. I think those retarded horns should either be outlawed by the commissioner or every team should have their fans blow horns during home games to even the playing field!!!!!!!!!!! I believe Rogers stats speak for themselves, T.T. and Mike made the right decision to go with Rogers over Farve, especially with his I'm retiring, oh wait I'm not retiring, oh wait I am retiring fiasco! I will respect Farve as an ex Packer when and only when he quits playing for them cheating horn blowing viqueens!!
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    James Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:32 am PST Report Abuse
    Two wins gets you a job? Where, on Pluto? More likely Ur@#$%.
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    Joe Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:40 pm PST Report Abuse
    I will never be rooting for the vikings, it doesn't matter who is on that team. Farve willfully went to a team that I will and have always hated. That to me is a traitor. Enjoy your backstabber
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    Hos Thu Dec 31, 2009 02:38 pm PST Report Abuse
    Funny crap, this dialogue. As someone said, I wish Favre the best after football; until then, piss off. I WILL root for anyone against the ViQueens, Even the Bears or Detroit. I swear I was the biggest
    Bears fan of the state last week and I hate the Bears. I love Rodgers but, he leaves - piss off and bring on Flynn (god help us). Find a team and stick with them. I'll respect a hardcore Lions, Bears, or Rams fan long before a 3 year Saints or Colts fan.
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    Hambone Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:56 pm PST Report Abuse
    Kevin M. You are confused about what you are a fan of. Let me explain: If you can follow a player to another team and start cheering for that team then you are a fan of that player not the team he plays on.

    Therefore you are a Brett Favre fan, not a TRUE Packers fan.

    BTW I was a fan of the Packers BEFORE Favre got there, WHILE Favre was there and am AFTER he left.

    THAT is a TRUE Packer fan.

    Just sayin', that's all.
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    Kevin M Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:54 am PST Report Abuse
    "But whoever the Vikings play, as long as it's not the Packers, I've been silently rooting for them (and I can see my family slip and cheer sometimes as well...like that pass to Lewis against SF). It's hard to admit because of the rivalry, but as soon as Favre's gone, I'll hate the Queens again."

    Thats not me, it's a quote from another Packer fan. KK I'm really done. Sorry for multiple posts.
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    Kevin M Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:48 am PST Report Abuse
    Also, I'm hardly the only who feels that way.
    There a lotta Packer fans that, in the happen chance that the packers don't make the superbowl, their next choice would be the Vikes, who have a small tie to their team... as compared to the lets say... Eagles... who they don't give a flying crap about.

    Eh, whatever, I'm done. Continue to bash me now. Thanks bye.
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    Kevin M Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:44 am PST Report Abuse
    Man, you guys are all a bunch of @#$%s.
    I cheer for a guy for one last year before he likely retires and I'm no longer a Packer fan?
    And YEAH, I'm only 25 so from my earliest memory the Packers have been owning the league except for 3 years in there.... when have I had a chance to watch the "bad years" as you call them.
    As for the Favre issue.... /sigh... he took the team to the NFC Championship game in his last year there... in an offense that was spread for the first like, 8 weeks of the season... so yeah.. must be he was just a horrible quarterback for them and "held them hostage" ...

    Anyway, i don't know why I'm giving you the time of day... anyone who is bashing me about my comments are probably just a Favre hater and are annoyed that he's succeeding on a different team... and secondly... I don't care what you say, because in the next years I'm going to cheer for the Packers... so... pffft. doesn't matter.
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    bundy Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:10 am PST Report Abuse
    KEVIN m. your a real class act . LOL get a life
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    Sure Thing Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:55 am PST Report Abuse
    A true fan shows loyalty to the team of their choosing. Having a favorite player leave or moving to another city shows no loyalty whatsoever. The fact that you can change teams so easily is proof you are not a true fan. When I was younger I moved to AZ & then to CA for a few years and got a lot of grief about being a Packers fan because they were 4-12 every year. That didn't make me become a Chargers fan (there was no team in AZ at the time). It made me show my true dedication to the team of my choice. I wear it like a badge of honor, and anyone who is only there for the Super Bowl years is a bandwagon jumper and has none of my respect. If you don't like it too bad. But you aren't going to find too many sympathizers amongst those of us who lived through the bad years and stayed true to our team. In fact, you're not going to find sympathy from too many of the fans that are too young to remember the bad years because once you truly go Green and Gold there's no going back. Take your loyalties to the twin cities because we don't care and we don't want any pretenders in Packer Nation.
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    Robert B Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:49 am PST Report Abuse
    They are finally finding out Turner doesn't know squatt. Cutler, Orton and even Grossman threw from a spread offense in College. Now you turn pro and get your ass kicked in a pocket. Turner shouldn't even be coaching High School. I'm not sure Grossman was that bad. I know Orton wasn't and now comes Cutler and Turner has to listen to the money man.
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    Johnny S Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 am PST Report Abuse
    Whoever writes this stuff is real dumb sometimes. The reason Vikings are 1-3 are not because of Favre, why does everyone keep saying this. Have you looked at how our o-line is playing. No one will win a game when their line plays so bad that AP gets 19 yards; and also bad enough that Favre is rushed or sacked on almost every play. That is why vikes picked it up in the second half, their o-line picked it up a bit.
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    Christopher H Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:02 am PST Report Abuse
    Kevin M, its hard, as a die hard Packer and football fan, to give you any respect on this one. Football fans can root for other teams, but not at the expense of their own team. Routing for Brett Farve at this point is routing for a guy that held the team hostage for his last 5 years with them. Then after finally retiring, because he doesn't really have a full season of 16 complete games in him anymore, he tried to blackmail the team into allowing him to go to the best offense, minus a quarterback in the league. Now that he is there, look he still can't play a full game in December.

    I was a huge Brett Farve fan and continue to wish him the best in his post football life. While he is playing with the Vikings, I hope he only breaks a leg and not something worst.

    Please face facts that you are a fair weather fan. Nothing wrong with that, many of them exist in Packerland, but don't pretend to be a true fan of anything more than good football.
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    Kevin M Thu Dec 31, 2009 09:30 am PST Report Abuse
    So you're saying if I moved to San Fransisco and lived the rest of my life out there I'm not a true fan of the 9'ers since I was orignally a Packer fan?

    Teams move cities, change logos, change players every F*&#$@ year.

    So yeah, I still am a Packer fan. I root for them to win against their opponent.

    So F$%# you, you a$$.
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    First L Thu Dec 31, 2009 09:07 am PST Report Abuse
    Kevin M.........you aren't a Packer fan and never will be no matter what you say. After Favre finally retires just pick a player and root for whatever team he plays on. I doubt Packer nation wants you back. Remember it's about the Logo on the Helmet not the name on the back of the jersey.
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    jeff Tue Dec 29, 2009 03:55 pm PST Report Abuse
    so silentbob alls you know is they have 60% chance of playn the cardinals. Your the idoit just so you know
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    WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING, ... Tue Dec 29, 2009 01:01 pm PST Report Abuse
    All but a given that the will play the Cardinals? Apparently you haven't looked at the scenarios closely. All these people saying it's so complex and saying stuff like "All I know is.." If you can't understand it, don't make statements on it. Packers have like a 60% chance of facing the Cardinals I'd say.

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