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.
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
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
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
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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