NFC Offeason in Review-NFC NORTH

With less than 48 hours until the Texans are on the board, rumors and smokescreens are filling the media. It's been a busy offseason that has drastically altered the landscape of the draft and needs to be taken in to account before assessing the draft. Today I'll take a look at the key gains and losses for the NFC. The most active division has been the NFC East. With major names switching teams within the division, rivalries should heat up. The biggest news this week has been Brett Favre's decision to return for at least one more season. As the words came out of his mouth, free agent cornerback Charles Woodson decided to join him in Green Bay to hopefully re-energize this organization. With these moves in mind, I'll start in the NFC North:

NFC NORTH:
Chicago Bears: The defending NFC North champs finished with the second best record in the NFC before fallling to Carolina in the second round. Chicago's defensive efforts last year brought back memories of Buddy Ryan's 46 defense that carried the Bears to their last Super Bowl victory during the 1985 season. The defense will lose playmaking cornerback Jerry Azumah to retirement, but have upgraded with the addition of Ricky Manning Jr. He could serve as the starter opposite Nathan Vasher, but more likely will be a nickel back. Unfortunately, before the ink could dry on a deal, Manning is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon. If legal troubles mount for Manning, this move could backfire because it cost the Bears their 3rd round draft pick in this year's draft. Offensively, the Bears struggled behind rookie quarterback Kyle Orton. He struggled to aide Thomas Jones' solid running efforts. Jones amassed over 1300 yards and helped control the clock. Last season's prize free agent acquisition Muhsin Muhammad was unable to produce with the quarterback instability. The Bears are hoping young quarterback Rex Grossman, who was once touted as a young Joe Montana, will finally avoid the injury bug that has cost him most of his early career. In case he can't, the Bears signed veteran QB Brian Griese who is more than capable of running the offense.

Key Additions: QB Brian Griese (UFA-TB), CB Ricky Manning Jr (RFA-CAR)
Key Losses: CB/KR Jerry Azumah

Detroit Lions: Mediocrity continued in the Motor City as Joey Harrington and his trio of WR's continued to fail to live up to their first round draft status. GM Matt Millen has come under intense scrutiny and with good reason. He has inexplicably drafted wideouts in the first round the past three years and God help him if he does it again this year. The trio, Roy Williams, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams, have underperformed and will be relied upon this year to finally stay healthy. Young RB Kevin Jones has shown flashes of ability, but must become more consistent. This year the Harrington experiment is over and the quarterback battle will be between free agent acquistions Jon Kitna and Josh McCown. They've added wide receivers Corey Bradford and Mark Furrey in the offseason creating a log jam on the outsides. If the young receivers can be revitalized by a new man under center, this could be a very potent offense. The addition of blocking TE Dan Campbell could be a big boost for their outside running game with speedy Kevin Jones. The other side of the ball is filled with question marks. They've failed to address this issue during the Free Agency period. Gone is playmaking Nickel CB R.W McQuarters and LB contributor Wali Rainer. Aside from adding DT depth, they've done little to improve a unit that has been torched the past few years.

Key Additions: QB Jon Kitna (UFA-CIN), QB Josh McCown (UFA-ARI), WR Corey Bradford (UFA-HOU), WR Mark Furrey (UFA-STL)
Key Losses: QB Joey Harrington, CB R.W McQuarters

Green Bay Packers: Green Bay's 2005 season can be described by one word: injuries. With offensive stars falling left and right, Brett Favre struggled through his worst season as a pro. His league high 29 INT's lead him to really debate his future which owned the headlines throughout the offseason. With Favre's decision hanging in the balance, the Packers did not do much to improve themselves for a while. That changed yesterday with the addition of marquee free agent cornerback Charles Woodson. In 2005 the Packers lost star WR Javon Walker in week one, starting RB Ahman Green soon after, and the injuries continued to mount throughout the season. Walker is not expected to return, but Green will come back to take some pressure of Favre. Defensively the Packers struggled to make plays. They actively pursued LB LaVar Arrington, but failed to sign him. They should address their glaring need at OLB by drafting AJ Hawk with their 5th pick should he be available. Along with Woodson they added S Marquand Manuel to bolster a defensive backfield that has had the second fewest interceptions in the NFL over the past 2 seasons.

Key Additions: CB Charles Woodson (Released OAK), S Marquand Manuel (UFA-SEA)
Key Losses: K Ryan Longwell, C Mike Flanagan, QB Craig Nall

Minnesota Vikings: After a rough start to 2005 that featured the infamous sex boat scandal and the loss of star QB Daunte Culpepper, the Vikes thrived under Brad Johnson to finish 9-7. The Vikings will again turn to Johnson as they shipped Culpepper to Miami for a second round draft pick. He will be the lone holdover in the Vikings backfield due to the additions of FB Tony Richardson and RB Chester Taylor. The running game will also be boosted by the acquisition of standout LG Steve Hutchinson. Gone from the offense is number one receiver Nate Burleson, so the passing game will need to rely on second year speedster Troy Williamson. Their major losses are on the other side of the ball. Starters S Cory Chavous and LB Sam Cowart left via free agency, along with nickel back Brian Williams. Special teams were given a boost with K Ryan Longwell leaving the frozen tundra for a shot to kick in a dome.

Key Additions: FB Tony Richardson (UFA-KC), RB Chester Taylor (UFA-BAL), LG Steve Hutchinson (RFA-SEA), K Ryan Longwell (UFA-MIN)
Key Losses: S Cory Chavous, LB Sam Cowart, CB Brian Williams, QB Daunte Culpepper