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| Jim Schwartz deserves another chance in Detroit because of the magic of 2011 (Credits: Mark J. Rebilas/ USA Today Sports) |
In today's world we are so prone to overreactions because of the ease with which we get sports analysis. Everyone's got something to say about everything (including myself) and we can access everyone's opinion so quickly and so easily that it's not difficult to overreact to your team every single day. Here we'll try to soften overreactions to each NFL team by giving a more level-headed analysis.
NFC North:
Green Bay, 11-5
Overreaction: "We're still one of the best teams in the NFL and as long as Aaron Rodgers is our QB, we're Super Bowl contenders."
Truth: I'm starting to get the feeling that this team is only a regular season team. Since you guys won the Super Bowl two years ago you've gone 26-6, yet you're 1-2 in the playoffs. Now that's not a big enough stretch of seasons to back up my claim, but I just have a gut feeling. Aaron Rodgers had another amazing season, but it didn't feel amazing for some reason. I thought the Packers were hot coming into the playoffs and had the right mojo to win it all, but once again they threw up a major dud to the Niners. The expectation for this team to be right there again next year is appropriate, yet I still think something is off with this them mentally.
Minnesota, 10-6
Overreaction: "If Christian Ponder improves even slightly then this is a Super Bowl contender."
Truth: I think Ponder is going to have to improve a lot more than slightly for this team to contend for anything more than the playoffs. There is no way you can sit here and legitimately say that Adrian Peterson is going to repeat what he did last season, it's just not plausible. If they keep running him into the ground then he won't have much left in his tank to carry this team come November and December. They need to find a way to get other playmakers involved on offense. I wouldn't expect this team to re create the magic of last season, it just seems to reliant on Adrian Peterson's beat-up body.
Chicago, 10-6
Overreaction: "Marc Trestman is going to come in here and completely revamp this offense, letting Cutler really get after it."
Truth: I'm not sure the statement, "Letting Cutler get after it" is something you really want to here. Yes, Cutler should be utilized a bit more than Lovie Smith used him, but you also don't want to see Cutler go out and sling the ball 45 times, that too often leads to four or five INT games. I think Trestman is a better guy for the Bears because he is pass-centric, but again letting Cutler go wild out there doesn't seem like the best idea. This defense will once again be the back bone of the team and I like them as a playoff team next year if Trestman can quell Cutler's chaotic play.
Detroit Lions, 4-12
Overreaction: "This team is a bunch of hooligans and Jim Schwartz needs to go because of it."
Truth: Relax, this team had a rash of bad luck this offseason and I fully expect them to be back next year. Schwartz might not be the best coach in the world, but you have to give him another shot because of how he re-invigorated this team and franchise two years ago. The idea of this squad missing the playoffs with all the talent they have is nauseating and that's why they won't be as bad next year. If they can get a running back to balance their offense and a couple of pieces to revamp their secondary, they'll be right there for not only the playoffs but the NFC North crown. I fully expect Matt Stafford to bounce back. Don't expect a repeat of 20 TDs and 17 INTs, expect better.
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