As the NFL year kicks off with veterans and rookies coming together for OTA's, discussion about the 2014 season kicks off. Fans are excited about their recent rookie class and also have high expectations for their players to have a great camp. While OTA's are just kicking off, there are already plenty of news and notes going on in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
Expect Bigger Things from the Bears' Wide Receivers
In a division that is loaded at the wide receiver position, the Bears have the best combo not only in the NFC North but also arguably across the NFL. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery combined for 189 receptions, 2,716 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns. They were the focal point of the Bears' passing game and a nightmare for defensive coordinators to scheme against.
Expectations will be even higher for the pair this season as they head into year two under Marc Trestman and come in with the hope that Jay Cutler can stay healthy for a full season. Cutler missed five games last season and while Josh McCown filled in well, the Bears' passing attack isn't as lethal with the gunslinger Cutler throwing to Marshall and Jeffery. If everyone can stay healthy however, Chicago easily could be looking at both wide receivers putting up more than 100 receptions, 12 touchdowns and 1,200 receiving yards.
Battle for the Backup Quarterback
While many fans often ignore the backup quarterback, it's one of the most important positions on the team as the Green Bay Packers proved last year. Chicago was also a great example of how important it is to have a good backup, as McCown filled in very nicely and kept the Bears in playoff contention.
Now with McCown in Tampa Bay, Jordan Palmer and rookie quarterback David Fales will battle it out in OTA's and training camp to earn the starting job. While it's normally difficult for a sixth-round quarterback to beat out a veteran, Fales showed at San Jose State that he has NFL-ready skills and can step in if Cutler goes down thanks to his quick release and vision. While Palmer hasn't played a snap in the NFL since 2010, he has mastered Trestman's offense and will have a leg up on Fales out of the gate.
Green Bay Packers
Colt Lyerla An Early Fan Favorite
The Packers received a lot of attention when they signed Lyerla, the former Oregon Ducks' tight end, who was quit the team then had a run in with the law. Many always viewed Green Bay as the clean team, who often stayed away from "character risks" and went with good, clean football players. But when Ted Thompson finds an opportunity to improve his team, he is going to jump on it.
Lyerla has opened up about his issues and the road that led him here and how it humbled him. He swears he has matured and is ready to focus entirely on football. That will be the big question as Lyerla works his way through OTA's, trying to prove himself and make the 31 other teams who ignored him to look foolish. Talent has never been the question, he possesses the same athletic ability as 10th overall pick Eric Ebron. Green Bay fans have thrown their support behind Lyerla early, and he witnessed that on the first day after a big catch.
It's only one play, but Lyerla earned enough confidence from the Packers that they gave him a three-year deal though with zero financial risk attached. Lyerla is in a situation where he can compete immediately for playing time and if he can find his way on to the field and stay out of trouble, he will land in the perfect offense for his abilities.
Aaron Rodgers Slimmed Down
After breaking his collarbone last season, Rodgers vowed to make changes in his offseason workouts and he followed through on that promise. He set up a plan to be more flexible and athletic for the 2014 season and despite continuing with his rehab, his focus turned towards yoga.
After months of working out, improving his flexibility and athleticism, Rodgers dropped 11 pounds as he enters camp. While slimming down may not seem like a great idea for a quarterback who broke his collarbone just a few months ago and took a lot of hits, it will help him in the long run. Rodgers will have more endurance and ability to take on these hits without suffering lingering effects. It also should give him a little more wiggle room to avoid defenders as he moves around the pocket. While the yoga will certainly help, Rodgers has to be excited about an improved offensive line in 2014.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Kalil Recovering from Injuries
When the Vikings drafted Kalil with the fourth overall pick in 2012, they hoped for a franchise left tackle who would anchor the offensive line and protect their quarterback for the next decade. While quarterback has been the problem since the selection of Kalil, they might have a new problem after potentially finding a franchise quarterback.
After battling a back injury throughout a disappointing 2013 season, something that clearly hurt his play. Kalil is now sitting out of team drills in OTA's as he recovers from knee surgery he had a few weeks ago. While Kalil should be ready to go when training camp rolls around later next month, Minnesota has to feel a little concerned. While these could all be minor injuries, they are beginning to mount up for the 24-year-old. Health will certainly be something coaches and trainers keep an eye on during camp and heading into the season.
Teddy Bridgewater Earning First-Team Reps
While Kalil works his way back from injury, there could soon be a change for the man he is protecting. While Matt Cassel is the early leader to start Week 1 for the Vikings, he already has competition right on his heels. Bridgewater impressed coaches early and already has earned some first-team reps in camp.
While Cassel got all of the snaps on the first day of OTA's, Bridgewater was participating in an NFL rookie event. Once he returns, we will see the 32nd overall pick competing for the right to lead Minnesota out of the tunnel to kick off their 2014 season. Bridgewater's work ethic, accuracy and leadership are all skills that can help him make that push to earn the starting job. While the Vikings may want to take it slow and not rush him, it might not be too long before he forces their hand and establishes himself as the best player on the depth chart.
Detroit Lions
2014 will be a Big Test for Matthew Stafford
Despite having several needs on the defensive side of the ball, the Lions focused their offseason on providing Stafford with all of the tools he needs for success. They brought in head coach Jim Caldwell and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi to work directly with Stafford to help improve his mechanics and footwork. Stafford has always had the arm strength to be a great quarterback, he has always been held back by his mechanics that helped lead to poor accuracy. But now with two coaches focused towards him, things finally should be put back in order.
If they can figure out the puzzle that is Stafford, the Lions' offense has the chance to be the best in all of football. They already had the best wide receiver in the league, Calvin Johnson, along with two great pass-catching running backs in Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. Now they have added wide receiver Golden Tate and tight end Eric Ebron. While defensive coordinators scramble to cover Johnson and Tate, Ebron and Bush will be left to create big plays and expose the defense. When the defense adjusts to try and cover Ebron, Tate will beat the cornerback with his speed and get open across the middle and sprint to the end zone. No matter whom the defense tries to cover, they will always be putting themselves in a mismatch against this loaded Lions' offense.
This ultimately will put more pressure on Stafford, he may of signed a contract extension last year but the Lions can't keep waiting for him to invest serious time to improve his mechanics and become a great quarterback. You couldn't put a quarterback in a better situation than Stafford is now, the fate of this team will ride on whether or not Stafford can make that key step and deliver on the potential that made him the first pick in 2009.