Days after the season ended, the remaining NFC North teams suddenly met the same fate as the Packers. In the blink of an eye, the NFC North was eliminated from the playoffs. Many analysts had proclaimed the division as the best in football. However, the NFC Championship will instead be played by two teams from the East, the Commanders and the Eagles.
Brian Gutekunst told the media that it was time for the Packers to ramp up urgency and start winning championships. Nevertheless, this sense of urgency will be felt in every front office in the north this offseason. Expectations are extremely high for each of these four teams in different yet similar ways.
Lions and Bears, Oh My! NFC North Coaching Change
The Lions were the darling of the league, an underdog story many were rooting for. With an admirable coach, a dynamic offense, and resilience and grit, this team seemed destined for a Super Bowl. However, when do these opportunities end? While I do not believe it has ended for the Lions, although this team will look dramatically different next season.
Ben Johnson left the Lions Offensive Coordinator position to take the Bears Head Coach position. The Bears are once again looking for the answer to their prayers. Each offseason brings hope, but it often ends abruptly. One year, it is a new General Manager who is to bring salvation. The following year, it is the top quarterback in the draft. This year, it is the flashiest name in the head coaching market.
Johnson must address the concerns of Bears fans who are incredibly frustrated and tired of mediocrity. How much more patience can the organization expect from their fans? Johnson needs to find solutions to elevate Caleb Williams to an elite level, and he must do so quickly if he intends to be competitive within the North.
For the Lions, replacing their offensive coordinator, and most likely their defensive coordinator in one season is no easy feat. Dan Campbell will have his work cut out for him this offseason. Should the Lions expect to build off this year, it is crucial that Campbell gets his hires right.
One thing is for sure, these teams will have long roads ahead of them to get to where they want to be. We will all find out if the Lions and Bears have the right coaching staffs in place to make it happen.
Packers and Vikings Personnel Questions Loom
Kevin O’Connell transformed Sam Darnold into an incredibly reliable quarterback. Under the leadership of O’Connell and Darnold, the Vikings secured fourteen wins. No one really gave them a fighting chance. However, with O’Connell as coach, the Vikings will always have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl.
The pressing question for the Vikings is how they will address the quarterback position. Will they offer Darnold an opportunity to stay, or will they move forward with JJ McCarthy? The decision regarding the quarterback could shape the future of the Vikings for several seasons.
For the Packers, how will they continue to build their roster with more cap space post-Rodgers? Adding pieces to Hafley’s defense to fit his scheme is a priority. Jaire Alexander will most likely not return, the linebacker room is thinning, and the pass rush needs reinforcement.
The offense must determine how to maximize their potential. With a healthy Jordan Love and a running game, the goal will be to enhance the passing game. Is it possible for the Packers to add a veteran receiver to support the younger players? Additionally, there have been persistent rumors of a possible return of Davante Adams.
Overall, the NFC North teams face a significant offseason. The Packers, Vikings, and Lions were all eliminated from the playoffs. How can each team return to their ultimate goal of winning the Super Bowl? How can the Bears begin to challenge the rest of the division? It promises to be an engaging offseason as these teams seek the urgency prepare for the 2025 season.
