After finishing the weekend 4-0, the NFC North is coming back to respectability.
After the first 4 weeks of the season, the NFC North looked like it would not have a playoff qualifier above .500. The division was 1-8 in games outside of their own division and the under-achievement of the Packers and Vikings was the talk of the NFL.
However, over the last 6 weeks, the division is 9-5 in games outside of their own division and all of the teams are playing better. Here's why:
Winners of 5-0, they now have a comfortable lead in the division at 6-3. Their defense has gelled, very simply, and THAT is why they are winning games.
The Bears are #1 in total defense and this week they passed the Colts as the #1 defense in points allowed. They are not doing anything special on defense.
They are NOT tops in the league in takeaways.
They are NOT tops in the leauge in sacks.
What this defense does is simply make tackles and shut down the opposing team's passing game. They make it tough to make yards and convert first downs.
They are currently #3 in the NFL in 3rd down conversion prevention and are playing great 'bend but don't break' Defense when needed. They have only given up 9 touchdowns ALL YEAR !!
Watch out but this team has won 3 of their last 4 games and currently sits in 2nd place in the division with a head to head win over the Lions and a better division record.
How are they doing it ? Apparently with a lot of luck. Things like 56 yard FG's as time expires and 2 kick returns and an INT return for TD's in the same game, which is the only time in NFL history that feat has been accomplished.
Are they good enough to make a playoff run ? IMO, no, but their Defense is playing better the last few weeks and they could threaten a .500 record.
Was that Joey Harrington yesterday throwing the ball to Roy Williams or Young to Rice ???
Ok, that's probably an exaggeration but IF their passing game gets going, it will open up their running game and coupled with their defense, which is solid and keeps them in most games, this team could be looking good for next year.
We've been through this one. No NFL team wants to play this 2-7 team. They're wounded and angry and they proved it yesterday in Atlanta. This team could just as easily be 6-3 IMO and I don't think I would get a lot of argument about it.
Their defense still has major holes that need to be addressed in the off-season but their offense remains potent and gives them the potential to win every game.
