Three questions every NFC North team must answer ahead of the 2021 NFL season: Is Aaron Rodgers staying in Green Bay?

There is arguably no NFL division with more juice entering the 2021 season than NFC North. Not only do the quartet brag about the reigning conference runner-up in the Packers, who also happens to have the most dramatic storyline in the league given Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future. It also introduces the Bears, who finally have a new franchise quarterback awaiting his debut; the Vikings, who should bounce back with a reconstituted Mike Zimmer defense; and the Lions, who are entering a whole new rebuild.

In anticipation of the 2021 campaign, here are three questions each of the four Northern teams must answer before kick-off:

Bear

What is the duration Andy Dalton’s leash?

Chicago made almost as many headlines doubling Dalton’s job security as QB1 did as they traded for the draft from Justin Fields 11th overall. But the Bears need to be honest with themselves at the start of Week 1: Is it really Dalton’s job to lose, and if so, what will it take for the former Cowboys replacement do it? Would a 0-3 start (very possible) be enough? The answer may determine whether the Bears remain in the wildcard mix or enter 2022 with the same staff and front office.

Is the offensive line playoff caliber?

The trenches don’t get enough attention in Windy City. Yes, it’s good that the Bears swung big for their QB (even though they’re willing to play a small ball out of the gate with Dalton under center). But Chicago better have a good read of his starting five, including rookie Teven Jenkins, when making QB plans. If this remains a real concern, wouldn’t it be almost incumbent on them to ride with the more mobile Fields? If not, perhaps they would rather not let their valuable first-round player get beaten if he doesn’t have to? If that seems almost impossible to answer, it’s because it is a real concern.

Who are the best passing targets (other than you know who)?

There are other pressing defense issues (like, who starts against Jaylon Johnson? And is Robert Quinn awake?). But given that 2021 is all about what’s going on in QB for this team, it would be nice to know who gets asked to scare opponents other than Allen Robinson. Bears fans will point out Darnell Mooney, which is reasonable, but the rest of the group is woefully uninspiring. Anthony Miller, an unwanted man in town? Marquise Goodwin, who hasn’t played for years? Someone has to report to the camp.

the Lions

Made Jared goff do you have a chance to keep the position of QB # 1?

Maybe not to have a response before week 1, but that would certainly be ideal. We all know Detroit isn’t fully committing to the ex-Rams with all kinds of future draft picks in its arsenal, but it might be useful to know, in 2021, if the team’s leaders actually think that Goff can earn a long term engagement, or if he even has the right supporting cast to do it this year. Answering the question doesn’t do anything for the Lions’ total wins in 2021, but it does help frame the overall movement for a team with their goals further down the road.

What is an acceptable payout total?

Again, this almost can not be answered accurately before season, because you never know how the games, divisions and playoff races will unfold. There is also a difference between a hard fought 5-12 and an apathetic 8-9. A better question might be, What does Dan Campbell need to do to inspire confidence as a head coach? Detroit doesn’t care as much about winning in 2021 as it is about rebuilding its culture for the long haul, but there has to be a general benchmark for the test run.

What is it in 2021?

As you can see, none of the Lions’ questions have much to do with their roster except for QB’s place. Because everyone and their mother, including those employed by the Lions, are aware that the current line is an unfinished product of an overhaul. But just as it would be ideal to have a general expectation for the new coach, it will be essential for Detroit to somehow define what it is trying to be – what it is. really trying to accomplish – entering such a blatant year of transition, even though the season itself is unpredictable.

Packers

Is Aaron Rodgers the quarterback?

It seems pretty important. In fact, there really isn’t a more pressing issue in the entire NFL. Along with A-Rod, the Packers are essentially the same team that came close to a Super Bowl victory in two straight years. Without him they are… a total stranger, pushed from the top of the NFC to an alternate dimension, in which Rodgers’ apparent successor Jordan Love takes over after playing zero snap as a rookie. If Green Bay hasn’t appeased Rodgers by Week 1, whether it’s with a new deal, a new front office, or a new say in his Packers future, it’s hard to believe he will show up. The clock is ticking. Either the pack can welcome their man, whatever that means, or they can step into the year with a franchise legend who spits the franchise out. But they need to sort that out before games start, and the NFC North crown is already within reach of rival hands.

Does the QB have enough support for a title?

Presumably, if it’s Rodgers, the reigning MVP thinks Green Bay Is have sufficient firepower to warrant a return. (Or maybe not, considering a new contract or GM might do the trick as well.) But whether it’s Rodgers or Love or even Blake Bortles (gulp) under center, the Packers have a reputation as an NFC contender; not only that, but the list. They’ve sniffed the Super Bowl for two straight years. But is their wide receiver depth – now with rookie Amari Rodgers – enough to go the distance? And are the new O-line parts, namely the new Josh Myers Center, trustworthy? Otherwise, the Packers will either have to get creative with veteran last-minute bets or adjust expectations completely. Obviously, Rodgers’ situation dictates a lot of this, but it also works the other way around; though Green Bay, for whatever reason, isn’t really convinced that it can win it all with this year’s reunion, even with A-Rod, maybe the transition to love is getting a little easier to swallow.

Which starts opposite Jaire Alexander?

The Packers don’t have a ton of other questions (aside from the most important one in the NFL), but they might have a cornerback answer. Alexander is a stallion, but Kevin King is no lock to reprise his role on the outside, and he shouldn’t be. With that said, can rookie Eric Stokes do enough to steal the job out of the gate? It’s a big X factor for defense.

Vikings

Is Danielle Hunter healthy ?

No one could have predicted that the Pro Bowl passer would miss the entire 2020 season with a neck injury. And did the boy hurt Mike Zimmer’s defense. Hunter is still underestimated as one of the most gifted edge defenders in the game, and his return bodes very well for a defensive turnaround. Minnesota just had more hope that he would be back in shape, as the defensive line, while strengthened on the inside, remains relatively thin around the edges.

Is Christian darrisaw ready to start on the left tackle?

Because the Vikings are banking on that, part ways with Riley Reiff and spend the 23rd pick on the Virginia Tech product. Darrisaw was arguably a robbery there, but Minnesota needs to be sure he’s ready considering how important the line is to both the comfort of Kirk Cousins ​​as a gaming specialist and the Dalvin Cook’s role as an offensive centerpiece. The alternative, at this point, is not obvious, but that does not diminish the urgency here.

Do veteran cornerbacks still have it?

Zimmer’s “D” is due to a noticeable rebound, but that depends on several things: one, Hunter remains healthy up front; and two, the new experienced faces bringing more than just experience. We mainly talk about Patrick Peterson and Bashaud Breeland, the safest bets to start throughout 2021 alongside Cameron Dantzler; as well as, to a lesser extent, the return of the familiar face Mackensie Alexander. If they just look usable, Vikings can walk into the year confident.