NFC North Roundtable: Wide receivers are the biggest focus, while Caleb Williams has questions to answer
The second week of the preseason is here, and the NFC North is a really interesting division for multiple reasons. They have three of the best teams in the NFC with the top three combining for 40 wins. The biggest thing that the division didn’t get in 2024 was a playoff win. If they want […]
The second week of the preseason is here, and the NFC North is a really interesting division for multiple reasons. They have three of the best teams in the NFC with the top three combining for 40 wins. The biggest thing that the division didn’t get in 2024 was a playoff win. If they want to make a run in the playoffs, it starts here.
As we head into the second week of the preseason, what do we need to look for with each team? Our beat writers for the NFC North got together to highlight something that you should watch for.
Minnesota Vikings beat writer Tyler Forness: Wide receiver depth
Coming out of joint practices with the New England Patriots, the Minnesota Vikings are in a better place now than they were going into training camp. They are slowly answering their biggest questions, including at starting quarterback with J.J. McCarthy.
The offense is starting to really come together, even without Justin Jefferson as he recovers from his mild hamstring strain. The depth behind WR3 Jalen Nailor wasn’t known for quite some time and, while we still don’t know how it’s going to shape up, the group fighting for the WR4 spot is very interesting.
Right now, Lucky Jackson is the runaway favorite to be the WR4. He’s been excellent throughout training camp, and is currently the starting punt returner. Thayer Thomas is an intriguing player who thrives in the slot. Jeshaun Jones is a plus route runner who can attack down the field. How they will stack up is going to be something that’s worth keeping an eye on.
Green Bay Packers beat writer Wendell Ferreira: Catch the damn football
Depending on how you evaluate a drop versus a contested catch, the Packers had something between seven and nine drops against the New York Jets last Saturday. Drops are not sticky, but it was such a big issue last season that the repetition of it is somewhat a reason for concern. Because there will be a joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur expects to sit starters on Saturday. But whoever plays will have the challenge, which honestly shouldn’t be a big challenge for NFL wide receivers, to catch the football.
It sounds too simplistic, but basically nobody outside of Matthew Golden and Will Sheppard did that in the first game. With Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Christian Watson, and Savion Williams handling injuries, the depth will be tested. After an underwhelming performance, everybody has to step up and give a reasonable response before the regular season.
Chicago Bears beat writer Kole Noble: Seeing Caleb Williams operate the Ben Johnson offense
While we’ve seen him in training camp, Family Fest, and two joint practices, Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills will be the first real time we see Caleb Williams operate the Ben Johnson offense in a live game setting.
It’s still to be determined how many snaps Williams and the rest of the starters will see this weekend, but regardless it’ll be nice to finally see #18 on the field again. The main thing to watch will be how the offensive operation looks.
The Bears offense has already struggled with pre-snap issues, something even the backups struggled with last week in the preseason opener. If Williams and co. can have a clean operation out of the huddle and at the line of scrimmage with minimal issues, it’ll be an encouraging sign for this unit. After the snap, it’ll be interesting to see who Williams’ go-to targets are in the passing game.
Detroit Lions beat writer Mike Payton: Running back depth
The biggest thing I’m looking to see this weekend is the running backs. This should be the first time we see Sione Vaki in a preseason game this summer and after a solid Thursday, I’m anxious to see him in game.
Then there’s this fun little UFL battle between Jacob Saylors and Deon Jackson. Toe of the best running backs from the Spring leagues. They fought for a spot on the All-UFL team and now they’re fighting for a practice squad spot.
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