In an NFC North team-by-team ranking of quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, offensive and defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, special teams and coaches, former Minnesota Vikings assistant coach Dean Dalton designated the Chicago Bears No. 1 five times, while the Vikings were first four times. The Vikings, though, received only one No. 2 ranking, and were labeled with two No. 3 rankings and two No. 4 designations.
Dalton, who now studies the NFL as a pro football expert for local and national media, believes the Vikings will have an 8-8 record, improving on last season’s 6-10 but will finish in third place in the division behind the Bears (12-4 , Green Bay Packers (9-7) and just ahead of the fast improving Detroit Lions (7-9).
Here’s a capsule look at Dalton’s comments about offenses, defenses, special teams and coaches:
Quarterbacks: “Brett Favre is still the best quarterback in the NFC North and (rates) in the upper echelon in the NFL,” Dalton told Sports Headliners. After Green Bay’s Favre, Chicago ranked No. 2 in the division followed by Detroit and Minnesota. Tarvaris Jackson has played in four NFL games for the Vikings while Brooks Bollinger’s NFL career with two teams during four years adds up to nine starts. Another backup, Drew Henson, has started one game in three seasons with two teams. “That’s a total youth movement that’s completely unproven,” Dalton said.
Running backs: Dalton believes “Minnesota adding Adrian Peterson gives them a game breaking, game changing talent to an already very talented group of running backs….” Chicago, led by Cedric Benson, rates No. 2 with Dalton, followed by Detroit and Green Bay. Dalton thinks rookie Brandon Jackson could be a key to the Packer season and may become a starter.
Wide receivers and tight ends: Dalton said Chicago has a “little bit of everything” including depth. He likes the potential of rookie tight end Greg Olsen who will provide a vertical threat to the offense. Detroit, Green Bay and the Vikings rank two, three and four. Dalton said Minnesota draws a “lot of question marks across the board.”
Offensive line: Although Dalton thinks Chicago had the best line in the division last year, the Bears have some aging players and he ranks their unit No. 2 behind Minnesota but ahead of Green Bay and Detroit. The Vikings have a talented offensive line led by center Matt Birk and guard Steve Hutchinson but the unit must improve after a disappointing season in 2006.
Defensive line: The Vikings led the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game last season (61.6). “Minnesota’s two tackles are a dominant duo in Pat Williams and Kevin Williams and they virtually locked down opponents’ running games (last year). The question mark for the Vikings will be the health of Erasmus James. …” James is recovering from a left knee injury and if healthy could give the Vikings the speed rushing defensive end they want. Still, Dalton ranks Minnesota’s line first in the division, followed by Chicago, Detroit and Green Bay.
Linebackers: The Bears, led by Brian Urlacher, perhaps the best middle linebacker in the NFL, rank No. 1. Dalton said “as a group they are tremendously productive and the class of the NFC North. …” Next are Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit. He likes the Packers young linebackers including A.J. Hawk, a rookie last season who “did a phenomenal job of living up to his billing and potential.”
Secondary: Dalton said it’s a close call but he rates Minnesota ahead of Chicago, followed by Green Bay and Detroit. “Even though the Vikings physically gave up a lot of (passing) yardage (last season), I think they have the most talented foursome in the NFC North with Antoine Winfield being the best tackling corner in the league, …” Dalton said. He rates Cedric Griffin “an upgrade” over the now departed Fred Smoot at the other corner back spot. Minnesota has veteran safeties in Darren Sharper and Dwight Smith. Plus, Dalton said quality depth is what separates Minnesota’s secondary from division rivals.
Special teams: “Clearly the Bears are the best in almost all phases of special teams,” Dalton said. Dalton described Devin Hester, who produced five touchdowns last season as a rookie returning punts and kickoffs, as “an explosive, dynamic player.” He said Robbie Gould, 32-36 on field goals last year, is a “terrific kicker.” Dalton added that the Bears draft players for their kickoff and punt coverage needs. Minnesota, Detroit and Green Bay rank two, three and four in special teams.
Coaching: Dalton’s rationale for ranking the coaching staffs is to use the order of last season’s division standings, Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota and Detroit. His logic is coaches are judged on results and that’s how the teams finished last year. “Clearly the best of the bunch is Lovie Smith and his staff,” Dalton said. He admires the improvement the Bears’ staff has made since Smith began there in 2004. He also noted that Green Bay’s Mike McCarthy, Minnesota’s Brad Childress and Detroit’s Rod Marinelli were all first year coaches.
Dalton described the Vikings as “a winning program” when Childress took over and noted that Minnesota won four of its first six games. But the Vikings lost their last three games and finished 6-10, the franchise’s worst record since 2002. “We saw this group regress,” Dalton said. “On the surface that’s a bad trend going into the off-season. … They’ve gone through a shuffling of personnel and they’re in a rebuilding mode now with a lot of young players in a lot of positions.”