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NFC Central Capsules
Compiled by Gene Wang
Coach: Dick Jauron, 11-21 in two seasons. Key acquisitions: DT Ted Washington (Bills), DT Keith Traylor (Broncos), WR David Terrell (first-round pick, Michigan). Key losses: QB Cade McNown (Dolphins), DT Jim Flanigan (Packers), WR Bobby Engram (Seahawks), WR Eddie Kennison (Broncos), C Casey Wiegmann (Chiefs), G Todd Perry (Dolphins), RB Curtis Enis (released). Outlook: The Bears have had little stability over the past decade—only two of their first-round picks in that span remain—and the tradition continues this season at quarterback. McNown was supposed to be the answer, but now Shane Matthews takes over after the first-round pick was dealt to Dolphins. The Bears apparently have given up on Enis, too, after James Allen led the team with 1,120 yards rushing. WR Marcus Robinson remains the offensive centerpiece after recovering from back surgery. The defense is in transition, though the additions of Washington and Traylor should help free LB Brian Urlacher to make even more plays. One to watch: Center Olin Kreutz was a Pro Bowl alternate in 1999, but injuries slowed him last season. With Wiegmann gone, Kreutz has chance to regain position among league’s top centers.
Coach: Marty Mornhinweg, first season. Key acquisitions: GM Matt Millen, Mornhinweg (49ers offensive coordinator), QB Ty Detmer (Browns), CB Todd Lyght (Rams), TE Pete Mitchell (Giants), G Brenden Stai (Jaguars), T Jeff Backus (first-round pick, Michigan). Key losses: Interim coach Gary Moeller, G Jeff Hartings (Steelers), C Mike Compton (Patriots), RB Sedrick Irvin (torn ACL, out for season), TE Walter Rasby (Redskins), T Ray Roberts (retired). Outlook: A new front office and coaching staff are dealing with the same old problems. QB Charlie Batch is ailing again after a leg injury. Since 1999, Batch has missed games with a broken thumb and cracked ribs. But in Batch’s defense, the offensive line didn’t give him much help, yielding 53 sacks last season. To offset that deficiency, expect a quick passing game that features the return of WR Germane Crowell from foot surgery. One to watch: After two straight seasons of 100 receptions and a third with 82, wide receiver Herman Moore tailed off in 1999 because of knee injuries and caught only 40 passes last year. The former Virginia star must re-establish himself as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players.
Coach: Mike Sherman, second season, 9-7 overall. Key acquisitions: NT Gilbert Brown (out of football last season), DE Jamal Reynolds (first-round pick, Florida State), QB Doug Pederson (Eagles). Key losses: GM Ron Wolf (retired), QB Matt Hasselbeck (Seahawks), T Ross Verba (Browns), LB Brian Williams (Saints), DT Russell Maryland (released). Outlook: A thumb injury hampered QB Brett Favre into throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, but the Packers still finished with four straight wins and made a run at the playoffs. Favre’s return to health, plus a strong running game, makes WR Antonio Freeman all the more dangerous, even though Freeman has faltered since a Pro Bowl season in 1998. Not coincidentally, that was the last time the Packers made the playoffs. Sherman takes on the added responsibilities of general manager from Wolf, who guided the club’s return to prominence in the 1990s. One to watch: As a rookie, tight end Bubba Franks caught 34 passes, more than former Pro Bowl selection Mark Chmura managed his first season. But Franks also was prone to drops and if he is to become one of Favre’s favorite options, consistency needs to improve.
Coach: Dennis Green, 84-52 in nine seasons (lost to Giants in NFC championship game in 2000). Key acquisitions: RB Michael Bennett (first-round pick, Wisconsin), WR Jake Reed (Saints), TE Byron Chamberlain (Broncos), RB Travis Prentice (Browns), QB Spurgon Wynn (Browns), DE Lance Johnstone (Raiders). Key losses: T Korey Stringer (died from complications of heatstroke), RB Robert Smith (retired), WR Matthew Hatchette (Jets), QB Bubby Brister (free agency), DE John Randle (Seahawks), T Todd Steussie (Panthers), LB Dwayne Rudd (Browns), NT Tony Williams (Bengals). Outlook: Stringer’s death cast a pall over training camp, but the team has vowed to persevere and has dedicated the season to the Pro Bowl player. Smith’s abrupt retirement leaves a rookie, Bennett, set to assume the workload in a high-powered offense. WR Randy Moss has the best numbers in history after three seasons (226 catches, 4,163 yards, 43 touchdowns). The loss of Randle and Williams leaves the Vikings with one starter who had more than two sacks last season. One to watch: Right tackle Chris Liwienski replaces Stringer after spending most of last two seasons on practice squad. The third-year player has one start.
Coach: Tony Dungy, 34-30 in four seasons (lost to Philadelphia in first round of playoffs in 2000). Key acquisitions: QB Brad Johnson (Redskins), DE Simeon Rice (Cardinals), T Kenyatta Walker (first-round pick, Florida). Key losses: G Frank Middleton (Raiders), S Damien Robinson (Jets), QB Eric Zeier (Falcons), DE Chidi Ahanotu (Rams), T George Hegamin (released). Outlook: Johnson gives the Buccaneers a proven quarterback for the first time in Dungy’s tenure. The former Redskins starter and Pro Bowl selection may have arrived just in time amid rumblings Dungy’s job security may depend on whether the Buccaneers advance to the Super Bowl. Look for the pass rush to be even stronger with Rice, who averaged more than 10 sacks in five seasons with the Cardinals, joining DT Warren Sapp. Sapp’s franchise- and career-high 16½ sacks helped the Buccaneers score a club-record 55 sacks. One to watch: Outspoken wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson demanded the ball when playing for the Jets, and this season he has the quarterback to get it to him. Look for the two-time Pro Bowl selection to eclipse his numbers from last season (71 receptions, 874 yards) and perhaps his career highs (89 catches, 1,170 yards) as well. |
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