NFL teams have completed the bulk of player acquisition via free agency or the draft. So now is as good of a time as any for ... ESPN.com's spring Power Rankings!
As you can see, our four expert voters -- the "expert" requirement by rule disqualifies me -- largely left our final 2009 NFC North rankings intact. The voters still see Minnesota and Green Bay as elite teams (top-6, anyway), with Chicago and Detroit in the lower third of the NFL. Let's take a closer look:
3. Minnesota Vikings
Ranking at end of 2009: 3
Note: John Clayton had a low rank of No. 6. Blaspheme.
Seifert comment: This ranking surely is based on having Brett Favre at quarterback.
6. Green Bay Packers
Ranking at end of 2009: 6
Note: No doubts here. All voters put Packers No. 6 or No. 7.
Seifert comment: My big question: Has Green Bay done enough to improve its pass defense for the playoffs?
21. Chicago Bears
Ranking at end of 2009: 22
Note: Voters ranged from No. 20-22.
Seifert comment: So much of 2010 is unknown, including two new coordinators and revamped defensive personnel.
31. Detroit Lions
Ranking at end of 2009: 31
Note: All four voters came in at 31 "perhaps out of habit," writes voter Mike Sando of NFC West fame.
Seifert comment: As we get closer to training camp, the Lions will be a trendy pick as "most-improved" in the NFC.
As you can see, our four expert voters -- the "expert" requirement by rule disqualifies me -- largely left our final 2009 NFC North rankings intact. The voters still see Minnesota and Green Bay as elite teams (top-6, anyway), with Chicago and Detroit in the lower third of the NFL. Let's take a closer look:
3. Minnesota Vikings
Ranking at end of 2009: 3
Note: John Clayton had a low rank of No. 6. Blaspheme.
Seifert comment: This ranking surely is based on having Brett Favre at quarterback.
6. Green Bay Packers
Ranking at end of 2009: 6
Note: No doubts here. All voters put Packers No. 6 or No. 7.
Seifert comment: My big question: Has Green Bay done enough to improve its pass defense for the playoffs?
21. Chicago Bears
Ranking at end of 2009: 22
Note: Voters ranged from No. 20-22.
Seifert comment: So much of 2010 is unknown, including two new coordinators and revamped defensive personnel.
31. Detroit Lions
Ranking at end of 2009: 31
Note: All four voters came in at 31 "perhaps out of habit," writes voter Mike Sando of NFC West fame.
Seifert comment: As we get closer to training camp, the Lions will be a trendy pick as "most-improved" in the NFC.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kevin Seifert
Seifert joined ESPN.com in 2008 after covering the Minnesota Vikings for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for eight years. He lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and children.
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