We're Black and Blue All Over:

Hello there. I hope everyone had a great time in my absence last week. I know I enjoyed being absent, or something like that. But we've got a great week planned and I can't wait to get started.

It appears our top-notch ESPN.com editing staff kept you up-to-date during what was a relatively quiet week. Sunday's links post should get you caught up with most of the weekend coverage around the division, but I managed to scrounge up some additional stories for your Monday morning coffee.

On with it…

• Jason Wilde of ESPMMilwaukee.com tells why Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy is so committed to helping children's hospitals.
• Don't forget about Packers cornerback Davon House, writes Weston Hodkiewicz of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The Detroit Lions are going to be challenged to live up to expectations in 2012, writes Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions defensive end Cliff Avril made clear he will be thrilled to play for $10.6 million in 2012, notes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News.
• Justin Rogers of Mlive.com thinks that Lions receiver Titus Young and safety Louis Delmas have "buried the hatchet."
• Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs hosted 350 young football players at a camp over the weekend, according to Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune.
• Here's a video of Bears quarterback Jay Cutler's conversation with ESPN 1000 about receiver Devin Hester.
• Receiver Stephen Burton is opening eyes this spring at the Minnesota Vikings' workouts. Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has more.
• The Vikings have some interest in free agent linebacker Brian Banks, notes Pelissero.