ESPN NFL

Jogging around the NFC North on a crisp fall morning:

• Minnesota is one of three NFL teams whose leading receiver has less than 10 receptions, note Judd Zulgad and Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune. Backup tailback Chester Taylor leads the team with seven catches.
• Vikings nose tackle Pat Williams has dropped six pounds since the start of training camp, writes Rick Alonzo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Williams now weighs 324 pounds.
• Chicago receiver/kick returner Devin Hester, quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times, on his chances for playing Sunday night at Philadelphia: "If I feel good before game time,  hopefully I can play." Hester is recovering from torn cartilage in his ribs.
• Noting the history of 1-3 teams, David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune writes the Bears should start preparing for the draft if they lose Sunday night. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, 16 percent of the teams that have started 1-3 since 1990 have made the playoffs.
• Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes that Dallas drew up its defensive scheme last Monday in part to keep him from running. Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette has details.
• The Packers are happy with the play of defensive end Cullen Jenkins, who is effectively moving inside on passing situations, Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal writes.
• A Detroit-area radio station held a mock funeral Friday to signify the end of the Matt Millen era for the Lions.
• Dave Birkett of the Oakland Press is convinced the Lions plan to insert Drew Stanton as their quarterback at some point this season, but urges them to hold off as long as possible.