ESPN NFL

Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett caused a Twitter stir Tuesday evening when he issued two tweets that implied he has parted ways with the team.


Follett has been attempting to return from a scary neck injury suffered last season. He was cleared to participate in training camp last week but was held out from Tuesday's practice. A little before 10 p.m. ET, he tweeted:

Appreciate ya Detroit.. To God be the glory! Respect to Schwartz Mayhew Lewand didnt want to risk a life threatening injury after seeing my pain, Someone had to make the tough decision!

Follett was referring to Lions coach Jim Schwartz, general manager Martin Mayhew and team president Tom Lewand. A Week 1 starter last season, Follett endeared himself to fans by referring to his approach as the "Pain Train." He would not have started this season after the Lions signed free agents Justin Durant and Stephen Tulloch, but his tweets imply the departure was related to his health rather than competition.

We'll let you know if the Lions confirm anything.

*Update: Follett has since tweeted that he is "no longer a Lion." He told one Twitter follower that his "neck was on fire" and that he couldn't compete in hitting drills.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The Detroit Lions' rebuilding program received an unmistakable endorsement from the NFL and its schedule-markers, who granted them their first Monday night game since 2001 as part of its 2011 schedule unveiling. The gesture wasn't lost on the team.

"Obviously, we're excited about it," Lions president Tom Lewand said, via Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com. "First and foremost, it's a great testament to our team, to our players and what they've accomplished at the end of the season last year and the interest that they generated. It's a testament to our fans in Detroit, the excitement and enthusiasm they showed for our team down the stretch last year, and for the hospitality they showed for the Giants and Vikings game that we hosted last year."

Across the NFL, players offered mixed reactions to the schedule given the circumstances of the lockout. Via Twitter, Lions defensive end Cliff Avril said: "We got that Monday night lady's and gents... Let's go Detroit." Tailback Jahvid Best wrote: "Monday night football! Let's go #lions." Not surprisingly, linebacker Zack Follett was more effusive: "MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL!!!! rehab just got kicked up a notch! YEEEEE."

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press: "It's validation that, although the Lions remain a long way from being a serious championship contender, the mere sight of them on national television shouldn't send the country running away from their high-definition big screen TVs in a screaming fit. It's as though the NFL officially welcomed the Lions back into the league."
• John Niyo of the Detroit News: "So if you're going to get all fired up about next season -- from Detroit's opener in Tampa Bay to the showcase game against Chicago to the New Year's Day finale at Lambeau Field -- by all means, cue the Hank Williams Jr. theme music and get ready to 'blow the roof off this place.'"
• Jeff Dickerson and Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com offer game-by-game predictions for the Bears' season.
• The football writers for the Chicago Tribune do the same.
• The Green Bay Packers are scheduled to play on Thanksgiving Day for the third time in six years, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "... [D]rafting a cornerback high isn't out of the question, but it probably won't be in the early rounds."
• The Packers must "address the return position or risk it being an Achilles' heel during the defense of the Super Bowl championship," writes Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• The Minnesota Vikings are scheduled for half as many prime-time games as they played last year, notes Chip Scoggins of the Star Tribune.
• The Vikings are likely to look for cornerback and safety help starting in the second round of the draft, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• Tom Powers of the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Washington quarterback Jake Locker: "The Vikings certainly need a quarterback. And Locker could turn out to be a fine one. But would you use the No. 12 pick on a guy who won't play for two years? The best-case scenario, from everything I've heard and read, is that he's a project who could develop into a solid quarterback. The worst-case scenario is that taking him is a huge gamble that could backfire. That's the case with many draft picks, of course. But do you gamble with No. 12?"

NEW ORLEANS -- The truncated NFL owners meeting still allowed for a 90-minute coaches breakfast Tuesday morning, one that gave us an opportunity to assemble reams of information for future blog posts. I plan to sift through it over the coming days and weeks, and we'll start with what I thought was the most interesting part of the 20 minutes I sat with Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz.

Many of you have noted the Lions' depth deficiency at outside linebacker and wondered if the team would be tempted to move middle linebacker DeAndre Levy to that position, especially if the Lions draft or sign a starting-quality middle linebacker later this spring or summer. Levy has told Detroit-area reporters that he wouldn't fight the change, which would return him to the position he played at Wisconsin.

When asked Tuesday, Schwartz noted how comfortable he is with Levy calling defensive signals and getting players lined up. But notably, he wouldn't rule out the possibility of a position change.

"Part of our criteria for linebackers is we like multidimensional players," Schwartz said. "And that means the ability to play inside and outside. That means the ability to play pass and run, all those things. One of the reasons we drafted him is that he is a multidimensional player. He's a little bit like [quarterback] Matt Stafford. We just need to keep him on the field. When he's played and he's been healthy, he's done very, very well for us. He could move around a lot of different places."

The Lions have released 2010 starter Julian Peterson, and Zack Follett's neck injury makes him a wild-card at best to resume his role as a starter in 2011. The Lions have two reserves who could figure into the equation, Ashlee Palmer and Bobby Carpenter, but a big-picture look at their roster still suggests outside linebacker is a top offseason priority.

Moving an established middle linebacker might not be your first choice, but it might be the Lions' best option depending on how the draft plays out.

"We're very happy with him inside," Schwartz said. "One of his strengths is his ability to control the defense. It's something we were very pleased with when he was a rookie [in 2009]. ... It's very rare that a rookie can do the things that he did. ... [Then] he was very, very impressive in our offseason program, just in getting us set, what our checks were, all those different things. He's a very, very good communicator. So there is also a value to having him in the middle of your defense."

Schwartz said he didn't talk to Levy about changing positions before the lockout started, but added: "I don't need permission."

If all things are equal, my guess is the Lions don't want to move Levy. The middle linebacker is the quarterback of a 4-3 defense, and Schwartz has been talking about him playing this position since the day of the 2009 draft. Chances are, Levy isn't going anywhere. But if multiple breakdowns occur elsewhere, the Lions can be comforted knowing they have this option.

» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: biggest team needs.

Chicago Bears

It's no secret that the Bears patched together a serviceable offensive line last season, one born of trial, error and desperation. But with an entire offseason to prepare, they will need a better Week 1 plan. The Bears need help across the line, and you could make an argument for any of the five positions as their top need. Center Olin Kreutz could relieve the situation by re-signing when the free-agent market opens, but otherwise the Bears don't have a single position with an established starter. It's not clear where incumbents Frank Omiyale, Chris Williams, Roberto Garza or J'Marcus Webb will play in 2011. Meanwhile, the release of defensive tackle Tommie Harris highlighted the Bears' need for an upgraded interior pass rush. The Bears would benefit from a pass-rushing defensive tackle as well as some depth behind defensive ends Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have only two experienced cornerbacks under contract, Nate Vasher and Alphonso Smith. They offered 2010 starter Chris Houston a contract tender, but he is likely to be made an unrestricted free agent when the market opens. The Lions would like him to return but the situation's uncertain. In either event, cornerback is the Lions' top need this offseason. Running a close second is outside linebacker after the Lions released one starter, Julian Peterson, and issued a qualifying tender for another, Zack Follett, whose 2010 neck injury could preclude his return. There has been some discussion about moving middle linebacker DeAndre Levy to the outside, but that probably would still leave the Lions in search of two new starters. Finally, the Lions want more production from their No. 3 receiver after Bryant Johnson and Derrick Williams combined for 21 receptions last season. Good depth at tight end mitigates the urgency of this need, but the Lions are one injury away from a shortage at receiver.

Green Bay Packers

The Super Bowl XLV champions will get an internal boost at several positions from the 15 players who finished last season on injured reserve. As a result, this roster doesn't have many obvious shortcomings. But at the top of a short list is outside linebacker, where the Packers rotated three players opposite Clay Matthews last season. The Packers also must continue crafting their succession plan for longtime offensive tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Last year's No. 1 pick, Bryan Bulaga, replaced Tauscher in Week 5. Bulaga could stay at right tackle, or he could ultimately take over for Clifton. In either case, the Packers eventually will need further reinforcements. The same is true at receiver, where veteran Donald Driver is 36 and No. 3/4 receiver James Jones could sign elsewhere as a free agent. Jordy Nelson remains under contract, but Driver's age and Jones' uncertain status make receiver a secondary area of need for the Packers.

Minnesota Vikings

As we've been discussing for months, the Vikings need to acquire at least one and perhaps two new quarterbacks. Their dream scenario is to draft one who is ready to start right away, but that might be difficult if they stay in the No. 12 overall slot. Short of that eventuality, the Vikings might be forced to draft a future starter and sign or trade for a short-term answer. The Vikings are also looking to replace two starters on their defensive line, left end Ray Edwards and nose tackle Pat Williams, and could have three starting positions in their secondary up for grabs. Only cornerback Antoine Winfield seems guaranteed of a starting spot. The receiver position could need an overhaul if they lose Sidney Rice to free agency and Bernard Berrian is ultimately released, as has been speculated.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

As you probably know by now, we're in for another day of NFL labor uncertainty. Representatives for NFL owners and players will meet separately with federal mediator George Cohen as the end of their 24-hour negotiating extension draws to a close Friday at 11:59 p.m. ET.

At that point, the sides could agree on another extension, perhaps as long as a week. Or the NFL Players Association could decertify. Or the owners could lock out the players. Or some combination thereof.

All player personnel moves are frozen, however, meaning we won't have any new signings or releases Friday. As always, stay tuned.

While we have a moment, let's take a stroll through the NFC North:

• The Chicago Bears executed a quiet re-negotiation of defensive end Julius Peppers' contract in anticipation of the NFL returning to a salary-cap system, according to Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com. By converting a roster bonus into a signing bonus, the Bears lowered his 2011 salary cap number from $12 million to $4.3 million.
• Former Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris, via ESPN 1000: "I'm going to come back [to the NFL] on my own terms. I'm not taking the first offer that's out there. I'm going to present myself as healthy as possible. I have not had that chance in the past, and I'm just going to come to the table when I'm ready."
• Former Bears receiver Glen Kozlowski weighs in on the recent BYU morality incident with the Chicago Tribune.
• Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett, who suffered a serious neck injury last season, received a contract tender but told Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News: "I still don't know if my neck will keep holding up, but I don't think this contract would have been offered if they didn't that it could."
• It's unlikely that Lions running back Kevin Smith, who did not receive a tender offer, will re-sign with the team. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has more.
• Here's what the agent for Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk told Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "A.J., he's a three-down player. I'm confident he'll be a third-down player and let's leave it at that."
• Packers linebacker Nick Barnett on his future after the Packers re-signed Hawk, via Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "I am not sure as well. No one has came to me and told me anything. So just waiting to hear something."
• One of the potential sites for a Minnesota Vikings stadium would be hotly contested, writes Dave Orrick of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com on the Vikings' decision to re-sign defensive end Brian Robison: "The deal with Robison is interesting because the Vikings have been reluctant since last summer to sign any players to multiyear deals."
• New Vikings offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave on quarterback Joe Webb, via Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune: "I've been impressed with Joe. He's a great athlete and looks like he's got some composure and poise to him as well. He made some good decisions and some good judgments. I like the way he climbs up in the pocket, keeping his eyes downfield."

As we await final word on the state of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which appears headed into a bonus day of Friday negotiations, we have a few last-minute NFC North personnel moves to review.

Most notably, multiple media outlets are reporting the Detroit Lions decided against offering a tender contract to running back Kevin Smith, who has accrued three NFL seasons and thus would be a restricted free agent under any circumstances. It's possible the Lions could re-sign Smith at a later date, but that seems unlikely.

Smith, who was a part of Matt Millen's final draft class with the Lions, dealt with knee and shoulder injuries over the past two seasons and had been supplanted by Jahvid Best as the organization's top running back.

"I've been hurt the last two years, so to me, it was more of a business decision," Smith told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. "In this business, you can never be surprised. It's strictly business, and they did what they had to, and I'll do what I have to do."

The Lions have Maurice Morris and Aaron Brown on their roster behind Best, but I would think that running back will be a priority in the April draft. A few other notes:

• To no one's surprise, the Minnesota Vikings did not offer quarterback Tarvaris Jackson a contract tender, signaling their long-expected plan to move on from the quarterback they once hoped would be a permanent successor to Brett Favre. Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune has details.
• The Vikings announced the seven players they offered tenders to. In addition to Jackson, two notable omissions were nose tackle Fred Evans and fullback Naufahu Tahi.
• There has been some speculation about whether Lions linebacker Zack Follett will continue his career after suffering a series neck injury last season. Follett tweeted Thursday afternoon: "God presented me with a 2011 Detroit Lion contract.. He must want me to play! Signed! #teamJesusineffect." So there you go.
• The Green Bay Packers have offered tenders to guard Daryn Colledge and place-kicker Mason Crosby, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Lions released linebacker Julian Peterson, as expected.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett had an interesting day Tuesday. It started with a radio interview that went awry and ended with a video that, well, explains it all.

To review: Follett referred to Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford as a "china doll" while speaking with a Fresno, Calif., radio station. He immediately backtracked and apologized in multiple venues, and later posted an intense video to expand his thoughts Tuesday night. I essentially wrote off most of his comments as those of a "(lovable) nut case unintentionally veering into sensitive territory," and I think you'll understand what I mean if you watch the video.

Follett has yet to re-address the much harsher comments he made in discussing the departure of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler from the NFC Championship Game. In the end, I think they will have more staying power than anything he said about Stafford.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com responds to Follett's video.
• Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press: "The issue isn't what a lightly regarded seventh-round draft pick thinks of Matthew Stafford's durability. It's whether Zack Follett let something slip during a Tuesday radio interview that more influential voices have discussed privately in Allen Park. The Lions should worry whether they have a 'china doll' at quarterback. And I have a hard time believing Follett's usage of the term during an interview in Fresno, Calif., represents the only such opinion within the organization."
• Lance Allan of WTMJ-4 believes the Green Bay Packers need to reverse their plan for the team photo at Super Bowl XLV: "During the lull before Super Bowl week, I'll admit that there are a lot of stories that are trumped up and hype because there isn't a lot to talk about. But this is legitimate, and for a Packers organization that usually handles things the right way, they should correct a mistake."
• The Packers took a harder-than-expected road to the Super Bowl, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "If the Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl, the next most obvious question should be: When will [coach Mike] McCarthy get a street named after him?"
• Sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is difficult, writes Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers believes the new helmet he switched to prevented a concussion after a hit from Bears defensive end Julius Peppers last Sunday. Rodgers, via Peter King of Sports Illustrated: "That was lucky. As much as the new helmet feels uncomfortable and I'm still getting used to it, I'm really happy I was wearing it on that hit.''
• There's no reason to expect Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz to give up on Cutler, writes Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Michael C. Wright of ESPNChicago.com wonders what fair-market value will be for the pending contract extension of Bears coach Lovie Smith.
• The Bears could have 16 free agents this offseason depending on how negotiations go for the collective bargaining agreement, notes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500.com offers a season review of the Minnesota Vikings' defense.
• The Vikings are interested in CFL defensive end Phillip Burke, writes Adam Caplan of Fox Sports.

By now, you probably know that Detroit Lions linebacker Zack Follett -- whose career might be over following a serious neck injury -- referred to quarterback Matthew Stafford as a "china doll" during a radio interview in Fresno, Calif.

(He also took a couple of shots at Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, but more on that in a bit.)

In the context of football, a "china doll" is a delicate player who "breaks" every time he gets hit. Suffice it to say, it's no compliment.

Stafford has missed 19 of 32 games over his first two seasons because of various injuries, and Follett gave voice to the worst fears the Lions and their fans might have about him. Follett almost immediately backtracked, jumping on a Detroit-area radio station and later on his Twitter account, and in the end I think we'll view this episode as the result of a (lovable) nut job unintentionally veering into sensitive territory during what was supposed to be a light-hearted radio appearance.

First, here is what Follett said on ESPN 1430 in Fresno, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press: "Stafford, good guy. He's a china doll right now. Anytime he gets hit, he goes down. But the kid is -- hopefully, it's just patiently waiting for him, because the kid is an awesome talent. He has a tremendous arm. The throws that he makes during practice when no one can touch him, he looks like an All-American quarterback, but put him in a game, and you hit his shoulder. So hopefully, say a couple prayers, keep him healthy next year, and the Lions can do some damage in the NFC."

Viewed in context, I don't think that statement comes off as a complete rip job. But lest there be any doubt, Follett later tweeted:

Thats my bad on the china doll comment, just referring to his injury.. have no room to talk I was more broken then anyone this yr

Matts a baller I see it everyday on the field, and have no doubt he's going to do work next season!

I'm guessing most Lions players know Follett and understand his uniquely wired brain. So ultimately, Follett's comments about Cutler could have more staying power. To my knowledge, he is the only NFC North player to criticize Cutler for leaving Sunday's NFC Championship Game. Follett's neck injury makes him a question mark to play next season, but even if he isn't with the Lions, his words still implicated at least one Lions coach and could have lasting impact.

Follett said that Cutler "kind of just knew that they were going to lose, hung his hat up and said, 'All right, maybe next season.' That's his character, that's him. I'm not going to attack him, but I would handle it different." Then he added:

"We played him the first game of the season. He kind of has a swagger about him that, a little cockiness, that it kind of makes defensive players kind of chomp at the mouth. We're ready to get at him. Our [defensive coordinator], Gunther Cunningham, he wasn't a big fan of Cutler."

It's one thing for an AFC player who might never face Cutler or the Bears to take a shot. But Cunningham and the Lions play the Bears twice a year. I'm guessing these series of comments will rise to the top of the motivational file the Bears are almost certainly keeping right now.

Whether we're at the Epicenter of Humanity or not, there's no beating down ESPN's draft coverage. Mel Kiper and Todd McShay each weighed in Wednesday with mock drafts. You'll need an Insider subscription to see all of the picks, but I can slip you each man's choices for the two NFC North teams whose draft positions are locked in.

12. Minnesota Vikings
Kiper's pick: Colorado offensive lineman Nate Solder
McShay's pick: USC offensive lineman Tyron Smith
Seifert's comment: I'm presuming Solder or Smith would be envisioned as replacements for two-year starter Phil Loadholt. I wouldn't count right tackle as the Vikings' biggest need, but an upgrade wouldn't hurt. Quarterback is the Vikings' top priority, but Missouri's Blaine Gabbert and Auburn's Cam Newton are already off the board in both mocks. McShay also has Washington's Jake Locker taken ahead of the No. 12 spot.

No. 13. Detroit Lions
Kiper's pick: UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers
McShay's pick: Solder
Seifert's comment: The Lions are expected to release veteran linebacker Julian Peterson, and Zack Follett's neck injury has left his future cloudy. So along with cornerback, outside linebacker ranks as the Lions' top need. If all things are equal, Ayers seems a smarter pick than Solder -- even if Gosder Cherilus had his moments last season.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 24
Preseason Power Ranking: 28

Biggest surprise: By the end of November, the Lions appeared headed for an unceremonious conclusion to another lost season. They had given up 28 consecutive points to lose a Thanksgiving Day game to the New England Patriots, and afterward it appeared the inevitable finger pointing had begun. But against all indications, coach Jim Schwartz rallied the Lions for a competitive game the following week against the Chicago Bears and then concluded the season with the franchise's first four-game winning streak since 1999. In the moments after that Thanksgiving Day loss, few people saw it coming.

Biggest disappointment: Quarterback Matthew Stafford played only one full game, a Week 8 victory over the Washington Redskins. A recurring separated shoulder knocked him out of starts in Week 1 and Week 9, and the latter cost him the remainder of the season. As we noted in November, Stafford demonstrated some progress during his short stint. But none of it matters if he can't stay on the field. In two NFL seasons, Stafford has missed more games (19) than he has played (13). There are no magic elixirs for staying healthy as an NFL quarterback. The Lions are left to hope that Stafford has encountered an unlucky stretch rather than proved to be fragile. More than anything, Stafford needs an uninterrupted streak of starts to become the quarterback the Lions need him to be.

Biggest need: The Lions have whittled their needs from "everything" to something a bit more manageable. Because they have one building block at cornerback (Chris Houston) and safety (Louis Delmas), I'll say their biggest need is outside linebacker. Veteran Julian Peterson isn't expected to return and starter Zack Follett suffered a serious neck injury in Week 6 and might not play again. There really aren't any young players waiting in the wings to take over for either player. You could argue that outside linebackers are a luxury in a 4-3 scheme, but it's the most barren position on the Lions' roster.

Team MVP: In training camp, defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch was sprinting 20 yards downfield to make sure he touched the ball carrier in team drills. In Week 1, he totaled a stunning 10 solo tackles in a 19-14 loss to the Bears. If any one player deserves credit for changing the mindset of a previously moribund defense, it's Vanden Bosch. His early-season intensity set a tone for dominant defensive line play even after a neck injury ended his season. The Lions' defensive line was every bit as good and frenetic as hoped, an attitude that rubbed off on the entire defense and helped improve its ranking from last in the NFL to No. 21.

Best addition: Vanden Bosch's intensity aside, no Lions player matched the 16-game production of rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. He finished with 10 sacks, one of two rookies ever to have a double-digit sack total since the NFL started tracking the stat in 1982. Dana Stubblefield is the other. Suh gets the nod over receiver Nate Burleson, who caught 55 passes as a legitimate No. 2 threat next to receiver Calvin Johnson, and tailback Jahvid Best, who finished with 1,042 all-purpose yards.

The Green Bay Packers will have one of their two starting defensive ends for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Cullen Jenkins (calf) is active and expected to play. But Ryan Pickett (ankle) is inactive, meaning C.J. Wilson will start in his place. New defensive linemen Mike Mongtomery and Howard Green are both active.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions will have middle linebacker DeAndre Levy in the starting lineup for only the second time this season. Ashlee Palmer will start at outside linebacker for the injured Zack Follett.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

Wednesday afternoon, we noted the Detroit Lions had claimed cornerback Brandon McDonald off waivers but hadn't yet announced a corresponding move to open a roster spot. That mystery is now solved. Linebacker Zack Follett, the self-proclaimed "Pain Train" who rose to starting status during offseason workouts, was placed on injured reserve because of a scary neck injury suffered Oct. 17 against the New York Giants.

The injury is not believed to be career-threatening, but Follett won't play again this season. He is the seventh player the Lions have placed on injured reserve.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• The Lions were working Ashlee Palmer in Follett's position during practice Wednesday, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Bobby Carpenter is another possibility for the job.
• The Lions are expecting quarterback Matthew Stafford to be able to run all facets of their offense in his return, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers on not getting sacked Sunday night by the Minnesota Vikings, via Gary D'Amato of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "It starts with the guys up front. I hope last week is the beginning of something special, because the way they protected really forced the defense into abandoning the rush and trying to jump and tip balls. As a quarterback, that's your best friend. When I can wake up Monday and Tuesday and feel that good, that's really encouraging."
• Rodgers and the Packers' passing game will need to be on the same page Sunday against the New York Jets, writes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
• Packers players had no sympathy for the calls that went against the Vikings last Sunday, writes Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• Vikings quarterback Brett Favre understands the expectations of coach Brad Childress, notes the Star Tribune.
• Vikings fans aren't clamoring for backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson to start Sunday at the New England Patriots, notes Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
• Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com has the quote from Carl Johnson, the NFL's vice president of officiating, who said on the NFL Network that a 17-yard touchdown reception by tight end Visanthe Shiancoe on Sunday night should have been ruled a touchdown: "In the referee [Scott Green]'s judgment, he thought that there was movement, that there was some loss of control, in his judgment. However, as we further assessed the play, we saw that there was not enough to change this call, and therefore, we wished the ruling on the field would have stood as a completed catch. There just wasn't enough to overturn this call."
• Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times on the tendency of Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz to paint a rosy picture: "It might be reassuring to hear the offensive coordinator speak so glowingly about the Bears' crushingly disappointing offense if not for his growing credibility gap. Since joining the Bears, Martz has gone out of his way to raise the stakes by continually gushing about his quarterback, receivers, running backs and even his offensive line. The problem is, the offense has performed far below expectations through the first seven games, and when asked for reasons why, it's almost impossible to get a straight answer."
• Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune: "No one seemed interested in embracing the cold facts -- this offense is in worse shape than it was a year ago"
• The Bears plan to run more after they return from the bye, writes Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com.

» NFC Stock Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

FALLING

1. Qualifications for linebacker in Detroit: The Lions signed free agent Bobby Carpenter during their bye last week. This week, it's possible he'll be in their starting lineup because of Zack Follett's neck injury. Much is left to be decided this week during practice, and Carpenter has more pedigree than the average player you sign off the street in midseason. But the bottom line is he flamed out as a 2006 first-round draft choice for the Dallas Cowboys and made it through only five games this season with the Miami Dolphins before being released. When a player walks in your door one week and has a chance to start the next, you know your depth at the position is far from adequate.

2. Tolerance for interceptions in Minnesota: Last summer, the Vikings signed the quarterback who has thrown more interceptions than any other in NFL history. They were the beneficiaries of a one-year aberration in 2009; Brett Favre threw seven in what was the best season of his career. But what they've gotten this year -- 10 in six games -- is closer to Favre's career-long habit. The big problem for 2010 is not the interceptions, but the fact that Favre has made less big plays to even out the mistakes. Still, no one in the Vikings organization, from coach Brad Childress on down, should be complaining at this point. If you're not going to tolerate the occasional (or even somewhat frequent) head-scratching throw, then Favre wasn't the right quarterback to bring in.

3. Numbers on the Detroit Lions' injury list: The Lions emerge from their bye with the likelihood that two key players who have missed most of the season will return. Quarterback Matthew Stafford (shoulder) and linebacker DeAndre Levy (ankle) are on pace to play Sunday against the Washington Redskins. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to see Stafford play the Lions' final 10 games and observe the progress for ourselves that the team has suggested he made in the offseason. Levy will help settle down a position that has been in disarray, but it's critical for the future of the franchise to get a better handle on where Stafford is and how far he might be able to take it.

RISING

1. Tramon Williams, Green Bay Packers cornerback: How confident are the Packers in Williams' ability to hold down this position? We got two big clues last week. First, the Packers didn't seem compelled to rush back former starter Al Harris from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Second, it was Williams -- and not All-Pro Charles Woodson -- who was matched up most frequently against Vikings receiver Randy Moss. Williams helped hold Moss to three catches for 30 yards, and overall has been the best cover corner on the Packers' roster this season. That's right. From a coverage standpoint, at least, Williams has surpassed Woodson.

2. Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings linebacker: Greenway has always run up high tackle totals, but I think close observers would note he has taken his game to a higher level in 2010. In the past, I've noted that Greenway's tackle totals didn't often include many of the game-changing plays that big-time linebackers make. But this season, Greenway has made more plays behind and close to the line of scrimmage than I've ever seen from him. He already has seven tackles for a loss, one behind his career high for an entire season. Three of them came Sunday night against the Packers, and on a fourth play he stopped Brandon Jackson for a 1-yard gain and forced a fumble. Greenway leads the Vikings with 65 tackles through six games and might be on track for Pro Bowl recognition.

3. Interception totals in Chicago: Quarterback Jay Cutler held himself to three over the Bears' first six games, causing some of us to wonder whether he had put behind his irrational gun-slinging habits. Oops. Four second-half interceptions Sunday against the Washington Redskins, all to cornerback DeAngelo Hall, reaffirmed that Cutler's self-destruction gene is still active and operating. The quarterback isn't always fully responsible for every interception, and FOX analyst Troy Aikman blamed Bears receivers for two of them during the live broadcast. But this was Cutler's third four-interception start in his first 22 games with the Bears. Sacks are one thing. As with Favre, we're willing to tolerate some interceptions if they're balanced with a requisite number of big plays. But Cutler now has 33 interceptions during his short Bears career. It will be impossible to consider him a long-term franchise quarterback at that pace.

We're Black and Blue All Over:

The NFL's trading deadline came and went Tuesday with no NFC North team making a move. Anyone who thought otherwise hasn't been paying attention.

No, the Green Bay Packers did not trade for the Dallas Cowboys' Marion Barber or any other tailback. The Chicago Bears didn't acquire New England Patriots guard Logan Mankins. There were never any indications that either team was pursuing such deals.

The Bears did release veteran defensive end Charles Grant after two inactive weeks and promoted defensive end Barry Turner from the practice squad, one of two minor roster moves Tuesday in this division. The other was the Detroit Lions' decision to release defensive back Dante Wesley and activate cornerback Jack Williams from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

There have been plenty of trades, major and minor, in the NFC North this season. But as expected, Tuesday was quiet.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Tuesday, we documented the strong reaction of Bears safety Chris Harris to the NFL's decision to re-emphasize its rules on helmet-to-helmet hits. Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was also incensed. Here's what he told Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune: "It's freaking football. There are going to be big hits. I don't understand how they can do this after one weekend of hitting. And I can't understand how they can suspend us for it. I think it's a bunch of bull ... You know what we should do? We should just put flags on everybody. Let's make it the NFFL -- the National Flag Football League. It's unbelievable.''
• The Bears' defense needs a rest, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette examines why Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has lost 11 of 12 close games in his career.
• Tramon Williams has been the Packers "best and most reliable cornerback" this season, writes Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com goes behind the scenes with rookie offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga.
• Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards on the possibility of suspensions for helmet-to-helmet hits, via Brian Murphy of the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "I mean, that's taking it a little far. It is football. We all signed up to play this game. Things happen. You can't alter the way you play the game because that's the way some guys get touchdowns."
• Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has two catches since the arrival of receiver Randy Moss, notes the Star Tribune.
• Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is planning to practice this week with the No. 1 offense, writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• Lions linebacker Zack Follett speaks to Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News about his scary collision in Sunday's game at the New York Giants.

Some quick thoughts on the New York Giants' 28-20 win over the Detroit Lions.

What it means: The Lions remained competitive in this game even after losing starting quarterback Shaun Hill with a fractured left forearm and linebacker Zack Follett on a scary collision that forced him to be taken off the field on a backboard. In the end, however, the Lions lost their 24th consecutive road game and dropped to 1-5 on the season. But Lions fans can rejoice: Hill's injury might mean that Matthew Stafford (shoulder) could be back in his starting role sooner than expected.

Follett improving: The Lions released a statement late Sunday night reporting Follett has feeling and movement in all extremities. An MRI and a CAT scan were both negative, and he's resting in a New Jersey hospital.

Turning point: The Lions were trailing 21-17 midway through the fourth quarter and were on the move when receiver Nate Burleson fumbled at the Giants' 42-yard line. Giants tailback Ahmad Bradshaw knocked off a 45-yard on the next play, and two plays later the Giants had a commanding 28-17 lead.

Ignominious mark: The Lions tied their own NFL record for consecutive losses on the road, a mark they first set from 2001-03.

Stanton's usual: As always, No. 3 quarterback Drew Stanton was competitive and energetic in his relief role. He completed 19 of 34 passes, including an 87-yard touchdown to Calvin Johnson, but also threw a game-ending interception on a pass too high for a wide-open tight end Brandon Pettigrew. He fumbled three times, losing one. For Stanton, there is always a fine line between passionate play and being out of control.

What's next: The Lions have a bye next weekand and host the Washington Redskins on Oct. 31 at Ford Field.