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NFC Central Predicted Finish 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- The Bucs made headlines again this offseason with the free agent signing of another offensive star, Brad Johnson. Johnson finally gives the Bucs a capable starting quarterback to go with the ground game of Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott and the receiving trio of Jacquez Green, Reidel Anthony, and Keyshawn Johnson. Tampa also feels good about its backup situation with experienced starter Shaun King in the 2 spot and problem child Ryan Leaf getting the opportunity to learn in the backdrop. Of course, the defensive side is not a question with the expertise of Tony Dungy and stars like Warren Sapp, Anthony McFarland, Shelton Quarles, Derrick Brooks, Donnie Abraham, Ronde Barber, John Lynch, and the addition of Simeon Rice through free agency. With the emergence of Marcus Jones at right end last season, the addition of Rice gives the Bucs one of the most lethal lines in the league. If Brad Johnson can stay away from injuries that have hampered his career Tampa Bay will be with the Rams as the teams to beat in the NFC and possibly provide a rematch of the thrilling NFC title game of two seasons ago. 2. Green Bay Packers- The Pack may in fact be back. Green Bay has suffered through some sub-par seasons since their last Super Bowl run due to injuries, front office changes, as well as changes on the sidelines, but appear to be ready to return to the playoffs this season. Brett Favre's health may be a concern, but if he's healthy the Pack will have a solid offense with the emergence of Ahman Green at running back. The receiving corps needs Antonio Freeman to be in-shape, Bill Schroeder to be reliable, and Bubba Franks to play up to his potential and they will be strong. If Robert Ferguson can adapt to the pro game as quickly as he did the major college game he will be a great target for Favre. Defensively, Green Bay seems to be in good shape with big Gilbert Brown back to anchor the middle with Santana Dotson (if he's healthy), Steve Warren, John Thierry, Vonnie Holliday (if healthy), and first round pick Jamal Reynolds from Florida State. The linebackers are in good shape with Na'il Diggs, who had an impressive rookie season in 2000, Bernardo Harris in the middle, and rookie Torrance Marshall to round out the bunch. The Packers look to be in good shape in the defensive backfield barring injuries, which seems to be the theme in Wisconsin this year. If, they can avoid too many injuries they can compete with anyone, but a few injuries may find them home early once again in 2001. 3. Minnesota Vikings- With Daunte Culpepper back from an impressive first year as a starter, rookie Michael Bennett's breakaway speed, and the tandem of Chris Carter and Randy Moss at receiver the Vikes are as potent on offense as almost anyone in the league. However, the defense is worse than the offense is good and it appears to get worse as the years go by. When Minnesota made it to the NFC Championship in 1998 they had one of the best offenses ever and an admirable, not great, defense and in 1999 it got worse as the Vikes were sent home in the second round of the playoffs, finally in 2000 the defense was absolutely horrendous and cost Minnesota a trip to the Super Bowl. 2001 doesn't look real promising with the loss of John Randle, the team's best defender, Tony Williams, and the ever-reliable Dwayne Rudd. They did add defensive end Lance Johnstone into the mix, but that hardly figures to make up for the other three losses. Emmitt Thomas will return as defensive coordinator and Willie Shaw, formerly of the Raiders, is in town to help out as assistant head coach and defensive backs coach. If the defense can return to average the Vikes could push for the top spot in the central, but all signs point to a frustrating season filled with 38-35 type losses. 4. Detroit Lions- The Lions made a much publicized, yet very intelligent choice to become the new GM after another disappointing season with the hiring of the charismatic Matt Millen. Millen can relate to the players and is very enthusiastic as well as deeply devoted to turning Detroit into a big time franchise, which he proved by hiring Vince Tobin to coordinate the defense and scout the young players. Despite that, the Lions are still in a bit of a rut heading into 2001, Germane Crowell must return from an injury riddled 2000, Herman Moore continues to age and lose the great talent he once possessed, and Johnnie Morton can make the diving grab in the back of the end zone but can't catch the five yard pass right in the numbers. James Stewart had a very good year rushing and will be a threat again, but the continuing decline in the confidence both for Charlie Batch and his own for himself will make Detroit too one dimensional. 5. Chicago Bears- The Monsters of the Midway continue to be feared less and less and looked forward to as a game to let your players heal. Cade McNown, Jim Miller, and Shane Matthews do not strike fear in any defensive coordinator and Marcus Robinson desperately needs rookie David Terrell to become an instant success to give him a chance to see the ball again. James Allen has been an incredibly pleasant surprise in the backfield and gives the Bears a chance to use the run to open up the pass for their inept quarterbacks. Defensively, Brian Urlacher became a star last season and will continue to impress as the weeks go by, but has very little help.
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