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NFC Central wishes Bucs a bad goodbye

[Photo: AP] The lethal combination of Randy Moss, left, and Daunte Culpepper is staring at another title.

By DARRELL FRY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 7, 2001

The Vikings, Packers, Lions and Bears would like to see Tampa Bay leave for a new division without another Central title.

There probably won't be many people around the NFC Central waxing nostalgic about this being Tampa Bay's last season in the division. The Bucs have been a major player in the title chase three of the last four seasons, so the Bears, Vikings, Packers and Lions probably won't be sad to see them go to the new NFC South in 2002.

The Bucs were division champs in 1999, going 11-5 overall and 5-3 in the division. They were second to Minnesota last season, but only because they missed a routine field goal in the regular-season finale.

Once again, the Bucs are most people's pick to rule the division, with the Vikings and Packers fighting for second. Detroit is trying to get used to a new coach and a new offense, and Chicago is rebuilding.

[Photo: AP] Lions coach Marty Mornhinweg hopes quarterback Charlie Batch (10) can stay healthy enough to carry Detroit to the playoffs.

The Bucs' departure in 2002 is sure to strip some of the luster from the famed Black and Blue Division, which has had a representative in the past six NFC Championship games. Granted, the Bucs aren't your typical Black and Blue Division team; most are from the Midwest. But the Bucs' ball-control offense and skull-jarring defense epitomize the essence of the division.

Still, in some ways, the remaining teams will be happy to see the Bucs leave while also determined not to let them take another division title with them. Here's how the teams stack up:

TAMPA BAY (10-6 last season)

As usual, the defense is top-notch, meaning the team's postseason hopes rest with the offense, which has been consistently inconsistent. Veteran quarterback Brad Johnson, known for his high-percentage passing, could be the stability the unit needs

Johnson's durability, though, is a question mark. In nine NFL seasons, he has played in all 16 games only once (1999). That means last season's starter, Shaun King, could see some action.

In general, the offense promises to be more imaginative with new offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen even though the preseason sometimes showed otherwise. The key will be if Christensen can get receiver Keyshawn Johnson and running back Warrick Dunn in situations where they can be most effective.

Dunn showed last season he can be a featured back, rushing for 1,133 yards. He again will carry much of the load, lining up often with fullback Mike Alstott.

It might take a while for Christensen's offense to truly click, and the Bucs might not have the luxury of time. The schedule is loaded with big, early season games. Philadelphia, Minnesota, Green Bay and Tennessee are among the first five opponents.

MINNESOTA (11-5)

As usual, the Vikings figure to be one of the high-flying teams in the league. All of their heavy hitters -- quarterback Daunte Culpepper and receivers Randy Moss and Cris Carter -- are back, so scoreboard operators must be alert at all times.

Until someone finds a way to shut down Moss, the Vikings have to be handled delicately. He can take over a game, and you've got to figure he's only going to get better with more experience.

The interesting consideration is how the Vikings respond to the loss of running back Robert Smith, who retired. The starting job figures to fall to rookie Michael Bennett, who may be as good a runner but not nearly the pass catcher Smith was.

Perhaps the only thing standing between the Vikings and another division title is defense. A unit that gave up an average of 355 yards a game last season lost defensive lineman John Randle and linebacker Dwayne Rudd.

Don't be surprised, though, if this unit gets its act together. Hey, it will never be confused with the Ravens' defense, but expect the Vikings to be a little more aggressive than in the past, particularly in the secondary.

"The first thing I had to do when I got in here was get 'em believing in me and in what I do," defensive backs coach Willie Shaw said. "I was like, "Hey, guys, believe in me, we can do better. A lot better.' If I can get you to believe in me, I can sell you anything. The key is not the product. If you have confidence in me, you'll buy the product."

Another defining factor for Minnesota is the loss of Korey Stringer. If his death is a distraction, this team could wilt into an 8-8 season. If not, it could wind up in New Orleans on Super Bowl Sunday.

GREEN BAY (9-7)

The Pack isn't what it used to be, but it's still dangerous. The team slumped last year, but finished strong, winning its last four, including against Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

Age may be catching up with Green Bay, but as long as it has quarterback Brett Favre, it has a chance to do special things. Favre appears healthy and eager to have a big season, perhaps topping 3,000 yards in passing for the 10th straight season.

What figures to tip the scales is the running game, where Dorsey Levens is coming back from a broken left hand. Ahman Green is more than capable, but Levens needs to return to his old form to give the Pack a real chance at pushing Tampa Bay and Minnesota for the division crown.

It wouldn't hurt if receiver Antonio Freeman played like he did a couple seasons ago. Frankly, Favre can't do it all by himself. Freeman looked rejuvenated during the preseason until suffering that vicious hit in the Broncos game.

There's lots of uncertainty with this club, but if everything comes together, Green Bay could put some black and blue back into the division.

DETROIT (9-7)

A new era dawns in the Motor City and not a moment too soon. New coach Marty Mornhinweg brings much-needed intensity and a West Coast offensive scheme to the Lions.

Still, it's going to take more than a new offensive scheme to get this franchise back on track. Quarterback Charlie Batch is probably capable of taking this club far, but he has to stay healthy. Veteran Jim Harbaugh was brought in this season, but he's 37 years old.

The Lions are pretty solid on defense and should have little trouble staying in most games. It's the offense that's full of questions, particularly along the line where free agents Mike Compton and Jeff Hastings left gaping holes.

The Lions will depend on rookies Jeff Backus and Dominic Raiola to play above their heads. As injury-prone as Batch is, he can't afford to not have solid protection.

Even if everything comes together, the Lions face a tough schedule. Besides the division foes, they have to play St. Louis and Tennessee.

CHICAGO (5-11)

Things are not looking up in the Windy City after four straight seasons of double-digit losses. You've got to wonder if coach Dick Jauron's job will be in jeopardy if that grows to five straight.

The Bears' troubles start at quarterback, where ex-Gator Shane Matthews is the starter and Jim Miller is the backup. Matthews doesn't have a lot of zip on his passes and was mediocre last season in limited starts. Whether he can be an everyday quarterback remains to be seen.

Running back also is an issue. Sure, James Allen went over 1,000 yards last season, but there's some doubt if he can be a featured back. Plus, his blocking might not be as good as last season with starting guard Todd Perry and center Casey Wiegmann lost to free agency.

Not surprisingly, there's a clear sense of urgency within this franchise. The team is going with more veterans in an effort to win now as opposed to rebuilding for later. If it works, the Bears may make it out of the division cellar. If not, the cold, miserable Chicago winter will be the least of fans' worries.

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