Chicago – Punt and play defense

The surprising Bears went 11-5, claiming the division title before bowing out in the playoffs. Their ferocious defense flirted with history and ended up easily topping our Bendability Index last season. Meanwhile, the recent struggles of the Chicago offense have also been well-documented by the Cold, Hard Football Facts. 

 

Hidden Truth: In 2005, the Bears scored the fewest offensive touchdowns of any division winner since the NFL went to a 16-game schedule. They managed just 22 TDs during the entire regular season (or 1.375 per game). That feeble output easily stayed under the low mark set by the 1993 Lions, whose 24 offensive touchdowns qualify them as a juggernaut by comparison.

Outlook for 2006: Regardless of who wins the quarterback battle, Chicago won't be starting a rookie at the position like they did for almost all of last year. That fact alone should improve the scoring numbers, but expect this team to maintain its defensive dominance.

 

Detroit – Catching up

The Lions and general manager Matt Millen became the butt of jokes for using top-10 picks on wide receivers in three straight drafts. The results were disastrous: a fifth consecutive losing season, Steve Mariucci getting fired (eventually replaced by Rod Marinelli) and Millen (pictured) somehow retaining his position. Mike Martz was also brought on board as offensive coordinator, and the former St. Louis coach will be looking to rejuvenate a lackluster passing game.

 

Hidden Truth: Offensive assistant Shawn Jefferson has more career NFL receptions than the combined total of all wideouts on the Detroit roster. Jefferson concluded a solid but unspectacular 13-year career in 2003, having caught 470 passes. Here's a rundown of the eight veteran receivers the Lions are carrying in the preseason:

 

 

Outlook for 2006: The Detroit receivers have been short on production, but they are long on talent. Martz should be able to maximize their abilities with creative play calling and a high-powered aerial attack.

 

Green Bay – In the crosshairs

Brett Favre had never experienced a losing season during his first 14 years in the NFL, but he made sure that 2005 would be different. Title Town watched on in dismay as the aging gunslinger threw away numerous chances to pull out victories. Favre now returns for a swan song under first-year coach Mike McCarthy, whose new tricks may be lost on the old dog.

Hidden Truth: Over the past two seasons, Donald Driver has recorded the third-most receiving yards in the league. His total of 2,429 during that span trails only the Bengals' Chad Johnson (2,706) and the Rams' Torry Holt (2,703). Driver set career-best marks last year with 86 catches for 1,221 yards.

 

Outlook for 2006: After the departure of Javon Walker, who was traded to the Broncos, Driver will again be the primary target. Favre will continue to hit him when he's open ... and try to force it in when he's not.

 

Minnesota – Accurate veteran

The Vikings made a bold decision when they opted to trade three-time Pro Bowler Daunte Culpepper to the Dolphins. That left Brad Johnson, who turns 38 next month, as the unchallenged starting quarterback. In the first season of his second stint with Minnesota, Johnson led the team to seven wins in nine starts after a knee injury sidelined Culpepper.

 

Hidden Truth: Johnson has completed more than 60 percent of his passes for an NFL-record 10 consecutive seasons. His total would actually be 11, but he failed to reach the minimum of 100 attempts in 1995. Johnson continues to distance himself from Joe Montana and Steve Young, who each exceeded 60 percent completions for eight straight seasons.