State of the NFC North-Week 2
Photo Credit: Nic Antaya, Getty Images
The NFC North is yet again one of the tightest races for the top of a division in the NFC. The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions sit on top of the division each with a 1-1 record after Week 2. The Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears are below that, both holding records of 0-2 after two games.
With that in mind, here’s the state of the NFC North after Week 2 of the 2023-2024 NFL season.
Detroit Lions
The Lions continue to be at the top of the division after just two weeks into the season. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 323 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Running back David Montgomery ran for 67 yards and a touchdown before being carted off the field with an injury. This clears the way for rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs to prove the Lions were right for drafting him 12th overall over many other prospects. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be one of the best receivers in the NFC as a whole. He recorded 102 yards off of six catches. WR Josh Reynolds continues to showcase his abilities with 66 yards and two touchdowns from five catches.
Despite the loss of safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the defense managed to keep the Seattle Seahawks in check for most of the game. Linebacker Alex Anzalone recorded the lone sack for the Lions defense.
The Lions are playing at home this Sunday against the 2-0 Atlanta Falcons. Hopefully, the Lions can bounce back after an unfortunate loss.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers remain tied with the Lions for the top of the division despite a close loss to the Falcons by a final score was 25-24. QB Jordan Love threw for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Pretty clean game for him overall. WR Jayden Reed had two touchdowns and 37 receiving yards. The other touchdown was thrown to WR Dontayvion Wicks, who recorded 40 yards off of two catches.
It was a quiet game for the defense overall. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark and outside linebacker Rashan Gary each had 0.5 sacks. LB Quay Walker also recorded an interception for the game.
The Packers look to also bounce back from a Week 2 loss as they return to Lambeau Field this Sunday to take on the New Orleans Saints.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings continue to have heartbreaking losses to start the season. This time against the Philadelphia Eagles. QB Kirk Cousins threw for an immaculate 364 yards and four touchdowns. WR Justin Jefferson again had no touchdown but got 159 yards off of 11 catches. The four receiving touchdowns went to WR K.J. Osborn, tight end T.J. Hockenson who had two, and WR Jordan Addison. Just an all-around effort from the Vikings offense.
Amazing game from the defense as defensive end Danielle Hunter recorded three sacks on the day. DT Harrison Phillips and LB Ivan Pace Jr. recorded 0.5 sacks each, totaling four sacks for the Vikings defense. S Theo Jackson recorded an interception as well in the loss.
The Vikings hope to get their first win of the season this weekend. They return home to U.S. Bank Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in what is sure to be an offensive battle.
Chicago Bears
The Bears continue to give their fans, including myself, eternal suffering. They lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a close matchup for most of the game. S Eddie Jackson went out with a foot injury that hurt an already depleted secondary. The final score was 27-17. The Bears managed to keep it close for most of the game but then a game-sealing pick-six from LB Shaquil Barrett ended any hopes of a comeback.
QB Justin Fields had 211 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on the day. WR D.J. Moore finally got more touches but no touchdown. However, he did have 104 receiving yards. The lone touchdown throw was to WR Chase Claypool who had 36 yards on the day.
The defense could not stop the Buccaneers on third down. The game’s only highlight for that side of the ball was a blocked field goal attempt from DE Rasheem Green.
The Bears hope to finally get a win this season, although that seems unlikely. Up next, they travel to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs.
