NFC North Weekend Roundup

Week 1 for the NFC North is officially in the books, and predictions of the ol' "black and blue" division being one of the best in the league looked fairly accurate as games wrapped up yesterday. The Packers already solidified their first win of the season on Thursday against the Saints, scoring 42 points in an offensive shootout between a couple of the league's best quarterbacks.

The Detroit Lions came out of the gates against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 27-20 win in which quarterback Matt Stafford continued momentum from his strong start in the preseason. Stafford was 24 for 33 for 305 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Calvin Johnson caught two of those touchdowns. This win continues their streak carrying over from the end of last season to 5 wins, making the once down-and-out Lions look like things are turning around in Detroit. The Lions defense, the other area to watch this season, was able to hold the Buccaneers rushing attack to a total of 56 yards. The Lions 'D' also forced two fumbles and had one interception.

The reigning NFC North regular season division champion Chicago Bears faced off against NFC South division champions in game 1 at Soldier Field in what turned into a 30-12 mauling by the Bears. Jay Cutler had a good start to the season, connecting on 22 of 32 passes for 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bears defense held the Falcons powerhouse offense to only two field goals, with the Falcons' only touchdown coming off a Kroy Biermann interception returned for 6. Adding to the Bears' opening day defensive statement was a fumble return by Brian Urlacher for the final Bears touchdown of the game. Matt Forte only rushed for 68 yards in 16 carries,  but proved more potent in the passing game - making 5 catches for 90 yards and a touchdown.

By the time the Vikings took the field, their three other NFC North counterparts were already all 1-0 on the season; placing a little pressure on the team to keep pace if they want to contend this year. Percy Harvin started the game off with a strong special teams showing, returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. From there, the Vikings went up 17-7 on the Chargers by halftime, which proved to be the turning point in the game. The Vikings offense was blanked both quarters of the second half, while Phillip Rivers and the rest of the Chargers offense wore down the Vikings defense. Rivers ended the game with over 300 passing yards and 2 touchdowns, while Donovan McNabb ended the game 7 of 15 for 39 yards. Although the Vikings defense had two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a couple sacks, they were worn down after being forced on the field due to a number of short Vikings offensive drives late in the game. With the 24-17 loss to the Chargers, the Vikings are now the only NFC North team not 1-0 to start the season.