NFC North Round-Up: X-Factors for Each Offense in 2023
Josh Frey
|
Every year, NFL teams have players that play major parts in their success while others suffer disappointing outcomes due to lackluster play from players that they were expecting more from when the year began. These ‘X-factors’ will be big reasons why offenses within the NFC North either bask in success during 2023, or they will linger near the bottom of the division.
Chicago Bears: WR Chase Claypool
The Bears traded a second-round pick for Chase Claypool last year that just so happened to be the No. 32 overall selection. This is a hefty price tag for a player, especially considering he caught just 14 of 29 targets for the team last year.
Now, though, the hope is Chicago has a much more well-rounded wide receiver room after making the additions of D.J. Moore and fourth-round pick Tyler Scott this offseason. With less attention being given to Claypool this upcoming season due to the presence of especially Moore and Darnell Mooney alongside him, perhaps he can reclaim the glories of the 2020 season that he saw in Pittsburgh.
Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Out go both D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams while in come Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Montgomery has been a reliable RB in the Bears offense for years, but for Gibbs, Detroit is hoping he can be a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield. The expectations are high as a result of the 12th overall pick that was used to draft him.
If Gibbs can live up to the expectations being placed on him, there is reason to believe that Detroit can avoid a regression offensively this year. However, if there are growing pains early on, the Lions could stumble a bit early in the season.
Green Bay Packers: QB Jordan Love
Everything in Green Bay’s offense revolves around how quickly Jordan Love can adjust to being a full-time starter at the NFL level. No longer will the Packers be able to rely on four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to create plays for them.
Luckily, the Packers seem to have recognized that fact as they loaded up on pass-catchers this offseason to put around their young QB. In the draft alone, they took a pair of tight ends in Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft as well as wide receiver Jayden Reed.
Minnesota Vikings: RB Ty Chandler
The situation in Minnesota regarding Dalvin Cook may be changing quickly, but the assumption has to remain that the Vikings will be heading into the 2023 season without the veteran RB.
In his stead, Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler would step in as the lead backs for the team. We know much of what to expect from Mattison due to the past four seasons spent in Minnesota. However, Chandler remains an undeveloped lump of clay for Kevin O’Connell to mold. If he can turn into a reliable back, it would be a significant boost to the Vikings rushing attack.
3 Vikings Weaknesses Heading into 2023
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.