Week 6 NFC North Recap
Josh Frey
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The teams representing the NFC North once again found themselves in some exciting, stressful games during the early slot of Sunday afternoon. Once again, we saw an inter-divisional matchup; this time it was between the Packers and Bears. Here is a summary of all the goings-on out of the North in week 6.
The Bears Get Caged
With a chance to take over the division lead with a win over Green Bay, Chicago found themselves in a very important game at home. However, they were extremely banged up going into this matchup. Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, and Allen Robinson were all listed as questionable while both David Montgomery and Damien Williams out for this pivotal game.
While Khalil Herbert did an exceptional job running the ball, it’s very clear that the Bears still have a rookie under center. Justin Fields had a very up and down performance, but it wasn’t helped when the refs missed an offsides call that resulted in an interception. The Bears fell to 3-3 and essentially lost two games in the standings.
The Battle of the Cats
The Detroit Lions were coming off a heartbreaking defeat versus the Minnesota Vikings and desperately needed a win to salvage their season. It looked as if they could potentially get it this week with Cincinnati coming against a tough fought overtime loss to the Packers the week prior. It went no such way.
Cincinnati demolished the Lions 34-11, and there were very few positive takeaways. Jared Goff played horribly from the start, missing open targets all over the place. The defense obviously showed very little resistance as well in the loss. Dan Campbell expressed frustration in his postgame presser, but things don’t get any easier as the Lions head to LA to face an old friend, Matthew Stafford, and the Rams.
Aaron Rodgers Still Owns Chicago
The Bears made it interesting through the first half, but once again, it was the Aaron Rodgers show in Chicago. Specifically on one drive down the stretch of the game, the Packers quarterback made it known. After looking off multiple routes, Rodgers scrambled for a touchdown to make the score 24-14, and instinctually yelled into an already defeated crowd, “I own you!” The Packers went on to win the game by that same score, and they now look ahead to a home game with the Washington Football Team.
Minnesota Escapes Carolina
The Vikings followed up a near collapse in Detroit with yet another wild finish in Carolina. Returning to the field this week was star RB Dalvin Cook, and he made an immediate impact on the game, finishing with 140 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Also making his first start was left tackle Christian Darrisaw, who performed well for most of the game.
The Vikings nearly blew another late-game lead when they made a questionable decision to punt rather than attempt a 54-yard field goal. The Panthers immediately took the ball 96 yards down the field to score, and after a missed Greg Joseph kick, the game went to overtime. However, K.J. Osborn played hero as he caught the touchdown pass to secure the win, 34-28. Minnesota now heads into their bye week at an even 3-3 and tied with the Bears.