The Contract Booster Division

Entering the 2009 NFL season the it looked like it was going to be a great year for the NFC North. After half the season gone by the Vikings are looking like a good choice for Superbowl Champs but the rest of the division is in big trouble. This year the NFC North is known as the contract boosting division because when you play the Packers, Bears, or Lions someone on your team is going to have a new contract for more money at the end of the year.
Let me start with the the Chicago Bears. In 5 of the 8 games the Bears defense has given up at least 200 yards passing and 2 touchdowns. In the 2 of the other 3 games they gave up 180 yards and a 1 touchdown, but lost both of the games. The only game in which the Bears have not given up 100 yards passing and a touchdown was against the Cleveland Browns, not a tough task to do. The Bears defense is only getting worse as proven in 2 of the last 3 games. Against the Bengals and the Cardinals the Bears gave up 5 touchdown passes. So if you are a quarterback and playing against the Bears expect to have a great game and boost your contract for next season.
Next we have the Packers. This year in 8 games the Packers have given up 37 sacks. If you take out the Cleveland Browns game, the Packers have given up at an average of 5 sacks a game. Jared Allen will have the biggest contract boost of the season thanks to the Packers line with 7.5 sacks in the two games against the Packers. The Packers have tried everything to save the line, starting rookies, vets, and even taking people out of retirement but nothing will help this offensive line. This week the Packers take on the Cowboys, go have fun Cowboys Defense.
Last we have the Lions. With 1 win on the season the Lions are much improved from last seasons 0-16 record. The problem with the Lions is their entire defense. If they stop you from throwing its because they aren't stopping you on the ground. If they stop your run game they forget that a quarterback can throw the ball and get beat through the air. So the person who gets a contract boost from this team is the Offensive Coordinator. Even the Bears were able to run for 100 yards against the Lions. So if you are an Offensive Coordinator looking to keep your job, look for the Lions on your schedule.
Instead of hurting teams in the playoffs, the NFC North will be trying to help players get more money next year. Look for a team from the Contract Booster Division in a city near you.

Coach Tom