Week 15 is complete, and the NFC North has once again had outcomes that changed the division standings. The Bears had a convincing win against the Browns. The Lions and Packers dropped crucial games, while the Vikings hung around with the Cowboys. One of the biggest takeaways was the injury to Green Bay defensive end Micah Parsons. Early reports fear it is a torn ACL. Here are the takeaways and things we learned from Week 15 in the NFC North.
Chicago Bears
Chicago’s Rushing Attack Leads the Way
The Bears ground game ranked 2nd in rushing yards per game and led the way against the Browns. Chicago finished the game with 33 carries, 142 rushing yards (4.3 average), and two touchdowns. The Bears’ rushers came up with big plays throughout the gam,e and running back D’Andre Swift led the team with 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Bears’ Defense Has Three Takeaways
Chicago’s defense has ranked 1st in turnover differential throughout the season. The defense finished the team’s 31-3 victory with three interceptions. Along with three interceptions, the Bears sacked Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders five times.
Detroit Lions
Detroit Falls Short in High-Scoring Affair
The Lions and Rams had a shootout during Sunday’s game. Detroit suffered a 41-34 victory but went blow to blow with Los Angeles. Detroit’s offensive standouts were quarterback Jared Goff and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Goff finished the game with 338 passing yards and three touchdowns, while St. Brown had 13 receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions Couldn’t Stop Los Angeles’ Ground Game
Detroit has been one of the NFL’s best at defending the run, but had no answer for Los Angeles’ rushing attack. The Rams finished the game with 29 rushing attempts, 159 yards (5.5 average), and three rushing touchdowns. Los Angeles’ ability to run the ball efficiently allowed the team to take precious time off the clock and keep Detroit’s defense on the field for an extended period.
Green Bay Packers
Bo Nix Torches Green Bay
No one told Denver quarterback Bo Nix he was facing a defense that ranks 8th in passing yards allowed per game. Nix had time to throw throughout the game, completing 23 of 34 passes for 302 yards and four touchdowns. The Denver quarterback spread the ball around the field, completing a pass to eight different receivers.
The Packers’ Defense Falls Flat
Green Bay’s defense is one of the NFL’s best units and has carried the team throughout the season. However, Sunday’s game saw the defense fall flat for one of the few times this season. The Packers’ defense allowed four passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and failed to record a sack. Green Bay kept the game close, but its defensive issues led to the team’s 34-26 defeat.
Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy Looks Comfortable in Back-to-Back Games
Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy entered Sunday night’s game after finishing the previous game, completing 16 of 23 passes for 163 yards and three touchdowns. Sunday night, the first-year starter looked comfortable, finishing the game with more than 200 passing yards. McCarthy has faced adversity this season, dealing with injuries and inconsistent play. However, the quarterback finished Sunday night’s game with a second consecutive strong performance.
Minnesota’s Defense Struggles to Force Turnovers
Minnesota’s defense ranks 22nd in takeaways after finishing 1st last season. The Vikings were successful in limiting the damage of the Cowboys’ wide receivers but struggled at defending the run and failed to force a turnover. It’s been a long, grueling season for Minnesota’s defense.
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