NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears HC Matt Eberflus was impressed with second-round S Jaquan Briskerโ€˜s debut in Chicagoโ€™s preseason opener against the Chiefs. Brisker has been a standout in camp and he shut down Kansas Cityโ€™s offense almost single-handedly in one series, recording a couple of big hits and near-interception. 

โ€œThe tackling, deflecting the ball, I think he should have had maybe a takeaway or two,โ€ Eberflus said via the Athleticโ€™s Adam Jahns. โ€œHe was high-energy. Man, he likes to hit. I really liked that aggressive style for him, how heโ€™s playing right now.โ€

Lions

Lions HC Dan Campbell didnโ€™t dismiss the idea of giving sixth-round LB Malcolm Rodriguez first-team reps against the Eagles.

โ€œWeโ€™ll see,โ€ Campbell said, via Detroit Free Press. โ€œI mean, thatโ€™s what this is about. Letโ€™s see if we can be comfortable with him.โ€

Rodriguez has already made a positive impression on his teammates during his short time in Detroit.

โ€œThatโ€™s the guy right there,โ€ Lions RB Dโ€™Andre Swift said. โ€œHeโ€™s going to be so good in this league. Heโ€™s doing everything right. Got the nice mindsetโ€ฆYou donโ€™t really see that too much from young rookies. Real mature, attacking it with the right approach. Real coachable. Heโ€™s the guy.โ€

Campbell noted that there have been a host of players that have made solid careers in the NFL despite lack of prototypical size or measurables. He added that the teamโ€™s joint practices against the Colts this week will go a long way in helping nail down some of the undecided starting jobs.

โ€œThereโ€™s been some dang good linebackers that have had a lot of success in this league that werenโ€™t the biggest guys in certain positions,โ€ Campbell said. โ€œBut I would tell you the reason (he has had success) is because he is very aware and he sees things quick, heโ€™s got high FBI (football intelligence) for a young guy, no different than (Amon-Ra St. Brown) last year. Just, man, he can see the game, he can feel the game, heโ€™s aggressive. He plays hard, heโ€™s a finisher. And he can run. Heโ€™s got speed.โ€

Packers

  • The Athleticโ€™s Matt Schneidman writes Packers RB Kylin Hill would probably be the favorite for the No. 3 running back job if he was healthy, but thereโ€™s a good chance he starts the season on the PUP list as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. 
  • In the meantime, Schneidman thinks undrafted rookie RB Tyler Goodson has the edge on RB Patrick Taylor for that last spot. 
  • The battle for roster spots at wide receiver will be interesting, as Schneidman thinks there are six locks right now. Veteran Sammy Watkins didnโ€™t play in the first preseason game, indicating heโ€™s probably viewed as a starter, and 2021 third-rounder Amari Rodgers has improved enough to probably save his roster spot. 
  • However, Schneidman points out Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has talked up WR Juwann Winfree, so the team could make it a point to keep him as the seventh to avoid a repeat of the Jake Kumerow situation. 
  • At inside linebacker, Schneidman sees Isaiah McDuffie unseating Ty Summers for the last roster spot, as the Packers are a lot deeper and more talented at the position overall. 
  • Special teams will be a big factor for who sticks in the secondary, as Schneidman right now has CB Rico Gafford and S Innis Gaines sticking over safeties Dallin Leavitt (whoโ€™s hurt right now) and seventh-rounder Tariq Carpenter
  • Packers DC Joe Barry has been pleased with CB Rasul Douglas in the nickel role: โ€œHe has such a great feel, heโ€™s such an instinctual and aware player, you could put him anywhere on the back end, and heโ€™d find a way.โ€ (Rob Demovsky)
  • Barry said first-round LB Quay Walker is progressing well in camp: โ€œYou can see the more we get into this, the light starting to come on.โ€ (Ryan Wood)
  • Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said QB Jordan Love is processing the game at a higher level: โ€œI think heโ€™s recognizing things faster and letting the ball rip.โ€ (Ryan Wood)

Vikings

  • Vikings HC Kevin Oโ€™Connell said TE Irv Smith Jr. is recovering well from his thumb injury but may be unable to catch passes for the next few days. (Chris Tomasson)
  • Oโ€™Connell said that Kirk Cousins has โ€œall the characteristicsโ€ to fit his system: โ€œKirk has all the characteristics of what I think makes a productive quarterback in this system.โ€ (SiriusXM NFL Radio)
  • Vikings OL Chris Reed is โ€œstill in the mixโ€ at the center and guard spots. (Arif Hasan)

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