NFC Notes: Bears, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Mike Garafolo on NFL Network says he’s heard that Bears HC Matt Nagy is likely going to be “really creative” with the team’s offense this year. 

Garafolo mentions that Cordarrelle Patterson has joined the running backs group instead of working with the receivers.

“I’m starting to hear things that make me think Matt Nagy is going to be really creative this year. And go deep into that bag of tricks,” said Mike Garafolo on NFL Network. “How about Cordarrelle Patterson, who we’ve seen in the past has been a running back? In fact, Josh McDaniels with the Patriots really provided the blueprint that Matt Nagy and the Bears are going to follow here this year. Patterson has been in meetings with the running backs — not with the wide receivers. When they signed him to a two-year, $10 million deal before last season, they really had visions of using him creatively. In fact, when he went to actually sign the contract he walked in and actually saw on the board, Nagy had written on the board plays and creative ways to use Patterson. They didn’t get around to it last year, expect them to get around to it this year. Again, he is in with the running backs to learn everything about the position, the protections, and everything. So, when he’s lined up back there you don’t necessarily know if he’s going to get the football. … Could be an interesting year for him and an interesting year for this Bears offense in general.”

Packers

Packers HC Matt LaFleur admitted that there’s “a lot to clean up right now” for first-round QB Jordan Love. 

“He’s very natural,” LaFleur said, per Stacey Dales. “There’s a lot to clean up right now. He’s a young quarterback that is learning a new system, and just how specific we are with the footwork. I think that takes time. But I am pleased at how he attacks it on a daily basis. I think he’s a really intelligent kid. And he’s very athletic. So, I think it’s a matter of time before he can pick up the mechanics. But, our challenge to him each and everyday, is just you gotta get that one percent better.”

• Rob Demovsky notes that Packers OL Billy Turner opened Saturday’s practice at right tackle and Lane Taylor at right guard. Green Bay then used OL Rick Wagner at right tackle and moved Turner back to guard. 
• Packers HC Matt LaFleur later said the plan is for these three players to compete over the next weeks before they solidify the right side of their line. 
• Packers’ third-round TE Josiah Deguara worked at both tight end and fullback during Saturday’s drills and is expected to continue being used at both positions. (Ryan Wood)
• Wood also writes that Packers’ third-year CB Chandon Sullivan received first-team reps in their slot corner role on Saturday. 
• Joel Corry of CBS Sports mentions the Packers will likely use the franchise tag on OT David Bakhtiari in 2021 now that they signed DT Kenny Clark to a four-year, $70 million extension.  
• Clark said he expects Packers DC Mike Pettine to use him in multiple ways on the defensive line to create more one-on-one matchups: “I’ve just got to make more splash plays.” (Wood)

Vikings

• Vikings OC Gary Kubiak said of Pat Elflein working at right guard for them: “We just took a look at this offseason. It’s somewhere Pat has had a comfort zone before in his life.” (Chris Tomasson)
• Regarding first-round WR Justin Jefferson, Kubiak said he’s “exactly what we drafted” while adding: “When you sit there and talk routes and stuff, this kid’s very knowledgeable. He’s been coached by some good coaches before he got here. So he’s working.” (Andrew Krammer)