Thursday, July 8, 1999

Strongest units

Editor-in-chief Ron Pollack names the strongest unit on every team

Part 5 of 6: NFC Central

By RON POLLACK, Editor-in-chief

AFC East|AFC Central|AFC West
NFC East|NFC Central|NFC West

Part 1||2|3|4|5|6

Chicago Bears|Detroit Lions|Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings|Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Defensive backs.

The secondary barely got the edge over running backs, receivers and offensive linemen, none of which is what you would call dominant. S Tony Parrish really impressed as a rookie, and it looks as though he could become a standout for years to come. With more experience, CB Walt Harris should develop into a first-rate performer. He’s not too shabby right now, and he has a very nice upside. CB Tom Carter has great tools, but his production does not equal his physical gifts. Chris Hudson has quite a bit of starting experience, but he strikes me as the sort of player you want as a quality backup.

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Detroit Lions: Running backs.

How can you choose anything but a position that features Barry Sanders, who ranks No. 2 on my all-time RB list? Obviously, this qualifies more as a single player than a unit, but Sanders is so dynamic that I made an exception. If you want an actual unit, the defensive line, led by DE Robert Porcher and DT Luther Elliss, barely gets the nod over the receivers. I have some reservations about the Lions’ great corps of receivers being able to shine as brightly as they are capable of with inexperienced Charlie Batch at quarterback.

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Green Bay Packers: Quarterbacks.

Just as I made an exception with the Lions and went with a unit that is essentially a one-man show, I’ll do the same with the Packers. QB Brett Favre is such a dominant performer and of such vital importance to this team’s success that he outperforms all of the team’s other units all by himself. Heck, even the fact that the backup is Rick Mirer doesn’t scare me away from making quarterback the No. 1 unit on this team. If you want a more traditional unit, I’d go with the receivers.

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Minnesota Vikings: Receivers.

The Vikings’ offensive line would make this story for most other teams in the league, but their receivers are so dominant that they have to get the call. Randy Moss set the NFL on fire last season, making as big a first-year splash as you’ll ever see. It will be interesting to see if he slips a bit this year as teams adjust to his deep routes, or if he elevates his play to an even higher level by refining and adding to his arsenal. Cris Carter has all of the nuances of the position down pat. Carter is a pro’s pro who is especially dangerous near the goal line. Jake Reed — remember him? — was extremely productive in the pre-Moss days.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive linemen.

Although he slipped a bit last season, Warren Sapp is still one of the better defensive tackles in the NFL and can really dominate at times. Look for him to have a huge season in 1999. DT Brad Culpepper had a very solid season last year. Throw in this year’s first-round pick, DT Anthony McFarland, and the Buccaneers have tremendous talent and depth on the interior of their defensive line. The Bucs are not as strong at defensive end, but Chidi Ahanotu had a very strong season two years ago before regressing and then getting hurt last year.

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Friday: NFC West

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1999 - 2000 Season