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We're Black and Blue All Over: We're down to five unsigned draft choices here in the NFC North after the Chicago Bears wrapped up contracts for their 2013 class over the weekend. First-round draft pick Kyle Long agreed to terms on a four-year deal...

A mere two years later, the 2011 draft is crumbling for most of the NFC North. At a time when it should be forming the nucleus of our respective teams, the class of '11 is instead causing some of our most gaping holes. The futures of two first-rou...

With the draft in the rearview mirror, what is the most pressing issue on each NFC North team's agenda? Chicago Bears: The top priority at Halas Hall, from now until the start of the season, is getting the offense organized in Marc Trestman's new ...

We've known the possibility has existed for most of this offseason, but in the midst of the NFL's free-agent frenzy, the news still came as a surprise. Jeff Backus announced his retirement, meaning the Lions will enter the 2013 season with a differen...

How much do the Chicago Bears value defensive tackle Henry Melton? We'll soon find out the answer. Melton, a 2012 Pro Bowl player, is a pending free agent. There have been no reports of progress on a long-term contract extension, meaning the franc...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Watching offensive linemen work out Saturday brought to mind the Detroit Lions' efforts in that regard. The Lions have spent a few drafts building to a moment when they would turn over their own line, and that time has arrived. All...

As promised, we're going to take a moment on the eve of the NFL scouting combine to catch up on a week's worth of news, mostly so I can get my two cents on the record. We'll follow a Quick Hit format: Item: The Green Bay Packers released defensive...

I updated our earlier post to confirm that the Detroit Lions had released their third player in two days, this time the highly respected defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch. That makes three players cut -- Vanden Bosch, Stephen Peterman and Titus Young -...

The Detroit Lions' release of receiver Titus Young on Monday was a purely character-based decision. Tuesday, the Lions are continuing to slash their roster -- but in this case with an eye toward the salary cap. Releasing right guard Stephen Peterm...

Let's take a quick spin through the Thursday practice report in the NFC North: Chicago Bears: Receiver Earl Bennett (concussion) was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Running back Michael Bush (ribs) and cornerback Tim Jenn...

Let's wrap up a newsy day in the NFC North: Chicago Bears: Linebacker Brian Urlacher (hamstring) was officially ruled out of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Four players sat out of practice because of injuries: receiver Earl Bennett (...

Three nuggets of knowledge about Thursday's game at Ford Field: Thanksgiving doldrums: The Detroit Lions have lost eight consecutive Thanksgiving Day games and are matched up against the NFL's best team, at least according to ESPN.com's weekly Pow...

The Minnesota Vikings resumed practice Monday following their bye. Receiver Percy Harvin did not, raising significant doubt about whether he'll be available for the start of a critical three-game stretch against NFC North opponents. Harvin's left ...

MINNEAPOLIS -- Jim Schwartz straddled the line between reality and expectations Sunday afternoon. Based on his clipped answers to most questions, it was clear the Detroit Lions' coach was pretty ticked after watching his team trail throughout a 34...

After the Minnesota Vikings' 21-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, here are three issues that merit further examination: Rookie safety Harrison Smith got plenty of post-game attention for his game-changing 31-yard interception return for a to...

MINNEAPOLIS -- A few thoughts after the Vikings' 21-14 win at the Metrodome on Sunday: What it means: The Vikings are 5-2 after overcoming a shaky and worrisome 58-yard performance from quarterback Christian Ponder. The Vikings managed only 60 yar...