- Submitted by Long Ball, DOF

The NFC North (or Norse, if you’re into Berman-isms), historical home to hard-hitting defenses with catchy names:  Purple People Eaters, Monsters of the Midway, Pack-Sack-Attack (OK, maybe I made that one up) and Mongo’s Minions (if you’re too young to remember Alex Karras in “Blazing Saddles”, shame on you!)

Fast forward to 2009 – the division has 2 former offensive coordinators and 2 former defensive coordinators as head coaches.  So, is there a pattern here – click the link below to continue this fascinating journey . . .

A coach only 3 years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, a coach with an undefeated record, a brand new coach with a contract that would have to be bought out – all with toastier buns than the coach who with his GM, ran Brett Favre out of town?  Tell me why that makes an sense – 3 little letters, you say – N – F – L, or “Not For Long”?  Well, let’s look a little closer:

4)    Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers – It takes big brass ones to say adios to a HOF QB and change the Packers to a 3-4 defense!  Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Mike “B-B-B” McCarthy – he is building the Pack in his image, his way and experiencing stepping stones of success (and it doesn’t hurt to have Ted Thompson in your corner).

3)    Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions – Schwartz is going to be given the time and the leeway to rebuild this once proud franchise through the draft.  It will take time, but you can bet the ranch that there will not be multiple years of drafting wide receivers #1.

2)    Brad Childress, Minnesota Vikings – You could have flipped a coin for the 2 coaches that acquired new QB’s to run their offense; however, the Vikings are undefeated at this point in the season, so unless Favre experiences another late season collapse, Childress should be safe for another year.

1)    Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears – This just ain’t right – but Chicago is a tough sports town and if the expression “what have you done for me lately?” ever applied, this is it.  If Lovie doesn’t get a lasso and rein in Cutler on his bonehead plays, this could be his last year with the Bears. 

Agree or disagree?  Next we go south of the Mason-Dixon line for some jazzed up offenses that are airing it out – how’s dat fer some roux in yore gumbo, cher?