northern intelligence
The Lions' receiving corps will feature Patrick Edwards and Calvin Johnson out wide and former Viking Nate Burleson playing in the slot. But don't overlook No. 4 receiver Ryan Broyles. Coming off his second torn ACL in two years, last year's second-round draft pick is ahead of the rehab curve. He played only 30 preseason snaps, catching two balls for 32 yards. Once he's fully healthy, "chain mover," as quarterback Matthew Stafford calls Broyles, will be a major option when Johnson is covered.
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Being from the tough-guy town, it figures the Bears would have not a quarterback controversy but a middle linebacker controversy heading into the first game of Brian Urlacher's retirement. Rookie second-round pick Jon Bostic, impressive during the preseason, apparently has to step aside for a now-healthy D.J. Williams, a veteran on a one-year deal who missed the preseason because of a calf injury.
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Another season, another seemingly endless stream of injuries for the Packers. The area to watch is left tackle, where rookie fourth-rounder David Bakhtiari replaces Bryan Bulaga. According to profootballfocus.com, Bakhtiari gave up just one sack in 64 preseason pass-blocking snaps, ranking eighth among qualifying tackles in pass blocking efficiency (98.4).
