NFC North: Biggest question for each team in 2021

Minnesota Vikings: Is DE Danielle Hunter ready to spark a revived pass rush?

He missed the entire 2020 season with a herniated disk. And it’s safe to say that the Purple Gang missed what defensive end Danielle Hunter brings to the team.

A year after finishing 14th in the league in total defense, giving up 303 points and racking up 48 quarterback traps (14.5 by Hunter), Mike Zimmer’s squad allowed the sixth-most total yards in the league and only three clubs in the NFL allowed more points (475). The Vikings totaled only 23 sacks and the team forced only 22 turnovers, nine fewer than in 2019 (31).

Minnesota’s defensive front will have a different look this year with the return of Hunter, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson rejoining the organization and the free-agent addition of Dalvin Tomlinson (Giants). But there is recent injury news regarding interior presence Michael Pierce (via Jack White of VikingsWire.com).

Detroit Lions: Is the team really ready to compete within the division?

During head coach Jim Caldwell’s four-year stay in the Motor City from 2014-17, the team amassed a combined 36-28 record, finished with a winning record three times and advanced to the playoffs in 2014 and 2016. Of course, the Detroit Lions were one and done when it came to postseason each time. All told, the franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991.

Caldwell’s resume with the club included a combined 16-8 mark vs. the Packers, Bears and Vikings. But it has been a totally different story the past three seasons as the club is a dismal 3-15 vs. their NFC North rivals. The past two years, the Lions are winless vs. Green Bay and Minnesota and 1-3 vs. Chicago. New head coach Dan Campbell and his staff need to make this a priority if the team is to progress.