NFC north.(NFL)

CHICAGO BEARS

Though he prefers to play behind massive, two-gap defensive tackles, MLB Brian Urlachet has become comfortable taking on more blockers in the team's attacking, one-gap system. His legs are healthy, and he is making more plays at and behind the line of scrimmage. ... Rookie QB Kyle Orton has only eight turnovers in seven games since throwing five interceptions against the Bengals, and the team has won six straight games. Barring an Orton injury or meltdown, Rex Grossman, who has already participated in some 7-on-7 drills, will be a backup at least until the spring, when he will get a chance to reclaim his starting role. PROBLEM SPOT: The offense has relied on short passes and underneath mutes since the Bengals game because coordinator Ron Turner is reluctant to let Orton throw downfield. The offense still is running the ball well, so there should be plenty of play-action opportunities, but Orton does not throw an accurate deep ball and is without primary speed threat Mark Bradley (torn ACL).Though Grossman is a better downfield passer, the team will stick with Orton and hope he can connect with WR Muhsin Muhammad and add a vertical element.--Brad Biggs

DETROIT LIONS

LB Teddy Lehman, who has missed three games with a foot injury, could be out for the season because it appears he needs surgery. Lehman had been the team's No. 1 backup at every linebacker position, and he was solid in nickel packages. Donte Curry, who takes over that role, is good against the run but doesn't have Lehman's pass-drop skills. Curry moves well laterally and rarely gets caught out of position, but he can get overpowered. ... The Lions missed CB Dre' Bly in the four games he was out with a wrist injury. Bly supplies energy and game-turning plays. When he went down, so did the intensity--and the turnovers. Bly has good speed and great instincts. He's not an aggressive tackler, but he doesn't shy from contact, either. PROBLEM SPOT: There isn't one facet of their game the Lions can go to when they need yards. There's no muscle in the running game and no flair in the short passing game, and there's nothing at all when it comes to the deep game. The key players are healthy, but the Lions can't put together consistent drives, even with all their first-round talent in the lineup. The team must focus on getting one thing right and build from there, even this late in the season.--Tom Kowalski

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Toniu Fonoti will replace benched G Chris Liwienski, who hasn't been the same since injuring his shoulder in training camp. Fonoti, who reported to the team at 404 pounds and still weighs more than the 350 he is listed at, moves his feet well for his size. If he can stay in shape, he can be a dominant drive blocker and make a difference in the running game. ... Coaches hope WR Koren Robinson, who was a big-play receiver for the Seahawks, can stretch opposing defenses because the team is without a deep threat. Rookie WR Tray Williamson has been inconsistent and WRs Marcus Robinson and Travis Taylor are most effective in the intermediate passing game. PROBLEM SPOT: The team entered training camp with ...