NFC north.(National Football League)

CHICAGO BEARS

Newly signed QB Jeff George hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2001. The plan is to keep him off the field but determine if he can be a backup in 2005. George has been working out for the last year, throwing to friends several times a week and running most days. He claims to have run 10 systems in his career and says it will take him only days to pick up a complicated scheme. ... The team will try to evaluate reserve G Terrence Metcalf, who nearly won a job in camp, after losing Ruben Brown (neck) for the year. The line also lost RT John Tait (knee) for at least three weeks. He likely will be replaced by utilityman Steve Edwards. SIBE A DIFFERENT GAME: Coach Lovie Smith recently criticized the pass protection, but it's hard to play well in front of quarterbacks who hold the ball too long, lack pocket presence and run into sacks. C Olin Kreutz is a perennial Pro Bowl player, Brown went to eight straight Pro Bowls with the Bills, Tait was a big-money free agent and RG Rex Tucker has been a Pro Bowl alternate. The line isn't as bad as it looks.--Mike Mulligan

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Backup RB Najeh Davenport is going to be a key figure in the stretch run. Davenport is a great complement to the speedy Ahman Green because he can pound on defenses with his straight-ahead powerful style. But he has to stay healthy so he can get eight to 10 carries a game and take pressure off Green. ... At some point, the team has to get some production from pass-rushing DE R-Kal Truluck, who hasn't made any big plays coming off the edge on passing downs. It could help that teams likely will spend more time focusing on DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who is getting some sacks, leaving Truluck with more one-on-one opportunities. ... SLB Hannibal Navies is a smart, physical player who can run with most tight ends but isn't dominant at the point of attack and struggles at times in zone coverage. He has been used extensively in the blitz package and has had some pressures. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The fake reverse has been a staple of the kickoff return unit recently. Though it takes a blocker out of the mix, it forces opponents to honor the fake and take a split second to determine which way the ...