NFC north.(NFL)(National Football Conference)

CHICAGO BEARS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: After allowing a team-record 66 sacks, the Bears need help on the offensive line, particularly at left tackle. But G.M. Jerry Angelo says he won't overvalue the position, emphasizing that teams have won Super Bowls without great left tackles. The team could use its first-round pick on a wide receiver. Angelo also might try to trade down and recoup the third-rounder he sent to Miami with WR Marry Booker for LE Adewale Ogunleye. Even with QB Rex Grossman expected back as the starter and Chad Hutchinson a potential backup, the team might pursue Kurt Warner. Count on K Paul Edinger being challenged and possibly replaced. FINAL GRADES: Offense: F. The Bears regularly abandoned the run after losing Grossman. Defense: C+. The future looks bright; none of the Bears' top 20 defensive players is older than 28. Special teams: B. P Brad Maynard, KR Jerry Azumah and PR R.W. McQuarters are among the NFCs best. Coaching: D. The new staff did less with a more talented roster.--Mike Mulligan

GREEN BAY PACKERS PLAYOFF READINESS ***

PLAYOFF PROGNOSIS: The secondary is the most troublesome area. Rookie CBs Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas continue to commit dumb penalties and make mental errors. Carroll starts on the left and can be hidden because AI Harris can cover an opponent's best receiver. But when Thomas plays in the dime package, teams have two rookies to attack. DT Cullen Jenkins might replace starter Cletidus Hunt to help the pass rush. Hunt has underachieved all year and needs a fire lit under him. On offense, QB Brett Favre has increased confidence going downfield to TE Bubba Franks. Franks' emergence is the result of opponents focusing on the running game. FINAL GRADES: Offense: A-, The running game isn't as good as last year, but Favre is stretching the field more than ever. Defense: D-. Penalties, blown assignments, poor tackling-there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Special teams: D+, K Ryan Longwell is the bright spot. The return and coverage units are mediocre. Coaching: C. The defense's lack of improvement reflects poorly on the entire defensive staff.--Tom Silverstein

DETROIT LIONS

OFFSEASON GAME PLAN: The ...