Around the NFC North: Bears Passing Woes, Lions Stay Steady, and Wicks Breaks Out for Packers
Bears: Passing Game Still a Work in Progress
The Bears are grinding out wins, but let’s be honest - it’s not because of their passing game. Head coach Ben Johnson isn’t sugarcoating it either.
When asked about rookie quarterback Caleb Williams' declining completion percentage, Johnson was direct: “It’s an area we have certainly talked about. There’s no question.”
This isn’t just a quarterback issue, though. Johnson made it clear that everyone has a role to play in cleaning things up through the air.
That includes Williams hitting open primary reads, and receivers being sharper with their route depth and footwork. The timing, the spacing, the execution - it all needs to tighten up.
“Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up,” Johnson said. “It’s not where it needs to be.
We’re winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it. And none of us are pleased with that.”
That’s a strong statement, but also an honest one. The Bears know they can’t keep leaning on the run game and defense forever. If they want to make a real push down the stretch, Williams and the passing attack will need to find their rhythm - and fast.
Lions: Eyes on Themselves After Thanksgiving Letdown
After giving up 31 points to the Packers on Thanksgiving, the Lions are facing a quick turnaround with another Thursday game on deck. But if you’re expecting panic in the locker room, think again.
Safety Brian Branch summed up the team’s mindset perfectly: “There’s nothing too much about the other teams, what they do. It’s all about us,” he said, tapping his chest. “If we hone into our craft and play disciplined, we’re gonna be alright.”
That’s the kind of internal accountability you want to hear from a young defensive leader. The Lions didn’t play their best game against Green Bay - that much is clear.
But Branch isn’t pointing fingers or worrying about what the other side of the ball is doing. He’s focused on execution, discipline, and staying true to their identity.
“It’s not time for panic,” he added. “I feel like everybody outside of the organization is panicking. But, as long as we play our game, we’ll be fine.”
That confidence will be tested soon, but it’s the right tone for a team still in the thick of the NFC playoff picture.
Packers: Wicks Delivers Breakout Performance
Dontayvion Wicks picked a great time to have the best game of his young career. On Thanksgiving Day, under the bright lights, Wicks hauled in six catches for 94 yards and made two of the biggest plays in the game. It was a coming-out party for the rookie wideout - and a sign that the Packers might be uncovering another gem at the position.
Wicks has had some early-career struggles with drops, but head coach Matt LaFleur isn’t worried. In fact, he’s all in on Wicks’ long-term potential.
“I know a lot of great receivers that have struggled with drops and then overcame that,” LaFleur said. “He’s got great hands. He’s a natural plucker of the football.”
That’s high praise - and it’s backed up by how the Packers have continued to trust Wicks. LaFleur emphasized that the coaching staff has never wavered in their belief in him, and games like this one are exactly why.
“He’s so talented, and you just got to keep on approaching it the same way - the way that he has - and I think games like this are going to happen for him.”
If Wicks continues to build on this momentum, Green Bay’s young receiving corps could become a real problem for opposing defenses. The tools are there. Now it’s about consistency.
Bottom Line
The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing divisions as we head into the final stretch. The Bears are winning ugly, the Lions are trying to bounce back without losing their identity, and the Packers might have found another offensive playmaker in Wicks. December football is here - and things are only going to get more interesting from here.