NFC North Notebook: Lions’ Defensive Engine, Watson’s Big-Play Return, and Bears Injury Woes
Let’s take a lap around the NFC North, where the Lions are leaning on a linebacker who’s drawing comparisons to one of the best to ever do it, the Packers are watching their offense click with a familiar face back in the mix, and the Bears are once again dealing with the injury bug in the secondary.
Bears: Kyler Gordon’s Tough Break
Just when it looked like Kyler Gordon was ready to rejoin the Bears’ defensive backfield for good, the second-year cornerback suffered a groin injury during warmups. It’s a tough blow for a player who had just returned from injured reserve and was expected to help stabilize a secondary that’s been in flux all season.
Head coach Ben Johnson didn’t sugarcoat the situation - he admitted the team isn’t sure if Gordon will be back at all this season. It’s a frustrating development for both Gordon and the Bears, who’ve seen flashes of the athleticism and instincts that made him a high draft pick. But availability matters, and with the season winding down, Chicago may have to finish the year without one of its most promising young defenders.
Lions: Jack Campbell Drawing Kuechly Comparisons
When Dan Campbell starts dropping comparisons to Luke Kuechly, people listen.
The Lions head coach didn’t hold back when talking about second-year linebacker Jack Campbell, who’s quickly become the heartbeat of Detroit’s defense. While he acknowledged Kuechly had rare speed - the kind that made him a perennial All-Pro - Campbell sees a lot of the same intangibles in his own young linebacker.
“Freaking smart,” Campbell said. “He knows what’s coming before it’s there, high energy, never gets tired.”
That’s high praise, and it’s not just talk. Jack Campbell’s been the Lions’ green-dot guy - the on-field signal-caller who doesn’t leave the field.
He’s relentless from snap to whistle, and he’s earned the trust of a coaching staff that’s building something serious on that side of the ball.
Campbell’s instincts, communication, and motor are what set him apart. He’s not just making plays - he’s setting the tone. That kind of presence in the middle of a defense is rare, and Detroit knows exactly what they have.
Lions: Al-Quadin Muhammad’s Quiet Surge
While Aidan Hutchinson grabs most of the headlines - and rightfully so - Al-Quadin Muhammad is quietly putting together a season worth talking about.
With nine sacks on the year, Muhammad is actually leading the team in that category, just ahead of Hutchinson’s 8.5. His production hasn’t gone unnoticed by Dan Campbell, who praised the veteran defensive end for his versatility and work ethic.
Campbell highlighted Muhammad’s performance against the Cowboys, noting that his early impact in that game made it easy to keep feeding him snaps. “He does anything you ask him to do,” Campbell said. “He helped us win that game the other day.”
That kind of effort - from a guy who’s flown under the radar for most of the season - is exactly what makes Detroit’s defensive front so dangerous. With Hutchinson drawing attention on one side, Muhammad’s ability to win one-on-ones and finish plays is giving this Lions pass rush some real teeth.
Packers: Christian Watson Gives the Offense a Jolt
When Christian Watson is healthy, the Packers’ offense just hits different.
The speedy wideout reminded everyone of that in Week 14, hauling in four catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Bears. His return from injury has opened up the playbook for Jordan Love, who spoke about Watson’s impact on The Pat McAfee Show.
“The biggest part of our offense is finding those explosive plays,” Love said. “Since Christian’s been back and gotten healthy, he’s been stepping up and making some huge plays.”
Watson’s speed and ability to rack up yards after the catch make him a unique weapon in Green Bay’s offense. He stretches the field vertically and horizontally, and when he’s right, he forces defenses to account for him on every snap.
After signing a bridge extension in the offseason, Watson’s resurgence could put him in line for a longer-term deal. He’s proving he can be a cornerstone of this offense moving forward - and with Romeo Doubs reportedly not expected to return after his contract expires in 2026, Watson’s role could grow even more.
Bottom Line
The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing divisions down the stretch. The Lions are building something real on defense with young leaders stepping into starring roles.
The Packers are finding their rhythm with Jordan Love and a healthy Christian Watson. And the Bears?
They’re still searching for consistency - and a little luck - as injuries continue to test their depth.
One thing’s for sure: the storylines are only heating up as we head toward the final weeks of the season.