NFC North Notes: Lions’ Pass Rush Struggles, Reed’s Return Boosts Packers, McCarthy Learning to Let Go
Let’s take a lap around the NFC North, where the Lions are still searching for answers up front, the Packers get a key weapon back on offense, and the Vikings are helping their young quarterback get out of his own head.
Lions: Hutchinson Can’t Do It Alone - And Detroit Knows It
On paper, Detroit's pass rush looks solid. They’re top 10 in both pressure rate and sacks.
But the eye test - and the timing - tells a different story. The Lions rank dead last in time to pressure, meaning they’re not getting to quarterbacks quickly enough to truly disrupt the rhythm of opposing offenses.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard didn’t sugarcoat it. He knows the numbers don’t tell the full story - and he knows it starts up front.
“I don’t think we’ve affected the quarterback to play any style these last couple of weeks,” Sheppard said. “I don’t care what kind of style we want to play.”
The heart of the issue? Aidan Hutchinson is doing his job - and then some. But the rest of the unit isn’t capitalizing on the one-on-one opportunities his presence creates.
“I have a high-level player. One of the best, if not the best, edge rushers in this league,” Sheppard added.
“He knows, just like we know, people are going to plan for him… But it isn’t a one-man show. Other people have to win.”
That’s the challenge now for Detroit: turning Hutchinson’s gravity into production across the line. Until that happens, this defense will struggle to control games the way it wants to - and needs to - down the stretch.
Packers: Jayden Reed Brings the Juice Back to Green Bay
The Packers’ offense has been finding its rhythm, and now it gets another spark: wide receiver Jayden Reed is back in the fold.
Reed was designated to return from injured reserve on November 21 and was activated ahead of Week 14. His return gives quarterback Jordan Love another dynamic option - especially in the slot - and someone who can turn short passes into big plays.
“Just another explosive playmaker to have out there,” Love said. “We’ve been missing some of that.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur echoed that sentiment, highlighting Reed’s ability to create after the catch - whether it’s a screen, a handoff, or a downfield route. “He does a really good job after the catch,” LaFleur said.
But Reed’s value goes beyond the box score. He’s a high-energy guy, one of those players who lifts the team whether he’s on the field or not.
“I just hound myself on bringing juice,” Reed said. “I always say, ‘If you juiceless, you useless.’”
That’s the kind of mentality that resonates in a young locker room. And with the Packers still in the thick of the playoff race, getting Reed back could be a difference-maker.
On the injury front, Green Bay is keeping an eye on safety Javon Bullard, who’s still dealing with lingering effects from an ankle injury. LaFleur said the team made the decision to shut him down temporarily and monitor his progress throughout the week.
Vikings: McCarthy Learning to Trust His Instincts
For Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the mental side of the game has been just as challenging as the physical.
McCarthy admitted he’s been overthinking - trying to execute every rep with mechanical perfection instead of just playing ball. But head coach Kevin O’Connell and quarterbacks coach Josh McCown are helping him shift that mindset.
“They were talking to me about, ‘Hey, let’s worry about that stuff in the offseason. Go out there, play ball, just execute the play,’” McCarthy said. “That just frees up a lot of space mentally.”
It’s a common hurdle for young quarterbacks, especially those wired to chase perfection. McCarthy called himself a “natural overthinker,” but he’s learning how to compartmentalize coaching points and focus on execution when the lights come on.
That’s a key step in his development. The Vikings aren’t asking him to be flawless - they’re asking him to be fearless. And that starts with trusting what he sees and letting it rip.
Final Word
The NFC North remains one of the most intriguing divisions in football - not because it’s perfect, but because every team is trying to figure something out. Detroit needs more from its supporting cast on defense.
Green Bay is getting healthier and more dangerous. And Minnesota is helping its young quarterback find his groove.
December football is here. And in this division, every adjustment - every spark - could be the one that makes the difference.