A year has passed, but when it comes to the quarterbacks in the NFC North, this feels a lot like 2009.
In Minnesota, everyone's still waiting on the decision of Brett Favre.
In Chicago, fans still are excited about the potential of Jay Cutler — muted excitement after his 26 interceptions last season — and how he will mesh with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Was it Cutler who made most of the mistakes last fall, or should his supporting cast and former coordinator Ron Turner shoulder more of the blame?
The jury is still out on Matthew Stafford in Detroit, although it's difficult to question his toughness and heart with the way he came back with an injured shoulder to beat the Browns.
And in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers continues to prove he's among the NFL's elite quarterbacks. Is this the season people will start mentioning him in the same breath as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees? That, of course, likely will require Rodgers leading the Packers to another Lombardi Trophy.
Whatever Brett Favre decides changes everything. Sound familiar? The Vikings are loaded on offense, but can they limit the turnovers? What kind of an impact will the team's top pick, Chris Cook, make in the secondary? Are linebacker E.J. Henderson and cornerback Cedric Griffin fully recovered from their leg injuries?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Mankato, Minn.
Green Bay Packers
With his ability and talented receiving corps, is Aaron Rodgers on the verge of a record-
breaking season? The offensive line started slowly but improved last season. Can the Packers get a consistent five? Will another pass rusher step up to complement Clay Matthews? Will veteran corners Charles Woodson and Al Harris start to show their age?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Green Bay, Wis.
Do the Bears have the receivers to capitalize on the creativity of Mike Martz and the strong (but intermittently erratic) arm of Jay Cutler? Will left tackle Chris Williams produce for offensive line coach Mike Tice? Will a change of scenery help Julius Peppers? How will Chester Taylor change the pecking order at running back?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Bourbonnais, Ill.
Will Matt Stafford build on what he started as a rookie or take a step back? How much of a difference
will rookie Ndamukong Suh and veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch make to a bottom-
dwelling defense that has been porous the last three seasons? The Lions looked to have a big draft, but will that change their fortunes?
•ROOKIES AND VETERANS: Friday in Allen Park, Mich.