NFC North Rundown, Week 2: Can the Vikings still right the ship this season?

After two regular season games, the Green Bay Packers could not be in better shape heading into what may be their toughest stretch of the season.

With a dominant second half that propelled them to a 42-21 victory over the Lions, the Packers maintained their NFC North lead alongside Chicago. Green Bay now travels to New Orleans for a critical early-season test, particularly defensively, that could have eventual postseason implications.

Elsewhere around the division, fans of the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings are not thinking playoffs. A second consecutive demoralizing defeat has led to a lot of debate over whether or not the Vikings’ ship has already sunk in 2020. But could they still make a push with a better showing in Week 3? And how much longer does Matt Patricia have in Detroit?

Today’s rundown explores a variety of those topics, in addition to some positive news out of Chicago.

Chicago Bears (2-0)

Won 17-13 vs. New York Giants; Next at Atlanta

10 Takes after another nail biting Chicago Bears win

The 2020 rookie class has made an impact for Chicago in the early going, and the Bears have greatly missed their own version of Kenny Clark through two games.

Darnell Mooney ascends to second WR in Chicago Bears win

Speaking of one of those rookies, here is a more in-depth look at one who earned more snaps against the Giants at wide receiver than several veterans, including Anthony Miller.

Bears sign Cohen to 3-year extension through 2023

David Montgomery had a solid performance on Sunday, but his lightning bolt backfield companion made headlines of his own with a new contract.

Detroit Lions (0-2)

Lost 42-21 at Green Bay; Next at Arizona

Detroit Lions set NFL record after another blown double-digit lead

It’s been four straight losses with a lead of 10 or more points for Detroit, a first in NFL history.

Peter King says what we are all thinking about Lions coach Matt Patricia

It seems like just a matter of when Patricia will be fired. King sums it up with a few concise quotes.

Patricia shoots down report Lions had draft-day division with Jeff Okudah selection

It was a rough opening game of Okudah’s career against Davante Adams, but some of the angst felt by fans and media boiled over into new speculation.

Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Lost 28-11 at Indianapolis; Next vs. Tennessee

Have the Vikings hit rock bottom after two weeks?

The rebuilding process on defense appears to be only in its beginning stages, the quarterback play has been dreadful, and the team is missing its stud receiver from the past few years. Is Minnesota on the decline?

4 biggest overreactions from the Vikings loss to the Colts in Week 2

But have they really hit rock bottom or is everyone overreacting to the Vikings’ slow start? The “fire Mike Zimmer” chatter could be a little premature, as well as the “tanking for Trevor” talks.

Minnesota Vikings LB Anthony Barr placed on IR with torn pectoral

Adding injury to insult is a probable season-ending injury to the Vikings’ starting linebacker.