NFL: First half overachievers and underachievers in the North

NFC North:

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs back a 105 yard kickoff return against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter on September 15, 2013 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears

Keep it up: Alshon Jefferey, WR – After a disappointing rookie year, Jeffery has exploded this year, leading the Bears in receiving yards. He only has 33 catches, but his big play ability is evident in his 17 yard per catch. He has 12 catches of 20+ yards, which ties him at 2^nd in the league with DeSean Jackson and Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson. Not bad company at all.

Pick it up: Julius Peppers, DE – The former 2^nd overall pick and perennial all-pro was well worth his money in his first 3 years in Chicago, defending stoutly against the run, while picking up more than 10 sacks a year. His production has fallen of a cliff this year. The Bears can get by with his dwindling effectiveness against the run, but with just 1 sack all year, and few other QB pressures, Peppers is not getting it done and nor are the Bears.

Detroit Lions

Keep it up: Reggie Bush, RB – The former controversial college superstar has never exactly flown under the radar, wherever he’s been. He’s also never lived up to the hype, but it seems someone has finally figured out how to use him best. Bush is running hard and making defenders miss. He’s producing in all phases of the offence and is one pace to set new career highs in rushing yards, receiving yards and touchdowns.

Pick it up: Nate Burleson/Kris Durham, WR – If Calvin Johnson can come up with 329 receiving yards every week, the Lions should be fine. Seems unlikely though, even for him. No other WR on the Lions has that many yards through the whole season. Someone needs to pick up some slack and take attention away from Megatron if Matt Stafford’s high-flying attack is to carry the Lions to the playoffs.

Green Bay Packers

Keep it up: Eddie Lacy, RB – Alex Green led the Packers last year with 464 rushing yards. Lacy is already nearly there, even after a slow start due to injury. It seems like a long time since the Packers have had a consistent threat to run, but after averaging 99 yards over the 4 games since their bye week, it looks like they’ve finally found one. An impressive start for the rookie 2nd rounder.

Pick it up: Defensive secondary, DB – The Packers are tied for last in the league in interceptions and 6^th from bottom in pass deflections. Opposing quarterback’s have a 96.0 QB rating against the Packers, despite a pass rush that’s one sack away from the league’s top 10. If the season ended now, the Packer’s road to the SuperBowl would include top QBs like Drew Brees, Matt Stafford, Tony Romo and Russell Wilson. The coverage needs to be tighter.

Minnesota Vikings

Keep it up: Cordarelle Patterson, KR – With only 13 catches; Patterson has not made the impact the team might have hoped at wide receiver. He has, however, truly excelled as a kick returner: he leads in the league in return yards and at 39.1 has the highest average of any regular returner. He’s run 2 back for TDs so far, including a 109 yard play, just short of the longest in NFL history.

Pick it up: Passing game, QB,WR,OL,HC – Vikings Quarterbacks average a truly awful 69.6 QB rating. Only Eli Manning and the Jacksonville Jaguars have dipped below that mark. Neither of those has 2012 MVP Adrian Peterson on their side of the field. Everyone is to blame here, including Head Coach Leslie Frasier after his baffling decision to start an under prepared Josh Freeman.