Do the Packers have any chance of being a contender in the NFC North?
Chastain in Las Cruces, N.M. A: There is no question the Packers are back as contenders in the NFC North. So much of that has to do with the development of Aaron Rodgers. This past season, Rodgers was great most of the game, but he didn’t have the experience to win in the fourth quarter. That should start to happen this season. The key to the Packers’ season will be how well they convert to the 3-4 defense. The NFC North is one of the most exciting divisions in football. All four teams have easy schedules. The Bears should be better with Jay Cutler. The Vikings are loaded and will get even better if they get Brett Favre. As for Green Bay, I think the Pack is back to a degree. They probably won’t be at the 13-win level, but they clearly have a chance to get to nine or 10 wins if the defense comes around. Q: The 49ers showed a lot of improvement last year under Mike Singletary. The knock on the Niners always seems to be QB play; if Shaun Hill performs at a top-15 level, do you think the
