The preseason has concluded for the four NFC North teams. Coming into today, the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears were 1-1. The Minnesota Vikings were 0-2.
Obviously, preseason means nothing going into the season. It gives teams a chance to see what they have in their draft picks and un-drafted free agents. With that being said, here is how the NFC North teams did in the final week of the preseason.
Green Bay Packers Preseason Recap
The Packers defeated the Seattle Seahawks today 19-15. Jordan Love played three series and appeared in all three preseason games. It was a slow start for Love, but he did finish the day going 9-15 for 63 yards and a six yard touchdown pass to Christian Watson.
"He knocked that all the way to SHEBOYGAN!"
The 5️⃣7️⃣-yard FG for Anders Carlson is GOOD 🙌#SEAvsGB | #GoPackGo
📺: Packers TV Network pic.twitter.com/c5nto1DmuH
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 26, 2023
The highlight of the day was from Packers rookie kicker Anders Carlson. He has had an up and down training camp. Today, Carlson nailed a 57 yard field goal just before halftime.
In the second half, the Packers were able to drive down the field and score a rushing touchdown from Nate McCrary with less than a minute left. Green Bay was able to hold off a late Seattle drive as Benny Sapp III picked off Holton Ahlers in the end zone to end the game. Green Bay ends the preseason 2-1.
Detroit Lions Preseason Recap
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The Lions won their preseason finale last night against the Carolina Panthers 26-17. Teddy Bridgewater saw quite a bit of playing time, going 13-22 for 178 yards and a touchdown.
Craig Reynolds was the leading rusher with 41 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown. Benny Snell Jr added 26 yards on five carries.
Antoine Green was the leading receiver with 97 yards on three receptions with a touchdown. Dylan Drummond added 46 yards on five catches as well. The Lions, who many see as the favorite in the NFC North, end the preseason with a 2-1 record.
Chicago Bears Preseason Recap
The Bears fell at home today to the Buffalo Bills 24-21. Quarterback Justin Fields was 2-6 for 51 yards in limited action. PJ Walker was 6-11 for 71 yards and a touchdown while Tyson Bagent was 7-14 for 43 yards and an interception.
The Bears had a good day running the ball. As a team, they ran for 107 yards on 26 carries. That comes out to an average of just over four yards. Three Bears ran for at least 20 yards. Quarterback Tyson Bagent recorded a touchdown on the ground.
Three players recorded at least 35 yards receiving as well. Stephen Carlson led the way with 41 yards on three catches. DJ Moore, the number one receiver, recorded a 40 yard reception. Chicago ends the preseason at 2-1.
Minnesota Vikings Preseason Recap
The Vikings fell to the Arizona Cardinals 18-17. After jumping out to a 17-3 lead, the Cardinals scored the fiinal 15 points. All of this came in the second half.
Jaren Hall was the only quarterback for Minnesota in this game. He went 16-27 for 178 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Hall also added 21 yards on six carries. Overall, it was a good day for the rookie quarterback.
On the ground, DeWayne McBride led the way with 37 yards on eight carries and a touchdown. Abram Smith added 29 yards on five carries.
Blake Proehl was the leading receiver with 45 yards on five catches. Former first round pick Jalen Reagor added two receptions for 28 yards. The Vikings, who are the defending NFC North champions, end the preseason 0-3.
