Camping in the NFC North

Here is a look at key questions (and maybe an answer or two) facing each team in the NFC North midway through training camp.

CHICAGO
Questions: Will they miss RB Thomas Jones? Is Rex Grossman a help or hindrance in the Bears' quest to return to the Super Bowl?
Answers: The thinking here is RB Cedric Benson is injury prone and would be helped by having a tough runner such as Jones to share the load with. Neither wanted that even though it would have helped the Bears and their own career longevity, so the younger Benson stayed. If Grossman can reduce his mistakes, that will be a big positive. I'm undecided if he can be a franchise QB, however.

DETROIT
Questions: Is this the year the Lions' offense takes off under coordinator Mike Martz? Can the defense keep up or at least make enough plays to keep them in games?
Answers: Adding WR Calvin Johnson increases the chances of the offense soaring, but they need RB Kevin Jones healthy, which is not a guarantee yet. The Lions' D appears solid on the line and features a rising star in LB Ernie Sims, beyond that, the back seven has some issues.

GREEN BAY
Questions: Who will run the football for the Packers? Who will catch the football for the Packers?
Answers: Rookie Brandon Jackson and third-down back Noah Herron are the front-runners until Vernand Morency gets healthy. Donald Driver has been Brett Favre's go-to receiver, but look for second-year man Greg Jennings, Ruvell Martin and rookie James Jones to make impacts.

MINNESOTA
Questions: Will they forget the passing game entirely and just run every play? Can the pass defense get any worse?
Answers: It wouldn't be a bad idea with rookie Adrian Peterson and veteran Chester Taylor to hand off to. Peterson has looked good in preseason. QB Tavaris Jackson is green, and he has few, if any, reliable targets. No, the pass defense was awful last season despite having CB Antoine Winfield and S Darren Sharper, both of whom are Pro Bowl caliber. Beyond them, the Vikings are hurting.