NFC North Notebook: Lions cut play calls by 20 percent; Peterson needs a 'fresh start'
Every Monday and Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the NFC North Notebook.
Chicago Bears
Film Room: How Bears should attack Tampa 2 defense. The Bears will need to attack Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 defense this week, and using the dagger route, a clearout concept, may be the best way.
What if Lovie stayed in Chicago? With Marc Trestman floundering in Chicago, the question of who would be a better fit as head coach is posed. Lovie Smith, Bruce Arians or someone else.
Problem with clocks fixed at Soldier Field. After the embarassing clock situation last week at Soldier Field, spokesman Luca Serra said it was a first "and we'd like to say a last. But the clocks are ready for Sunday."
Detroit Lions
Gronkowski poses huge challenge for top-ranked D. When healthy, there may not be a more dangerous weapon in the NFL than Rob Gronkowski. The Lions' defense is scheming heavily to stop him.
Lions cut play calls by 20 percent. In an effort to streamline his struggling offense, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi cut the number of available play calls by 20 percent.
TJ Jones trying to catch up in practice. The sixth-round pick out of Notre Dame is practicing and trying to shake off rust after sitting the first 10 games of the season.
Green Bay Packers
Clay Matthews stars in Pitch Perfect 2 trailer. Five Packers players including Clay Matthews are featured in the trailer for Pitch Perfect 2. Matthews is showing off the guns in a nightclub scene.
Cobb-Nelson expected to stay in Green Bay. With Jordy Nelson already signed to a four-year contract extension, the Packers are prioritizing locking up Randall Cobb and keeping the productive duo together.
Rodgers doesn't believe in "peaking too early." Some teams use the axiom of building throughout the season, but Aaron Rodgers doesn't understand the wisdom in that. Peaking too early? "I don't even know what that means," Rodgers said.
Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson breaks his silence. After avoiding the media during his time on the commissioner's exempt list, Peterson broke his silence in a lengthy interview, saying "I won't ever use a switch again."
Ben Tate brought in, McKinnon's backfield now. Ben Tate has been brought in as insurance for a Vikings team that relies heavily on the run, according to offensive coordinator Norv Turner.
A "fresh start" might be best for Peterson. The running back eluded to getting a new start with a different NFL organization, meaning his time in Minnesota could be over.