We're Black and Blue All Over:
The Minnesota Vikings have a traditional leadership structure, a new stadium under development and an ownership group that is committed to the long term. In the estimation of Star Tribune columnist Jim Souhan, they are the most well-rounded and well-run sports outfit in Minnesota.
Souhan: "Leslie Frazier and Rick Spielman have turned an organization that for decades seemed intent on embarrassing itself into a model for how pro sports franchises should operate. The Wilfs have matured into patient owners who will spend what it takes to win."
That's no small feat considering their short- and long-term history filled with unusual ownership, horizontal leadership and head-scratching decisions. Let's see where it takes them.
Let's take a look at weekend coverage in the NFC North:
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is teaming with pro bull riders to raise money for his Wounded Warriors program, according to the Associated Press via 1500ESPN.com.
Josh Katzenstein of the Detroit News profiles Detroit Lions safety Don Carey, who could be a starter if Louis Delmas isn't healthy.
Lions safety Glover Quin was motivated to find a better way of making a living by working at Burger King while in high school. More from Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.
According to Katzenstein in the News, a Connecticut judge has dropped domestic violence charges against Lions safety Amari Spievey.
Best of luck to Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com as he departs the Lions beat.
Matt Simeone of ChicagoBears.com checks in with former Chicago Bears tailback Raymont Harris.
Lori Nickel of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel profiles Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Jordan Miller.