Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

Fair week has come and gone for another year, which means one thing for me — sports season is right around the corner.

All the Albert Lea teams have been busy with captains’ practices the past couple weeks and Monday marks the first day organized practices can officially begin.

There are a bunch of area teams and individuals poised to see success in the fall season, the biggest being Albert Lea football. Once considered an automatic win on the schedule of opposing teams, the Tigers have made big strides in recent years and are still climbing the ladder. I think this is the year they take the next big step and finish the season with an above .500 record.

Another Albert Lea athlete looking for continued success this year is junior Jaeda Koziolek, who will look to make her fifth state swim and dive meet appearance.

In the surrounding communities, the perennial volleyball powerhouses of Alden-Conger and Lake Mills will be forces in their respective conferences. The NRHEG and United South Central football teams are coming off state tournament bids from last year and the Northwood-Kensett football team experienced a lot of success as well.

It will be interesting to see where everyone lands by the end of the season.

In professional news, the only major sport in season right now is baseball. I love baseball and the Twins, but I find the less I talk about the Twins the better they seem to do. So, for the sake of all you fellow Twins fans, I’m going to keep my mouth shut for now.

 

NFL predictions

OK, Vikings fans, now that I got the AFC West out of the way last week, I’ll move to the NFC North. I’ll start, of course, with the area-favorite Vikings.

Minnesota has an immensely talented one-two at wide receiver. Thielin and Diggs are a duo who could be put up against most other pairs in the league. Dalvin Cook has shown some bright spots when he’s healthy and I think Kyle Rudolph is better than he gets credit for at tight end.

That’s where my compliments stop for the Vikings. Kirk Cousins has yet to prove himself in big-time games against quality opponents and he’s going to need help from the guys up front to get the time he needs in the pocket.

I’ll hand it to the defense; their work in points and passing yards allowed landed them in the top five last season, but their rush defense brought them down to the middle of the pack.

Don’t get me wrong, the Vikings will be fine this year, but fine is where it stops.

Next, let’s move to the defending conference champions: the Bears. The Bears were the surprise team last year and I whiffed on Mitchell Trubisky big time. If he can keep that progress going, the Bears have no problem reclaiming the North. Another big plus from my angle is the addition of David Montgomery at running back — a former Cyclone.

On to the Packers. Let’s be real, Packers fans, you’ve got Aaron Rodgers. … and that’s about it. Of course, he’s one of the greats in the game today and he’s going to win you a few games, but as some point he’s going to need some help before he gets too old. The Packers finish with a winning record, but in the middle of the NFC North.

Finally, the Lions, the poor and lowly Lions. Unfortunately, I don’t see things getting any better this season. It really is a shame, too. I like Matt Stafford and I think he’s got the potential to be a great quarterback given the right surroundings. He just doesn’t have the necessary weapons in Detroit. The Lions once again finish at the bottom of the division.

 

Final NFC North predictions

1. Chicago Bears 10-6

2. Minnesota Vikings 9-7

3. Green Bay Packers 9-7

4. Detroit Lions 6-10

 

Tyler Julson is the Tribune sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.