In NFC North, it’s still all about the quarterbacks

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses the big questions as each team readies for training camp:

NFC NORTH

A year has passed, but when it comes to the quarterbacks in the NFC North, this feels a lot like 2009.

In Minnesota, everyone’s still waiting on the decision of Brett Favre.

In Chicago, fans are still excited about the potential of Jay Cutler — muted excitement after his 26 interceptions last season — and how he’ll mesh with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Was it Cutler who made most of the mistakes last fall, or should his supporting cast and former coordinator Ron Turner shoulder more of the blame?

The jury is still out on Matthew Stafford in Detroit, although it’s difficult to question his toughness and heart with the way he came back with an injured shoulder to beat Cleveland.

And in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers continues to prove he’s among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. Is this the season people will start mentioning him in the same breath as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Drew Brees? That, of course, probably will require Rodgers leading the Packers to another Lombardi Trophy.

Minnesota

Whatever Favre decides changes everything. Sound familiar? The Vikings are loaded on offense, but can they shake their tendency to turn over the ball? What kind of an impact will the team’s top pick, second-rounder Chris Cook, make in the secondary? Are two key defenders, linebacker E.J. Henderson and cornerback Cedric Griffin, fully recovered from their leg injuries?

Rookies and veterans: July 30, in Mankato, Minn.

Green Bay

With his ability and talented receiving corps, is Rodgers on the verge of a record-breaking season as a passer? The offensive line started slowly but improved over the course of last season; can the Packers finally get a consistent five at those spots? Will another pass rusher step up to complement Clay Matthews? Will the Packers’ outstanding corners Charles Woodson and Al Harris, both thirtysomethings, start to show their age?

Rookies and veterans: July 30, in Green Bay.

Chicago

Do the Bears have the receivers to fully capitalize on the creativity of Martz and the strong (but intermittently erratic) arm of Cutler? Will left tackle Chris Williams live up to the expectations offensive line coach Mike Tice has for him? Will a change of scenery be a good thing for Julius Peppers? How will Chester Taylor change the pecking order at running back?

Rookies and veterans: July 30, in Bourbonnais, Ill.

Detroit

Will Stafford build on what he started last season or take a step back in his “sophomore” season? How much of a difference will rookie Ndamukong Suh and veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch make to a bottom-dwelling defense that’s shown precious few redeeming qualities the last three seasons? The Lions looked to have a terrific draft, but will that change their fortunes?

Rookies and veterans: July 30, in Allen Park, Mich.

Next: AFC North