We're Black and Blue All Over:

Here is another reason that NFL teams should be wary of claiming or signing former Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young anytime soon. As recently as Christmas, Young was telling a former coach that he was as good of a receiver as anyone on the Lions -- trumped not even by All-Pro Calvin Johnson.

That's one of the anecdotes in the Dave Birkett's news story about Young's release in the Detroit Free Press. It aligns with one of several tweets Young sent out last month: "To Be the best you gotta Beat the best #Me."

It's great to be self-confident, but a dash of reality and humility can take a person a long way. As we discussed Monday, Young has a lot of personal work to do before he can be ready to play again in the NFL.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Releasing Young doesn't "get the Lions closer to anywhere," writes Bob Wojnowski of the Detroit News.
• The Lions have plenty of other offseason moves to consider now, notes Justin Rogers of Mlive.com.
• Birkett on the Lions: "The Lions are thin on defense and too lightweight up front offensively, areas they plan to address this offseason. But the consensus in New Orleans last week -- one shared by the organization -- is that Matthew Stafford is the type of talent who can carry a team to the Super Bowl."
• The Chicago Bears can learn a lot from the Baltimore Ravens' championship, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune.
• Jeff Dickerson of ESPNChicago.com looks at the Bears' options in free agency at defensive end.
• Bob Sansevere of the St. Paul Pioneer Press speaks to Bears coach Marc Trestman, a Twin Cities native.
• Mike Spofford of Packers.com reviews the Packers' top five passing plays of 2012.
• From a few days ago, Bill Simmons of Grantland.com offered a thoughtful explanation for why he thinks it's fair for fans to discuss if Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson received external help to recover from his knee injury last offseason.