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If the Chicago Bears only won 2-games in a season then one would expect heads to roll at Halas Hall and the fans to lose their minds. Unless, of course those 2-wins were against the Green Bay Packers. It’s a rivalry that goes back to the origins of the NFL and its 189th chapter kicks off at Soldier Field this Sunday. But one of the oldest and greatest rivalries in all of professional sports doesn’t need any hype from me. Let’s get on with it. Here’s what to look for:
The Youth Movement: The Bears youth movement started when Charles Tillman was lost for the season in the comeback win over the San Francisco 49ers. Rookie Kyle Fuller entered the game and took 2 away from Colin Kaepernick. Last week, Fuller was joined by Defensive Linemen and fellow draftees Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson, as well as second year linebacker Jon Bostic, to make life hell for the New York Jets. Then, in that very game, another wave of injuries at Safety had 4th-round-pick Brock Vereen and free agent rookie Ahmad Dixon finishing the game. These young players have worked well with veterans like Lance Briggs, Jared Allen, and Tim Jennings in creating take away opportunities and standing firm when it matters. This group will still be playing without Jeremiah Ratliff, Shea McClellin, Sherrick McManis, for sure and Jared Allen will be a game time decision after dealing with illness all week. If Allen is out, then expect a lot of work for current team sack leader Willie Young, as well as Lamarr Houston, Trevor Scott, and possibly a look at David Bass or Cornelius Washington. Regardless, the defense will have to stand firm and apply pressure in this one. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most accurate passers in the NFL who can extend plays under pressure, and the Packers have an embarrassment of riches at Running Back, making this the Bears’ toughest challenge to date.
Balance to the Force: The Chicago offense should be amazing when its members are all healthy and together. Unfortunately, we have yet to see that for more than a quarter or so. The Bears will be again playing without starting Center Roberto Garza and Left Guard Matt Slauson who are recovering from the high ankle sprains they suffered in the season opening debacle against the Buffalo Bills. In addition, Brandon Marshall will be a game time decision due to an ankle injury suffered during the same game. Marshall played on it against the 49ers and came back after he tweaked it against the Jets so there is no reason to assume he won’t play. Jay Cutler‘s favorite target was slower and less explosive after the re-injury but, as we saw against the 49ers, even with a busted wheel Brandon Marshall is still dangerous. Even if he can’t play well, Marshall still provides a credible threat and draws attention from Alshon Jeffery and Martellus Bennett.
What the Bears need more than almost anything else in this one is to get Matt Forte going again. Forte had a monster game, statistically, in the opener rushing for over 80-yards and catching over 80 more. However, for a guy who has quietly been one of the league’s best backs for the past few years, he’s been pretty silent since that early performance. Green Bay’s run defense is pretty weak and it presents a perfect opportunity to jumpstart the stalled run game. If the Bears can get some semblance of balance to their offense it will keep the Packer’s pass rush from pinning their ears back and blitzing the bejesus out of Cutler like the Jets did on Monday Night. With the likes of Clay Matthews and former Bear Julius Peppers leading that rush, it is probably best to keep the Packers defense guessing as much as possible, and that’s very difficult if the Bears essentially abandon the run as they have in the previous 2 games.
All Together Now: Chicago will have to face a tough challenge on both sides of the ball in this one. The Bears will have to really challenge the run, get to the passer and get after takeaways on defense to stop the likes of Rodgers. He is one of the best at his job, doesn’t rattle easy, and can bring his team from out of nowhere to beat you. If they can put the brakes on Green Bay’s offense then the Bears will need to provide a balanced attack that keeps the pressure off of Cutler. That would give them the edge against, arguably their toughest division opponent and give them a share of the NFC North lead. Can the Bears continue their success, or will this be Green Bay’s turnaround? We won’t know until Sunday but, when it’s all over, I’ll be right back here to go over it.
Chris Kazmierczak is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook.