I did something like this for the Falcons game so I figured I'd do it again for the Bears game. I am really pumped up for this matchup. Anyway, here is what I think the Packers need to do to win the game.
1. Stop Forte-When Forte has been held to less than 45 yards rushing, the Bears are 2-4. Unfortunately one of those two wins was against us, as the Packers held him to 29 yards in the first meeting but still managed to lose because of the penalties.
Much like the Falcons, I think the Bears rely quite a bit on their running back. Cutler is more prone to making mistakes when he doesn't have a running game, and I think if we shut down Forte our secondary will be able to win the battle with Cutler.
2. Special Teams-We certainly have a better offense than the Bears, and I think our defense is a hair better. However, where the Bears can kill us, as I'm sure you all know, is special teams. Surprisingly our special teams outplayed theirs last game, but I don't think we can count on that to happen again. So, don't kick it to Hester and I think we might as well squib it or directionally kick it on every kickoff because our coverage team sucks. Can't afford to give up a return like we did against the Falcons.
3. Play smart-Penalties haven't been much of an issue since the game in which the Bears beat us, but nonetheless, it deserves attention. No stupid penalties.
4. Rodgers-Rodgers seems to struggle against the Bears cover 2 defense. While it is a very good defense, he seems to struggle against it more than he should. I've said it before, and I'll restate the fact; the Packers have only scored 17, 21, 21, 17 and 10 points against the Bears in our last 5 meetings. Yes, he did put 48 points up yesterday, but he put up 45 against the Giants in week 16 and then got held to just 10 the very next week against the Bears. However, if Rodgers can not turn the ball over(fumbles, INT) we should be okay. He just needs to get a couple TD's and I think our D can do the rest.
Anyway, thoughts? Comments? Anything else you think the Packers need to really focus on?
1. Stop Forte-When Forte has been held to less than 45 yards rushing, the Bears are 2-4. Unfortunately one of those two wins was against us, as the Packers held him to 29 yards in the first meeting but still managed to lose because of the penalties.
Much like the Falcons, I think the Bears rely quite a bit on their running back. Cutler is more prone to making mistakes when he doesn't have a running game, and I think if we shut down Forte our secondary will be able to win the battle with Cutler.
2. Special Teams-We certainly have a better offense than the Bears, and I think our defense is a hair better. However, where the Bears can kill us, as I'm sure you all know, is special teams. Surprisingly our special teams outplayed theirs last game, but I don't think we can count on that to happen again. So, don't kick it to Hester and I think we might as well squib it or directionally kick it on every kickoff because our coverage team sucks. Can't afford to give up a return like we did against the Falcons.
3. Play smart-Penalties haven't been much of an issue since the game in which the Bears beat us, but nonetheless, it deserves attention. No stupid penalties.
4. Rodgers-Rodgers seems to struggle against the Bears cover 2 defense. While it is a very good defense, he seems to struggle against it more than he should. I've said it before, and I'll restate the fact; the Packers have only scored 17, 21, 21, 17 and 10 points against the Bears in our last 5 meetings. Yes, he did put 48 points up yesterday, but he put up 45 against the Giants in week 16 and then got held to just 10 the very next week against the Bears. However, if Rodgers can not turn the ball over(fumbles, INT) we should be okay. He just needs to get a couple TD's and I think our D can do the rest.
Anyway, thoughts? Comments? Anything else you think the Packers need to really focus on?