Bears Blitz

Published by Zack Pearson on September 25, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

If you would have told me two months ago that the Chicago Bears would be 2-0 and battling for first place in the NFC North in Week 3, I would have told you that you are crazy.

On Monday, the Bears will play their biggest game since Super Bowl XLI in 2007. The Packers bring their talented offense, reckless defense and 2-0 record into Chicago.

It will be the 180th meeting between the two teams that dates back to 1921. The Bears lead the all-time series, 91-82-6, but were swept in two games by the Packers last season.

While many people predicted that Green Bay would be contending for the NFC North, hardly anyone gave the Bears a chance. A win on Monday would secure the Bears first place in the NFC North for the first time since 2007.

Monday’s game will be a test of what team the Bears really are.

The Packers will rely on quarterback Aaron Rodgers to get their offense going. Rodgers is 38-of-60 with 443 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. Rodgers ranks 11th in the NFL for passer rating (94.0).

The Bears have quite the quarterback themselves in NFL passer rating leader Jay Cutler, who has a 121.02 rating. With six touchdowns and just one interception, Cutler looks to be the quarterback that Chicago thought he would be when they acquired him in 2008. It’s no secret that Mike Martz has a offense that is working with Cutler.

hat a night we could be in for. Arguably two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, in the NFL’s best rivalry on Monday Night Football…what else could we ask for?

Whichever quarterback limits their mistakes and recognizes the blitz packages will lead their team to a successful win.

While both offenses seem to be rolling, both defenses are playing extremely well. The Packers defense, led by Clay Matthews, is ranked third overall in the NFL. Matthews has an amazing six sacks in two games to lead the NFL.

The Bears bring in the 12th-ranked defense, but are ranked first in rushing defense.

After being criticized in Week 1, the Chicago offensive line adjusted early and it worked against Dallas. They will have their hands full against a tough Green Bay defense.

So what is the key to the game? It will be the team can limit its mistakes and establish the run game.

Both teams are struggling in the running game. The Packers lost Ryan Grant for the season and have turned to second-string back Brandon Jackson. Jackson had a sub-par game against Buffalo in Week 2.

The Bears have gotten good production from Matt Forte, but in the passing game rather than the run game. The Bears rushed for a season-best 101 yards in Week 1.

Whichever team establishes the run can set up play-action passing and can take an advantage.

On the defensive side of the ball the Bears will need to be sharp in coverage. The secondary and linebackers will have their hands full with the Green Bay receivers, in particular tight end Jermichael Finley. Finley will pose a big matchup problem for the Bears. Do you stick linebacker Brian Urlacher on him and leave the middle free? Or assign a defensive back to him? Chicago will need to be careful with Finley.

Getting pressure on Rodgers is very important for the Bears. Rodgers will sit back there and pick you apart if he has time. He’s also very mobile and can make plays happen on his feet. The key is to get him on the ground.

This is where the defensive line must step up.

Julius Peppers and Tommie Harris need to have big games. The entire defensive line must, as it has only combined for 15 tackles on the season. That must change, and it starts with the Green Bay game.

Game notes

The last time these teams met on Monday Night Football was Week 16 in 2008. The Bears won on a Robbie Gould field goal in overtime.

Safety Major Wright and offensive tackle Chris Williams will not play Monday, as announced Saturday.

The Bears will wear their 1940 throwback jerseys.

Three Keys to the Game

1. Bears need to establish the run game early on. Just think of how much more dangerous this Bears offense could be with a solid run game? By establishing the run game early, it will lead to play action opening up, and the Packers can stack the Box. Draws and screens will be key to a successful Bears offense.

2. Get Rodgers on the ground. Just forcing him out of the pocket will not do the job. The defensive line needs to sack Rodgers and force the Green Bay offense out of rhythm.

3. Limit your turnovers. The Bears did a wonderful job on limiting their turnovers against the Cowboys. After making key mistakes in Week 1, Chicago had none in Week 2. If you turn the ball over against Green Bay, they will make you pay.

Prediction

Bears 26, Packers 23 (OT)

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