Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
KEYS TO THE GAME
OFFENSE: Meeting the Challenge
No team has allowed fewer total yards than the Green Bay Packers. Allowing fewer than 275 yards per game, the Packers also force turnovers. They have 31 takeaways, second only to New Orleans, and 102 takeaway points. Ball security is critical, and Jay Cutler must protect the ball, but challenge the Packer secondary. It is a fine line to walk. Cornerbacks Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams will press the Bears receivers and battle for every ball in the air. Challenging them creates opportunities despite tight windows. Woodson and Williams have combined to commit 11 penalties, on the most penalized team in the NFL. Take some chances in the passing game, and see what happens.
DEFENSE: Ready for Rodgers
In beating the Rams, the Bears defense dealt with one dimension…the run…but the Packers attack the entire field with the run and the pass. Aaron Rodgers quickly diagnoses match-ups, makes quick decisions, and gets rid of the ball on time with great anticipation and accuracy. He will challenge the Bears on third down. Rodgers completes 70-percent of his third down throws with 11 touchdowns, and no interceptions. His third down quarterback efficiency rating is 132.0. For much of the season third down defense has been the Bears’ Achilles heel. It can not be on Sunday against the Packers.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Bounce Back
One of the premier special teams units in the league struggled against the Rams last Sunday. There were multiple mistakes in coverage and in the punt return game. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox, and Earl Bennett all fielded punts last week, but all had trouble securing the ball. Hester has lost his aggressiveness and is now battling a calf injury. The Packers are struggling in coverage, 30th in the league defending punts allowing 11.3 yards on average. They are 25th in kick coverage. They have not allowed a return touchdown.
INTANGIBLES:
Turnovers will tell the story in this match-up. It will be difficult to overcome fumbles and interceptions against the Packers. They have made a living pouncing on mistakes.
Just like it was in week one, the outcome in week 14, will be determined by the quarterback who makes the biggest plays, and the fewest mistakes. One other note, under Lovie Smith the Bears are 11-and-3 with the temperature under 40-degrees and the Bears have won their last six December home games.
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