Bears Blitz

Published by Derek Crouse on December 30, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears have had a remarkable season since the bye week. The offense has become more balanced, while the defense hasn’t had this much success since the Super Bowl run in 2006.

The national media has not put the Bears on a pedestal, due to the fact that Jay Cutler was building a reputation for making big mistakes at crucial times in 2009 and early in this season. Now that Cutler is starting to adapt to the offense and Mike Martz has a different approach, the Bears are gaining the respect they deserve around the league.

On the other hand, the media has fallen in love with the Green Bay Packers, with just cause. The Packers have dealt with some serious injury bugs. In Week 1, Green Bay lost Ryan Grant, who was learning to pass block and was adept in the screen game. They also lost key pieces of Dom Capers’ 3-4 defense. It is only the second year Green Bay has run this system, and losing players usually affects the continuity of the 3-4 scheme.

Physical cornerback Al Harris was cut from the team as well. Clay Matthews was a little dinged up, but he has come back to be an imposing threat to opposing offenses. An older Charles Woodson has shown that he can still be a ball hawk.

Aaron Rodgers has also had some issues with injuries. He has suffered two concussions. Already some have suggested that Rodgers shouldn’t play for the rest of the season. If Rodgers would have been able to play all 16 games, the Packers could have easily been on top of the NFC North.

With only 14 games under his belt, Rodgers has thrown for 3,693 yards and 27 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Just last week, he disposed of the New York Giants by throwing four touchdowns and 404 yards with a 67.6 completion percentage.

The Packers look like they have gotten their mojo back just in time to give the Bears some trouble at Lambeau Field this week and make a run in January.

Bears fans have to remember that the losses the Packers had were not by large margins. Most of the losses were only by three points, and Green Bay’s average loss margin is only 3.3 points. One turnover, flag or a third down could have changed the Packers’ record immensely. Packers fans have a “coulda, shoulda, woulda” mentality this season, and rightfully so.

The question is, what will the Bears do on Sunday? Lovie has told the media that the game will be played with starters getting a substantial amount of time. While he has said every year that the goal of the Chicago Bears is to win the NFC North and beat the Packers, this game will not change the Bears No. 2 seed.

While this game could be taken lightly and not considered important, it could be a great measuring stick for the Bears to evaluate what they have in store for January. With teams like the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints having potent passing offenses, Sunday’s game could be even more preparation for the secondary.

The Bears have improved every week since the bye, and another win could keep the momentum going into the playoffs.

The Packers are a team that could change the NFL playoff picture. Even though the Packers would be a lower seed, they could easily beat any team in the NFC. With Rodgers playing at an elite level and the team adapting through injuries, Green Bay has to be very optimistic.

Despite the fact that the Packers lost to the Detroit Lions, they actually kept Tom Brady somewhat in check more than any team had in weeks. They are playing good football at an opportune time.

If the Bears decide to sit starters in the second half, it could lead to many things. Chicago will be giving players some time to rest, even though the Bears have been one of the healthiest teams in the NFL this year. If Lovie keeps players in and goes for the win, the Bears could improve on what they started this season. With some people saying this game isn’t “important,” the ramifications of this game could be.

Having another team for the Bears to prepare for is great for them, especially a pass-heavy team. The Bears could face the same type of potent passing offense in the playoffs, so having a game to tweak some things, from coverages to blitzes, is crucial.

They can gamble in some situations, knowing that a loss won’t effect the seeding, and then see how teams will read their fronts. The game tape at Lambeau should be utilized, and the players should improve no matter how many minutes they play.

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