The latest chapter of one of the NFL's oldest rivalries begins again on Thursday as the Chicago Bears travel to Wisconsin to take on the Green Bay Packers. After an opening day win against the Colts, the Bears(1-0) look to ride the momentum as they face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers(0-1).
The Chicago Bears are coming off a 41-21 victory over the Indianapolis Colts while the Packers were stunned by San Francisco the same week. Look for Chicago to try and get to gates quick against a very suspect Packer defense. Green Bay didn't play well in all aspects of the game. Offense, defense, and special teams were issues for the Packers in their game against the 49ers. Green Bay didn't come close too looking like they did a season ago when they went 15-1.
The Chicago offense is more dangerous then ever. Jay Cutler is coming into his own as well as Matt Forte. With the addition of Brandon Marchall, the Bears have their first real deep threat receiver. Cutler has the ability to take the Green Bay defense apart, if the offensive line can protect him. Green Bay's front has to get pressure on Cutler and force him to make mistakes. We saw this early in the game against the Colts until Chicago made the right adjustments.
Despite going 1-10 at one point, Jay Cutler finished 21-35 for 333 yards and 2 touchdowns. Marshall had a big debut game for the Bears catching 9 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown. Matt Forte rushed for 80 yards on just 16 carries. Alshon Jeffrey showed that he is also a threat on this Bear offense with 80 yards on 3 catches and a touchdown. This Chicago offense will be a challenge for a weak Packer defense.
Despite throwing for 303 yards and 2 scores, Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense struggled for the most part. Most of Rodger's yards came during the 4th quarter when the 49er defense was in zone coverage. They have all the talent in the world with Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley. Chicago's defense gave up 293 yards to Andrew Luck, but only allowed 62 rushing yards. Green Bay's running game was non existent. To tell the story, Rodgers was the leading rusher with 27 yards.
Green Bay's pass defense only gave up 191 yards, a big improvement from last season. Even so, that was against a run first offense. Rushing yards, Green Bay gave up 186 on the ground to San Francisco. Green Bay has to keep Forte in check if they want to win. They are going to be challenged by Cutler whom is a much better passer then Alex Smith.
The key for Green Bay is to get pressure on Jay Cutler. Chicago's offensive line has improved, but they are still suspect early in the season. It appears that Cutler is getting the ball away much faster. For Chicago, they have to take advantage of a non existent running game. They are very talented in the front seven. No matter what, this will be a great one.
It has been nearly two years since the Bears last win against the Packers. Green Bay didn't look like themselves on Sunday. Chicago now has an offense to go with that great defense. Playing in Green Bay is never easy. The Packers are on a two game home skid and I don't see them dropping three in a row at home. This is no easy victory. Chicago can score with Green Bay and their defense is much better. Green Bay will make the correct adjustments and win a very close game.
GREEN BAY 23 CHICAGO 20
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