How the Chicago Bears can Beat the Green Bay Packers

The new look Chicago Bears started their 2012 NFL season in fashion, with a 41-21 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. 4 days later Cutler, and his new offensive take on their old rivals in the NFL in the Green Bay Packers. Cutler and the Bears have now dropped 4 straight games to a team in which head coach Lovie Smith has made target number 1 since becoming the organizations head coach, and look to finally turn things around in a season where many believe they can make it to the Super Bowl. Here are my Key Points to the Bears beating the Packers.

1. Fast Start by the Offense. In the Bears season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the offense got off to a very slow start. The Bears 1st possession started at their own 16 yard line, and their next 4 plays went as followed; 1st down- Cutler sacked for a 12 yard loss, false start on RT Carimi, 2nd down-(2nd and 24 at the 2 yard line) Matt Forte rush for 3 yards, 3rd down-Cutler pass incomple to Alshon Jeffery, 4th down- punt. The Bears first possession had many worried that this highly bragged about new offense was no different from last seasons team. Things got no better in their second possession when the Bears again started in terrible field position. The Bears started their drive on their one 3 yard line in which Jay Cutler made a terrible decision by throwing a bullet out to Forte in flats, rather than just floating it over, and it was easily intercepted for a touchdown by Freeman and the Colts were up 7-0. Cutler ended the first quarter 3-12 with 21 yards passing. After the first quarter Cutler was a new man and went 18-23 with 312 yards and 2 touchdowns. After the slow start, the Bears new offense really looked as though they will have no problem putting points on the scoreboard this season. However if the Bears offense gets off to a slow start at Lambeau Field, then Aaron Rodgers and the Packers could put the Bears away early. The Packers defense is much more difficult to play against when the Packers have a lead, and it gets Matthews going early. So it is key for Culter and the Bears to get off to a fast start tonight if they hope to win.
   
2. Continue the 2 headed attack at running back. In the Bears season opener Matt Forte and Michael Bush gave the Bears a great dual back threat in the backfield. Forte finished the game with 16 carries, 80 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 receptions, 40 yards. Michael Bush finished the game with 12 carries, 42 yards, 2 touchdowns. The Bears made it very clear the Forte is the feature back and don’t be surprised if you see Forte used more in the slot during the Packers game tonight. Forte got paid the big bucks this off season, and he is showing why he is worth every penny. Bush will be used primarily as the goal line back, which he showed he can do very well in week 1 with 2 touchdowns, and to keep Forte fresh throughout the game. With the new receiving threats down the field, look for the Bears running game to be great this season. 
3. Offensive Line must contain Clay Matthews. First lets start with how the Bears suspect offensive line did in the season opener against the Colts. The line gave up just 2 sacks against the Colts, and the Bears were able to rush for 114 yards on the day. Now I’m not ready to say their problems are solved based off just one game, but they did impress many with their solid play. With that said, Clay Matthews looked to be on a mission against the 49ers in their season opener, recording 2.5 sacks on the day. To make Matthews day even better, he did this against Pro Bowler Joe Staley for the San Francisco 49ers. Matthews wheels will be turning to prove the Bears J’Marcus Webb doesn’t stand a chance. Now i do agree that Webb can not stop Matthews one-on-one, but if the Bears can help with sending a tightend, or running back to chip Matthews, and slow him down without getting rid of productivity, then the Bears should be fine.

Chicago Bears fans could not feel any better after such a great game by the Bears after week one, and many believe that the Bears could actually go into Lambeau and win the game tonight. I too believe the Bears can win, but only if these 3 things happen throughout the game. This game will prove the Bears are a force to fear in the NFC.

 

 

Coach Tom

How The Packers Beat The Bears

The suddenly high-flying Chicago Bears strut into Lambeau Field boasting of unprecedented weapons and unbridled confidence. Four days removed from a 41-21 shellacking of the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago enters with an opportunity to claim a quick two game lead on their primary division rivals. Green Bay has other plans.

A pair of home games aside, Week 1 could not have been more different for these two teams. Chicago welcomed a rookie quarterback and last year’s worst team. Green Bay hosted a team that took the Super Bowl champions into overtime in the NFC Championship. The Colts turned the ball over with zest, the 49ers may as well have been Tiki Barber’s chest.

Does Chicago have more weapons than ever before? Yes, they do. They still do not have as many weapons as Green Bay. Both defensively and offensively, the Packers possess more explosive talent than the Bears. By putting those weapons to use, the Packers can win. Here’s how:

1. Run Randall Cobb. The Packers broke out a new look last week by consistently placing Cobb in the shotgun backfield beside Aaron Rodgers. Cobb never took a handoff out of the set, but caught several passes while matched up with linebackers. His nine catches were a game high. The only Packer to take a handoff was Cedric Benson, who finished with a dismal 18 yards on nine carries. Desires to scrap the run game as a whole aside, the Packers would be best served by sticking the ball into Cobb’s belly.  In his three seasons as Mr. Everything for the University of Kentucky, Cobb averaged 5.8 yards per carry. At 192 pounds, Cobb will not bang out tough yards; good thing the Packers run the spread. Look for Cobb to take some carries tonight and spark life into a moribund run game.
2. Charles Woodson shadows Brandon Marshall. Jay Cutler targeted his old buddy 15 times in Week 1 and Chicago’s offseason prize finished with nine catches for 119 yards. Marshall did his work against Jerraud Powers (who?) and Vontae Davis (who had three weeks to learn the Colts’ defense). Tonight’s coverage will be a different story. In his new hybrid safety/cornerback role, Woodson enjoys more freedom to roam than ever, so expect defensive coordinator Dom Capers to make Marshall, wherever he lines up, priority number one for Woodson. Rookie wideout Alshon Jeffery will likely face one-on-one coverage from Tramon Williams with coverage consistently sliding toward Marshall. Cutler— gunslinger comment here— will force the ball to Marshall, so do not be surprised when Woodson gains his first pick of the season. The only gamble is that the 5-foot-10 Williams, a 2010 Pro Bowler, will be able to handle the 6-foot-3 Jeffery.
3. Clay Matthews commands double-teams. The 49ers trusted Pro Bowler Joe Staley to single-handedly control Matthews. That led to 2.5 sacks. With no chance that the Bears trust J’Marcus Webb to take Matthews on one-on-one, look for double-teams to open opportunities for rookie outside linebacker Nick Perry to record his first career sack. The double-teams Matthews will command opens opportunities for all of the Packers defense and increase the chance for the most indicative statistic in projecting Green Bay success, turnovers.

The 49ers played a perfect game in Week 1. They did not turn the ball over, maintained a perfect balance between run and pass (32 rushes to 26 passes) and bottled the Packers offense to only one play over 30 yards. The Bears, on the other hand, whooped up on a whimpy team. This game will be highly competitive, and there is more to learn about the Bears than the Packers in this one. We know the Packers remain in the elite of the NFL. Tonight, we will see if the Bears do as well. Look for the Packers to take an early lead, hold off an impressive Bears offense, and even things up in the division. The Bears are a solid playoff team, but do not belong with the big boys.

Prediction: Packers, starring Randall Cobb, win 30-21

The Big Guy

Chicago Bears 2012 Season Preview

 

The Chicago Bears 2011 season saw them get out to a great start at 7-3 before the ship sank on the season. The Bears lost Jay Cutler and Matt Forte in back to back weeks for the rest of the season, and the Chicago Bears ended up finishing the season 8-8 and very disappointed. The Bears made big moves in the offseason acquiring Brandon Marshall, Michael Bush, and Jason Campbell. The new looked Bears offense looks vastly improved, and could put up lot of points this season. The are 4 keys to the Bears going all the way in 2012.

1. Can Jay Cutler finally prove himself to be a pro bowl quarterback? The 2012 season gives Cutler his best opportunity to flourish as the Bears starting quarterback now that he finally has a number 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall. Marshall changes the entire offense for the Bears even if he is not catching balls every play. Cutler and Marshall played together in Denver and have instantly found their chemistry again this preseason. Marshall opens up space for Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and rookie phenom Alshon Jeffery to have great seasons with the defense being forced to spend so much time on Brandon Marshall. Cutler could have a career year in 2012, and he could lead the Bears to his first Super Bowl. 
2. Can the Bears offensive line keep Cutler healthy? Since Bears veteran center, Olin Kreutz retired, the Bears offensive line has been terrible to say the least. The line showed some promise last season, and the coaching staff has high hopes for the offensive line to keep Cutler safe this season. If the Bears can get a decent effort out of left tackle J’Marcus Webb, then their two strong running backs, and Cutler should be able to have successful seasons. If the Bears line lets them down, then their Super Bowl hopes could be dashed.
   
3. Can Matt Forte and Michael Bush combine for 2,000? After Matt Forte tore his ACL in the 2011 season, the Chicago Bears got themselves an insurance policy running back in Michael Bush from the Oakland Raiders. So now the Bears have Matt Forte who was well on his way to rushing for 1,000 before being injured, and Michael Bush who ran for 977 yards last season for the Raiders. If the Bears can get their two running backs to combine for 2,000 yards, and a decent passing attack, then there should be no way the Bears aren’t battling the Packers to win the Division.
4. Will Brian Urlacher be 100% in 2012? Yes Brian Urlacher has missed the entire preseason due to his knee injury, but he is supposed to be starting on opening day. Urlacher has been the face of the Bears defense since being drafted by the Bears in 2000, and the Bears Tampa 2 defense success is key to Urlacher being there at middle linebacker. If the Urlacher can go injury free and be the same Urlacher that he has been for the past 13 seasons, then the Bears defense should be one of the top 10 defenses in the league.

I believe the Bears will go 12-4 this season, win the NFC North, NFC Championship, and make it to the Super Bowl against the Ravens.

Bears pivotal games: Week 2- @ Green Bay, Week 7- Detroit, Week 10- Houston, Week 11-@ San Francisco, Week 15- Green Bay, Week 17 @ Detroit.

 

 

 

Coach Tom

Bears Sign Matt Forte

The Chicago Bears reached a 4-year, $32 million agreement with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte today.

The deal works well for both sides, as Forte will receive high-level compensation, while the Bears will not be saddled with a contract a la Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson’s $30 million guaranteed deal.

Forte enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, before going down with a sprained MCL against the Chiefs. In 12 games the back averaged a career-high 4.9 yards per carry and was on pace to set a career record for receptions. He also became only the second player to tally 700 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving in each of his first four seasons.

The NFL may be a passing league but a dynamic back like Forte can fit into any offense. Any doubters can simply look at the type of production Marshall Faulk put up when he was a member of perhaps the greatest aerial attack in history, The Greatest Show on Turf.

The Big Guy

Matt Forte Contract Situation

The Chicago Bears have until Monday to reach a long-term contract agreement with Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte. The 44th overall pick of the 2008 draft is currently under the Bears franchise tag, which would pay him $7.749 million this season. 

Forte enjoyed a breakout year in 2011. In 12 games the back averaged a career-high 4.9 yards per carry and was on pace to set a career record for receptions. He also became only the second player to tally 700 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving in each of his first four seasons. Forte simply was the Bears offense last year. 

However, Forte sprained his MCL against the Chiefs and missed the final four games of the season. The Bears front office took note. 

Running backs come and go in the NFL, and even the highest level backs can succumb to the hits. Tennessee Titans back Chris Johnson ran for 2006 yards in 2009, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Johnson eventually signed a 6-year, $56 million deal. 

In 2011, Johnson returned to Earth, averaging 4.0 yards per carry while totaling 1047 yards. 

The Bears appear hesitant to sign Forte to the type of long-term, big money deal he desires. The arrival of wide receiver Brandon Marshall will certainly help lighten the Bears reliance on Forte, but one man (neither Forte nor Marshall) makes an offense. 

Forte’s dynamic ability and his impressive season last year suggest that he may well be worth a long-term investment. Marshall is a nice addition, but the Bears would not improve if they simply switch the star of their one-man show. Offenses need multiple options and while The Big Guy typically disapproves of maximum contracts, the Bears should reward Forte in this case. His dual-threat ability makes him an elite back.

Forte says he is “optimistic” that the Bears will give him the contract he wants. The Big Guy is too.

The Big Guy