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

2012 St.Louis Rams Season Prediction.

 

The St.Louis Rams went 2-14 in 2011 and finished tied for the worst record in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. Over the past 5 seasons the Rams have a horrendous record of 15-65, but look to improve in 2012 to break their losing ways. The Rams did good work in the draft and hired a new head coach, Jeff Fisher for 2012. There are 3 things that the Rams must to in 2012 to improve from 2011.

1. Can the Rams run defense improve from 2011? In 2011 the St.Louis Rams run defense was was ranked 31st in the league which was 2nd worst to Tampa Bay. The Rams gave up 152 rushing yards a game, and must improve on that number if they want to have any kind of success in 2012. The Rams looked to improve the defense in the draft by trading their 2nd overall pick for the 14th, 39th, 50th, 150th, and 2 future 1st round picks from the Washington Redskins. The Rams started by picking up Michael Brockers, defensive tackle from LSU with the 14th pick in the 1st round. Brockers is a 6’6, 306lb defensive tackle who is great against the run, and looks to start right away for the St.Louis Rams. Brockers should help an already young and improving defensive line that has Chris Long(DE) and Robert Quinn(DE) on it. Rams also improved the d-line free agent signing of Kendall Langford at defensive tackle.  The Rams looked to improve their secondary by drafting corner back Janoris Jenkins from North Alabama with the 7 pick in the 2nd round. Jenkins is a high risk high reward pick for the Rams. Jenkins has as much athletic ability as any great corner back in the league, but many are afraid of his character issues off the field. If Jenkins pans out, then Jenkins and  free agent signing Cortland Finnegan could dominate either side of the defense. With a better secondary linebackers like Jame Laurinaitis, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, and Mario Haggan can step up and stuff the box, unlike last season.
2. Will Sam Bradford have a breakout season? Bradford was drafted by the Rams in 2010 as the Rams next franchise quarterback, and everything looked as though they made the right choice his rookie season. In 2010 Bradford threw for 3,512 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Bradford also had a quarterback rating of 76.5 for his rookie season, and it looked as though Bradford would just get better going into the 2011 season, but Bradford did not have the season people thought he would in 2012. Bradford took a big step back in 2011, throwing for 2,164 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions on the season. Bradford’s quarterback rating was 70.5 on the season and the Rams were the worst team in the league. Yes Bradford has never had any weapons at receiver, or a good offensive line, but this season could be a bit different for Bradford. The Rams drafted wide receiver, Brian Quick from Appalachian St, who is a tall 6’5, 220lb receiver that posses a threat in the redzone. Quick has great jumping ability with a 34 inch vertical, great hands, and great speed for his size. Quick could end up being Bradford’s new favorite target. Bradford will have to do with what he has been dealt in the receiver core. The Rams have tried to improve by signing Steve Smith from free agency, and Danny Amendola who was hurt all but 1 game last season. If Bradford improves this season, then the Rams should improve by at least 2 games. 
3. Will Jeff Fisher make a difference for the Rams? The Rams fired previous head coach Steve Spagnuolo to make room for Jeff Fisher to try and help the Rams in 2012. Fisher coached the Tennessee Titans for 17 years before calling it quits in 2010. Fisher won 262 games while coaching the Titans and had them 1 yard short of winning it all against the St.Louis Rams in 2000. Fisher brings a new coaching mentality to a much needed team, and hopes to try and turn things around in 2012. Fisher could help the Rams win a few more games in 2012, but don’t look for him to turn them into a playoff team in just 1 year.

I believe the Rams will finish 5-11 on the season and still be in last place in the NFC West.

Rams pivotal games: Week 3- @ Chicago, Week 4- Arizona, Week 13- San Francisco

 

Coach Tom

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