CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY
A great quarterback can make an average team
competitive. See the example of the
Carolina Panthers last year, or what we think has happened to the Denver
Broncos this year. Aaron Rodgers does a lot to keep the Green Bay Packers competitive,
but he can only do so much. After the Packers
earned home field advantage in 2011 and then were unceremoniously dumped from
the playoffs by the New York Giants, thoughts were that Green Bay had to
improve in certain areas, particularly their defense. Cut to Week One of the 2012 season and the
problems don't appear to be fixed.
Instead they appear to be amplified. The Packers offense managed 45 total rushing
yards Week One. Out of their 21 first
downs, only two were achieved by ground.
In addition, they lost wide receiver Greg Jennings to a groin injury and he is unlikely to play. The defense gave up 377 yards of offense, over
186 of which came on the ground. Enter
the new Chicago Bears receiving group, comprised of Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon
Jeffrey, both over 6’3” and both over 215 pounds. However, they’re the second course of the
Bear’s offensive menu, as Matt Forte
provides not only strong rushing power, but above-average receiving skills as
well. The good news for Green Bay is
that in the four seasons Forte has been in the league, Green Bay has lost to
Chicago only twice, and Matt Forte has never registered a 100 rushing yards in
a game versus the Packers and has scored only one touchdown against them, back
in his rookie season of 2008. In terms
of game plans, Green Bay will attempt to again remove Forte from the equation
by attacking quickly and attempting to take a lead.
 |
| Randall Cobb caught nine passes Week 1 |
The Bears secondary of Chris Conte, Chris Jennings, Major Wright, and Charles Tillman (questionable with a shin) will see the ball flying
all over the place, with Jordy Nelson
and Jermichael Finley playing key roles.
James Jones will start in Jennings’ place, but Randall Cobb becomes a nice sleeper play this week, as he becomes
the only true slot man they have, and his speed and ability to turn the big
play is likely to be utilized. He
already has nine receptions this year. Once
they have the lead, Cedric Benson
will get his share of attempts as Tom Clements and Mike McCarthy attempt to
develop their running game. Behind Green
Bay’s lackluster line blocking, I don’t see more than 50 yards and maybe a one
yard plunge. I also believe the Bears
will do more than simply use Forte to keep Rodgers off the field. They’ll want to jump in front, and then use
their solid running game to bleed the clock.
Forte should give you easily over 100 all purpose yards, but if history tells
you anything, expect Green Bay to do all they can to keep him out of the end
zone. Brandon Marshall’s success against Tramon Williams will determine the outcome of this game for the
Bears, as well as their defense. It
should be a high scoring affair. The
Packers need this one, and I’m taking them at home.
PACKERS 35, BEARS 31
No comments:
Post a Comment