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Overall, this is the time - and game - to begin breaking tendencies.
DEFENSE
1. In this game, I just don't see blitzing in the ways we've been doing it. It seems that the linebackers are just not getting there on time, and removing them from coverage zones against the Bears, who have been relying on tight end and back patterns is not the way to go.
I would pressure with the front four WITH a bit of the unusual - an occasional unexpected blitz from a corner or safety.
I would strongly remind the D linemen to get those hands up and obstruct the passing lanes (esp. if Grossman starts).
2. Barnett's injury is unfortunate, but Hawk may be actually now sliding into his natural position (MLB), and that might wind up being a good thing. If you recall, Brian Urlacher never truly blossomed until he was moved from WLB to the middle. This may prove true with A.J.
Hawk should be assigned the task of shadowing/keying Matt Forte everywhere. You can count on some screens and flat patterns, and Hawk should keep him firmly in his sights.
3. If we lose this game, it won't be because of the Bear's running attack. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner is no dummy : he is quite aware of all the recent concern with the Packer's struggles with stopping the run - and will be expecting the Pack to be overly focused on stopping Forte. He also will surmise that this shapes up as a close game. Therefore, expect him to try to hit the big pass early.
The Bear running game is no juggernaut; focusing too much on it at the expense of pass defense can be costly.
SO : I would counter by assigning Chillar the primary task of shadowing TE Desmond Clark - NOT the faster Greg Olson. I would liberally substitute Aaron Rouse in place of Brady Poppinga whenever those 2nd and 7 or 3 & 4 situations arose. Olson will be a key player for the Bears in this one, and speed is needed here for coverage. Far better to make the Bears have to go to their subpar wide receivers. Rouse is a big guy, and the extra safety coverage speed will help greatly.
4. Woodson should be assigned to cover Devon Hester whenever Hester is on the field. Al Harris should not draw that assignment - EVER.
OFFENSE
1. The Bears will be more concerned with stopping the passing attack than the run. They have been under a lot of heat recently for their pass defense deficiencies. They do not think Grant can beat them, and will focus much more on stopping Rodgers.
So : establishing the run could be absolutely nec. to make the pass attack go.
The Bears have a tendency to overpursue; cutback lanes will be there, and it will be up to Grant to make the defense pay.
2. Slants. yes, but judiciously. The Bear's corners watch film; they are going to be looking to jump routes for a quick 6.
There will be a rush - esp. if Clifton's recent performances signal a chronic downward spiral, and Tommie Harris has a good day - so Rodgers needs a lot of quick release mojo.
SO : it would be very helpful to run a quick slant that breaks back fast and allows a Jennings, Driver, Nelson, or Jones to get that all-important step on the corner.
An early score in this game will be huge.
Packers : 27
Bears : 17
DEFENSE
1. In this game, I just don't see blitzing in the ways we've been doing it. It seems that the linebackers are just not getting there on time, and removing them from coverage zones against the Bears, who have been relying on tight end and back patterns is not the way to go.
I would pressure with the front four WITH a bit of the unusual - an occasional unexpected blitz from a corner or safety.
I would strongly remind the D linemen to get those hands up and obstruct the passing lanes (esp. if Grossman starts).
2. Barnett's injury is unfortunate, but Hawk may be actually now sliding into his natural position (MLB), and that might wind up being a good thing. If you recall, Brian Urlacher never truly blossomed until he was moved from WLB to the middle. This may prove true with A.J.
Hawk should be assigned the task of shadowing/keying Matt Forte everywhere. You can count on some screens and flat patterns, and Hawk should keep him firmly in his sights.
3. If we lose this game, it won't be because of the Bear's running attack. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner is no dummy : he is quite aware of all the recent concern with the Packer's struggles with stopping the run - and will be expecting the Pack to be overly focused on stopping Forte. He also will surmise that this shapes up as a close game. Therefore, expect him to try to hit the big pass early.
The Bear running game is no juggernaut; focusing too much on it at the expense of pass defense can be costly.
SO : I would counter by assigning Chillar the primary task of shadowing TE Desmond Clark - NOT the faster Greg Olson. I would liberally substitute Aaron Rouse in place of Brady Poppinga whenever those 2nd and 7 or 3 & 4 situations arose. Olson will be a key player for the Bears in this one, and speed is needed here for coverage. Far better to make the Bears have to go to their subpar wide receivers. Rouse is a big guy, and the extra safety coverage speed will help greatly.
4. Woodson should be assigned to cover Devon Hester whenever Hester is on the field. Al Harris should not draw that assignment - EVER.
OFFENSE
1. The Bears will be more concerned with stopping the passing attack than the run. They have been under a lot of heat recently for their pass defense deficiencies. They do not think Grant can beat them, and will focus much more on stopping Rodgers.
So : establishing the run could be absolutely nec. to make the pass attack go.
The Bears have a tendency to overpursue; cutback lanes will be there, and it will be up to Grant to make the defense pay.
2. Slants. yes, but judiciously. The Bear's corners watch film; they are going to be looking to jump routes for a quick 6.
There will be a rush - esp. if Clifton's recent performances signal a chronic downward spiral, and Tommie Harris has a good day - so Rodgers needs a lot of quick release mojo.
SO : it would be very helpful to run a quick slant that breaks back fast and allows a Jennings, Driver, Nelson, or Jones to get that all-important step on the corner.
An early score in this game will be huge.
Packers : 27
Bears : 17
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