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Yes, Virginia, there is something to be gained by a win against your most bitter rival.
Just like the previous meeting, this game requires a changeup of tendencies.
DEFENSE
The Bears will attempt to win this game relying heavily on the running game with Forte, screen passes, and occasional deep balls to Hester.
They will be figuring that the Pack will again be paying far more attention to their tight ends than Booker, Lloyd, and Davis. With the exception of Hester, who they will try to spring with double moves on the corners (and they realize that a pass interference call is as good as a long completion), their mediocre wideouts will not receive much attention.
I expect to see Forte attack the Packers right edge (Montgomery? Thompson?) on a steady basis.
The Packers do not seem to be able now to mount much of a pass rush - even with blitzing linebackers - so I would rather keep them in coverage, and acutely aware of the flats. I would not be overly concerned with allowing Orton time in the pocket; I'd rather have bodies back in coverage to intercept, and disallow the easy short flares and circle routes. Orton is eminently capable of the bad pass, and making him have to throw into windows consistently is a good way to go.
OFFENSE
Yes, I know the Packers ran very well on the Bears last time, but I think their defense will be all hopped up this time around to 'avenge lost pride', and will game plan as though the Packers will attempt virtually the same attack.
Therefore, in spite of the cold, I'd have the Packers come out throwing : short, long, slants, outs, posts - the gamut. I think we can take away a lot of that defense's macho energy by going the air route.
Instead of banging away on first down (which I don't think will be successful), and immediately setting up 2nd and long - let's use out excellent receivers to teat the very average secondary, or at least stretch the field for the underneath stuff to Grant, Jackson, or Lee.
(By the way, the Packers have become very predictable in consistently running on 2nd and 10. Time to change the tendency, Mike.)
Moll should receive a hearty helping of chips from backs or tight ends.
This should be a classic case of using the pass to set up the (later) run.
This game requires a 'judo' approach : use the Bear's own 'we're gonna get you good for whomping us last time' energy against them by pitting our receiving talent against the weakest part of their defense.
Matador vs Bull.
Ole!
Just like the previous meeting, this game requires a changeup of tendencies.
DEFENSE
The Bears will attempt to win this game relying heavily on the running game with Forte, screen passes, and occasional deep balls to Hester.
They will be figuring that the Pack will again be paying far more attention to their tight ends than Booker, Lloyd, and Davis. With the exception of Hester, who they will try to spring with double moves on the corners (and they realize that a pass interference call is as good as a long completion), their mediocre wideouts will not receive much attention.
I expect to see Forte attack the Packers right edge (Montgomery? Thompson?) on a steady basis.
The Packers do not seem to be able now to mount much of a pass rush - even with blitzing linebackers - so I would rather keep them in coverage, and acutely aware of the flats. I would not be overly concerned with allowing Orton time in the pocket; I'd rather have bodies back in coverage to intercept, and disallow the easy short flares and circle routes. Orton is eminently capable of the bad pass, and making him have to throw into windows consistently is a good way to go.
OFFENSE
Yes, I know the Packers ran very well on the Bears last time, but I think their defense will be all hopped up this time around to 'avenge lost pride', and will game plan as though the Packers will attempt virtually the same attack.
Therefore, in spite of the cold, I'd have the Packers come out throwing : short, long, slants, outs, posts - the gamut. I think we can take away a lot of that defense's macho energy by going the air route.
Instead of banging away on first down (which I don't think will be successful), and immediately setting up 2nd and long - let's use out excellent receivers to teat the very average secondary, or at least stretch the field for the underneath stuff to Grant, Jackson, or Lee.
(By the way, the Packers have become very predictable in consistently running on 2nd and 10. Time to change the tendency, Mike.)
Moll should receive a hearty helping of chips from backs or tight ends.
This should be a classic case of using the pass to set up the (later) run.
This game requires a 'judo' approach : use the Bear's own 'we're gonna get you good for whomping us last time' energy against them by pitting our receiving talent against the weakest part of their defense.
Matador vs Bull.
Ole!
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