(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
For only the third time in NFL history, perhaps the most storied rivalry in the NFL will be on display in Week 1.
Both the Bears and the Packers made a major change in philosophy during the off-season, and our first look at these changes will come in a game that comes with enough standard hype.
The Bears made one of the biggest trades in franchise history in acquiring what fans hope to be their first franchise QB in too long.
The Packers, after an anemic defense was the biggest reason for the lack of a playoff birth, hired 3-4 guru Dom Capers to provide a new look.
The two teams figure to be two-thirds of a three-team race for the NFC North, and this game is huge for both teams, as both teams have tough Week 2 matchups: Chicago plays the reigning champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and Green Bay faces a resurgent Bengals team, whose offense will test the new Green Bay defense.
So in order to see who starts the season in style, lets take a look at the key matchups.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Chicago secondary
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers put together a phenomenal season in his first as a full-time starter, throwing for 4,000 yards, racking up 32 total touchdowns, and perhaps most importantly, outperforming Brett Favre's disappointing season in New York.
Last time the Bears visited Lambeau, Rodgers led an attack that handed Chicago their worst loss since Lovie Smith took over the head-coaching duties four seasons ago (37-3).
His top two receivers, Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, are one of the better tandems in the game, and proved it last season by totaling a combined 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.
They face a battered Chicago secondary, who may have to start a disappointing Nathan Vasher and inexperienced Trumaine Mcbride, with top CB Charles Tillman questionable.
Safeties Daniel Manning and Kevin Payne are solid but not spectacular. Payne is more of a hard-hitting run-stopper, while Manning is better in coverage. This potentially leaves one half of the field vulnerable to the Packers aerial attack, and Rodgers was very good with the deep ball last year.
Packers O-line vs. Bears D-line
Historically, the defensive line has been a strong point for the Bears defense, but an absent pass rush led to problems against the passing game last year.
Fortunately for the Bears, management brought in Rod Marinelli as D-line coach, and he should bring improvement in that area.
The Packers line this year will be characterized by its youth and inexperience, starting Daryn Colledge at LG, Jason Spitz at C, Josh Sitton at RG, and Allen Barbre at RT; none of the four are past their fifth year in the league.
LT Chad Clifton brings a familiar veteran presence to the line, as he's been a solid staple at the position for years.
Marinelli should have the big names on the Bears line playing better this year, as Mark Anderson, Tommie Harris, and Alex Brown haven't lived up to the hype they earned in earlier seasons.
The Packers zone blocking scheme will need to be at its best to give Rodgers time to throw and RB Ryan Grant holes to run through.
Overall Packers on Offense: Expect Aaron Rodgers to carry the load for the Packers, and expect a heavy dose of the vertical passing game with Greg Jennings and Donald Driver up the sideline and new weapon Jermichael Finley testing the middle of the field.
Ryan Grant could provide a good complement and keep the defense honest providing the line plays well. There will be points scored.
Matt Forte vs Packers Front 7
Rookie RB Matt Forte was the key cog in the Bears offense last season, accounting for a higher percentage of his team's total yards than any other player in the NFL. The addition of Cutler should only help, keeping defenses from stacking the box against him.
The Packers move to the 3-4, which provides for more creativity with the play-calling and blitz packages.
Because of the Packers secondary, where three out of the four starters have represented Green Bay at the Pro Bowl, including FS Nick Collins and former Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson last year, the Bears vertical passing game will be all but nonexistent.
Despite the speed of Devin Hester, the Bears don't have a receiver capable of keeping the Pack from double teaming Hester, as all the Packer's corners, including nickelback Tramon Williams, excel in man-to-man coverage.
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