The 3-4: Quick Hits from the Packers-Bears Game

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Under the bright lights of Lambeau Field, the Green Bay Packers' defense shone even brighter in the first victory of the season. 

In a game thought by many to become a shootout, only two passing touchdowns were registered (one by each quarterback), and four interceptions were thrown (all by Jay Cutler).  This game brought all the hard hitting of the Packers-Bears rivalry, while commencing the Rodgers-Cutler comparisons.

Both defenses pressured the quarterbacks and stopped the run all night, but had minor lapses that almost cost each team the game.  Thanks to a gutsy call on third and one with just over a minute remaining, the Packers emerged victorious.

With that, here are my quick hits from the game:

Dom Capers may be the biggest offseason acquisition for the Packers

It may take a full season to confirm this hit, but Capers' 3-4 scheme has such a variety of looks and blitzes that it forced three turnovers in the first half of the first regular season game in which the Packers used it. 

The Packers at certain points had only two defensive linemen in a stance, alternating positions with linebackers who were standing up.  This confused the Bears' offensive line as to where the pass rush was going to come from, and who would be rushing.

Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy brought Capers in to do exactly that—increase the pass rush and force more turnovers.  Capers has also increased the aggressiveness, speed and intensity of the defense that also held Matt Forte to 55 yards rushing. 

Capers called several blitzes that forced Cutler to scamper out of the pocket and hurry his throws.  With blitzers coming from all angles and performing different stunts, Cutler was ultimately lucky to make it out of the game with only four picks.

Cullen Jenkins is a beast

Transitioning from a pass-rushing defensive end in the 4-3 to a run-stuffing end in the 3-4 scheme is not an easy task for most.  However, Jenkins seems to be doing just fine.

Jenkins flew by Frank Omiyale constantly, and even split Omiyale and Orlando Pace on occasion to blow up Forte in the backfield.  

Not only does this mean Jenkins can occupy two linemen on a regular basis (his job in the 3-4), but he can beat them.  On passing plays, this practically turns Jenkins into another pass rusher, causing even more havoc for opposing quarterbacks.

Jenkins began to succeed as a pass rusher two years ago as he pushed out Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and secured a starting end spot and four year contract. 

Dear Ted Thompson: Make sure Jenkins stays a Packer.  He's proved his worth wherever you put him on the field and deserves an extension next year.  His hard work an attitude are an asset to the team now, and will affect upcoming rookies positively.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?