How the Green Bay Packers Can Complete the Sweep of the Chicago Bears

The Green Bay Packers entered the bye week with a record of 5-3. Right now, they sit in second place in the NFC North behind the Detroit Lions (6-2). Sunday, the Packers face their division rival, the Chicago Bears (3-5), at Lambeau Field.

In their last meeting, neither team punted the ball—but the Packers offense was more efficient in a 38-17 blowout win.

Entering Sunday's game, the Packers have issues they still must address. Some of these were present in their first meeting in Chicago. Let's take a look at what Green Bay must do to complete the season sweep of the Bears and stay in the NFC North race.

Improve the Run Defense

Through nine weeks, the Packers run defense is ranked dead last in the league. Opposing teams are averaging 153.5 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. Last week against the Saints, Mark Ingram ran all over Green Bay for 172 yards. This opened up the play-action pass for Drew Brees, and he used it to burn the secondary throughout the night. 

Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press/Associated Press

If the Packers want to slow down the Bears' high-octane offense, it starts by limiting Matt Forte. Last time out, Forte rushed for 122 yards. Forte's ability to get to the second level wore down the Packers defense, especially in the first half in which Chicago scored 17 points.

Expect Matt Forte to be the focal point of the Chicago offense in the running game, as well as in the passing game. This week, Green Bay expects defensive end Datone Jones to return—which should help specifically on the edge.  If Jones and the rest of the defense can limit Forte on the ground, the Packers should control the game.

Win the Turnover Battle

Head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dom Capers have always preached about winning the turnover battle. Thankfully for McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers is perhaps the best in the league at limiting interceptions, with only three thus far. Capers has a lot to be thankful for this season, too. The Packers rank 4th in the NFL with 10 interceptions. 

Last week, the Saints won the turnover battle 3-1. Rodgers uncharacteristically threw two interceptions—both came after a minor hamstring injury limited his mobility. However, Rodgers is healthy now, and the Packers typically fare well against the Bears in the turnover battle. 

Last time out, Jay Cutler threw two second-half interceptions—both leading to Green Bay touchdowns. That was the turning point in the game. 

This Sunday, Cutler and the Bears will have to deal with a Lambeau Field crowd hungry for a win against their rivals. Expect Rodgers to limit turnovers and pressure Cutler to do the same.

Continue to Frustrate Jay Cutler

The Bears tend to live and die with Jay Cutler. When Cutler plays well, the offense can keep up with anyone. When he struggles, the Bears struggle, especially with a below average defense.

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Cutler's career numbers vs. Green Bay are staggering. He is 1-9 with 19 interceptions and a 67.0 passer rating (10 games). His lone win came in 2010 on a Monday Night at Soldier Field. Even in that game, Cutler struggled, throwing for 221 yards with only one touchdown and an interception.

The Bears were fortunate to win because they took advantage of the Packers committing 18 penalties. Because Sunday's game is at Lambeau, expect Cutler to struggle as he always does—with interceptions.

With a favorable schedule in the second half of the season, the Green Bay Packers have a golden opportunity to regain the NFC North lead and win their fourth straight division title. That all starts Sunday against the Bears. If Green Bay can improve the run defense, win the turnover battle and frustrate Cutler, this one shouldn't be close.

Prediction

Packers 31, Bears 20