NFC Championship Game: How The Chicago Bears Can Advance To Super Bowl 45
It's a dream matchup for almost any Bears' & Packers' fan: beat your bitter rival for a spot in the Super Bowl. When both teams won their respective games over the weekend, it ensured the Bears and Packers would play a playoff game for the first time since 1941.
Obviously, times are different, but this rivalry isn't. In 2 meeting this season, Chicago won 20-17 in Week 3 at home, and Green Bay won 10-3 in Week 17 to clinch a playoff spot. Neither team has been dominant, and it doesn't appear one will have a significant advantage.
Green Bay opens up as 3-point favorites on the road. They beat the #3 seed and #1 seed in their own buildings; can they accomplish the trifecta and knock off Chicago?
Chicago has to play a great game in order to hold off Green Bay. Here are 8 things the Bears need to accomplish in order to advance to its first Super Bowl since Super Bowl 41.
Attack The Football From The Receivers
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The Bears are going to give up yards to Aaron Rodgers and the receivers--that's a given. What happens after that is what can really change the game.
The Bears' cornerbacks--Charles Tillman, Tim Jennings, DJ Moore--are all solid tacklers and love to go after the football. Jennings did in the Week 3 matchup, which altered the course of the game, and Greg Jennings was stripped against Atlanta.
These receivers can be vulnerable, and if the Bears can create a turnover, it would be a huge momentum shift.
Stop The Running Game
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The Bears have been awesome against the run this season, averaging 90.1 yards per game, good for 2nd in the NFL. Green Bay ran for 63 in Week 3 and 60 in Week 17.
James Starks had a huge game against Philadelphia, rushing forย 123 yards in his playoff debut. He was humbled against Atlanta, when he ran for 66 yards on 25 carries.
Would the Packers try to obtain balance, or will they only use the run to offset the passing? Either way, don't expect the Packers to really get a huge push running the ball.
Minimize The Deep Ball
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Green Bay would really be able to stretch the seam of the Cover-2 if Finley was healthy, but they have to compensate for him not being there.
The key is the safety play for the Bears. If Danieal Manning doesn't give up a big play in coverage like he always does, the Bears can eliminate the big plays from the passing game.
The Packers have enough speed to stretch this defense, but the Bears are very disciplined, outside Manning, and have really good ball skills.
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Use Their Tight Ends and Slot Receivers
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Greg Olsen broke out on Sunday with a 57-yard touchdown on the Bears' first pass. If the Bears want to move the ball through the air, they're going to have to attack the middle of the defense.
The Packers have 2 of the best cornerbacks in the league in Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson. They are going to take away the guys on the outside, so the slot receivers and tight ends will be even more important.
Earl Bennett has been a great slot receiver and third-down converter for Chicago, and it's going to be important for him to be involved early and often. The same can be said for Greg Olsen.
Also, the Bears need to get the ball out quick in order to avoid a great pass rush by the Packers.
Balance on Offense
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In Week 3, Chicago's run-to-pass ratio was 18:27. They ended up winning the game by 3 points. In Week 17, the ratio was 20:39. They lost that game by 7 points.
If the Bears are more balanced, it will make them more competitive. Think about it--a run on 1st down for 3 yards instead of an imcompletion gives you 2nd and 7 instead of 2nd and 10.
Over the last 8 games prior to Week 17, the Bears were almost 50-50 in their run-to-pass ratio, and their record was 7-1. Also, Martz should stay away from gimmicky plays like having Matt Forte throw passes.
Unleash A Revived Tommie Harris
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In the Tampa-2 defense, the most vital player is a disrupting three-technique defensive tackle that can explode up the field and push the pocket. For a few years, Tommie Harris was the best in the league.
However, once he got paid and started taking plays off, he quickly diminished like dust in the wind. He's been in the doghouse for most of the season, but has finally gotten back on the field the past 2 games.
Against Green Bay, he registered his first full sack of 2010. On Sunday, he was disruptive and got 2 sacks on Matt Hassleback. Could we be seeing a revival of the once unstoppable Tommie Harris?
If Harris can be disruptive, it will open things up for Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije and the rest of the defensive line. The Bears need to get in Aaron Rodgers' face and cause havoc. Otherwise, it could be a stressful day.
Dominate Special Teams
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Devin Hester is the best punt returner in the league. If Green Bay gives him a chance to return one, they will regret it. Chicago has one of the best special team units in the league.
As amazing as Devin Hester is, this unit has been a huge driving force for the NFC North champions. Corey Graham has been great and leads the Bears in special teams tackles. Also, when the Bears punt, their coverage is excellent, and they can down punts deep in the opponents' territory.
The return coverage team has usually given up a big return lately, but they can neutralize Green Bay because those guys play with a lot of intensity and reckless abandon.
Jay Cutler Plays Mistake-Free Football
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How could we go through a whole list without mentioning the most important player? Cutler was brilliant in his first playoff game, with zero turnovers and 4 touchdowns.
The gun-slinger really didn't see much pressure or a great pass defense, as he will this week. He has to protect the ball, be patient, and take what the defense gives him.
Also, Cutler has the ability to scramble and get extra yards. He will keep Green Bay looking forward, and these fast receivers can maybe break a big one.
Cutler made great strides this year, and he will contine to get better playing in Martz's system. This guy is truly a franchise quarterback.
Prediction
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The Packers are the hottest team in the NFL and many people's prediction to win it all. The Bears are an afterthought who caught just about every break to be here.
So, we have bitter rivals playing each other in a rubber match. Each game has been close. One team is the hottest and most deserving. The other is truly a team of destiny.
Chicago is loving the underdog role. If there is one defense that can keep Aaron Rodgers in check, it's the Chicago Bears. Who knows--maybe the Bears will catch some breaks along the way.
FINAL SCORE
GREEN BAYย ย 17
CHICAGOย ย ย ย ย ย 20
See you in Dallas for Super Bowl 45!
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