Chicago Bears: 5 Keys for Defense and Special Teams to Beat the Packers

The NFC Championship Game is only days away, and the Bears came away from practice Wednesday feeling confident in their chances of handling the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.

While many of the experts and analysts see the matchup between Aaron Rodgers and the Bears' Cover 2 defense as lopsided, the Bears have proven that they can find ways to be effective against the best quarterback left in the playoffs.

If the defense and special teams get their film study in and execute their game plans, they could bring the Halas Trophy back to Chicago and earn the right to play in the Super Bowl.

This Bears team has relied on its defense in the past, and now is the time again, because a potent Packer offense will be one of the biggest challenges in their biggest game ever.

Watch the Shotgun Two-Back Sets

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 20-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

In the Seahawks game, Matt Hasselbeck had some success last week when he was in shotgun with two backs, one on each side of him. If the receivers had been able to hold on to the ball on crucial plays, the Seahawks could've converted many more first downs.

When they were in that set, the Bears would draw more to the line to try to shut down the middle, which is one of the philosophies of the Bears defense. What happened is Matt would use the outside edges to throw quick slants for positive yardage to the slot and weakside receivers.

The Bears had to account for the two backs, which led to openings in the short passing game.

The Packers have many exotic offensive packages that try to set up simple passing plays. When Jermichael Finley was still in the lineup, the Packers would use multiple backs regularly. When he went on IR for the season, the Packers moved away from those sets but adapted later in the season and used those plays again.

Aaron Rodgers has multiple weapons at the receiver position. Any of them could take a quick slant and move up the field quickly. The receivers on this team strive for YAC, and when an assignment or read gets confused by the Bears defense, it could lead to big plays.

The Bears have to try to find the cues and shifts that the Packers use pre-snap so they are ready for the quick slants. Peyton Manning has made a living with the dink and dunk. If a quarterback can get four yards on every play, the completions lead to long drives and points on the board.

Try to Utilize Chris Harris in Blitz Packages

Getting two of the Carolina Panthers' best defensive players this season has helped the Bears immensely.

Having Chris Harris back this season has made the secondary more effective. The self-proclaimed "Hitman" could be used Sunday to keep Aaron Rodgers guessing, which is hard for defenses as of late.

Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league against the blitz, so the Bears have to give him different looks on where the pressure will be coming from.

If Harris is used like an Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu periodically, which means he can come up to scrimmage and shoot the gaps, he could upset the rhythm of the Packers offense.

If the Bears use the Zone Dog Blitzes, Brian Urlacher or Lance Briggs can move back into coverage to make up for Harris' spots in zone coverage.

It is a big gamble to try this type of strategy against Rodgers, but if the Bears can count on the four-man rush and incorporate secondary pressure, it could prove to wreak havoc Sunday afternoon.

Do What You Do: Eliminate the Run Game

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers turns to hand the ball off to James Starks #44 against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Geor

The Bears have been able to stop the run, and that has been the mantra all season.

The Packers have been very inept in the run game this season, but James Starks has lit a fire for the Packers. He was used effectively against the Falcons last week.

When the running game gets going, the offensive line gains confidence, which leads to play-action passing if the Bears start biting on the fake.

If Starks can keep the Bears honest, it will only give Aaron Rodgers more time in the pocket to read the defense and find an open man.

If the Bears stuff the run, the Packers might give up on the run altogether. Then the defense could have one less aspect of the offense to worry about.

We saw the Seahawks give up on Marshawn Lynch; the Packers might take the wrong turn as well if the Bears impose their will on the running game.

Field Position Will Be Crucial

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Brad Maynard #4 of the Chicago Bears punts the ball against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The Bears' special teams has been one of their most important phases this year.

Dave Toub has led the way in keeping the one of the top-ranked special teams units in the league consistent.

Brad Maynard is one of the best punters in the league and can put the ball in coffin corner if need be.

The Bears return game can take the pressure off the Bears offense.

Keeping the Packers behind the 30 will give the them a bigger challenge and keep them out of field goal range or the red zone.

If the Packers get the ball with good field position, the Bears could be playing from behind.

Playing from behind leads to mistakes and turnovers because it puts more pressure on the Bears offense. Jay Cutler throws a high percentage of his interceptions when the Bears are playing from behind.

Use Devin Hester on Every Return

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 17: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears returns a punt 89 years for a touchdown in the 4th quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field on October 17, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Seahawks defeated the Bears 23-20. (Photo by

The Bears have the most explosive return man in NFL history.

Many teams are willing to kick the ball out of bounds on kickoffs just so Hester doesn't get a chance.

His presence on the field alone puts fear in the opposition, and in what looks to be a very emotional game on Sunday, every intangible will be multiplied.

Using Danieal Manning at this point in time in the return game is pointless. Using Manning now is like letting the best horse stay in the stable on race day.

With sloppy Soldier Field slowing down the rest of the players, the home crowd waiting in anticipation for the ball to fall into Devin Hester's hands and the special teams putting big blocks upfield, it just makes sense to see him shine in the biggest game of his career.

Hester is a natural punt and kick returner, not a wide receiver. The Bears need to utilize his ability to win.

If Hester can take one back, the momentum of the game could totally change in favor of the Bears.