Packers-Bears: Rivalry Renewed

The Packers and Bears renew a historic rivalry this Sunday.

The Bears come into this game looking to answer some of the same questions people have been asking for the last five games.

Can the Bears stop the pass?

Will Hester breakout?

Can the Bears maintain a late-game lead?

When will Rich Eisen join Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann on Football Night in America?

Okay so maybe I’m the only one interested in the last question, but the first three are posed yet again this week.

I’m not so concerned with Hester getting a return touchdown nearly as much as I’m wondering when will the Bears stop the pass. The Bears' run defense is among the top five, but their pass defense is among the bottom five. You need no more explanation than that to justify the Bears 5-4 record.

While the Bears offense has exceeded most expectations this season the defense has given games away in every loss.

If you read my articles, then you will have seen the next few statements before but until the defense steps up I’ll keep shining a light on it.

The Bears' front four need to generate a consistent pass rush throughout the game. Sacks aren’t as important as hurrying the quarterback and forcing him to get rid of the ball early. Allowing them to sit in the pocket for five-plus second after the ball is snapped is unacceptable.

If Gus Frerotte and Kerry Collins have been able to shred the Bears secondary, what do you think Aaron Rodgers is capable of? Hurries, knocked down passes, hell even a few roughing the passer calls would be welcome at this point just to prove we have a defensive line capable of even reaching the quarterback.

Rushing the passer is priority No. 1 for the defense, but they cannot ignore Ryan Grant, who has been a bit of a disappointment so far this season. On the other side, Matt Forte has performed better than expected and will get his first taste of this bitter rivalry.

The Bears' offense, led by either Grossman or Orton, have a golden opportunity to take advantage of a few key injuries on the Packers defense. With the middle of the field weakened look for lots of draw plays and tight end short post routes (Des Clarks favorite).

Players to Watch

Tommie Harris: He’s the leader of that offensive line and he needs to have a big day against a division rival.

Kevin Payne: The strength of the Packers offense is its quick wide receivers. Look for Payne to be very busy covering the middle of the field.  

John Tait: Tait has the unenviable task of having to block Aaron Kampman. Kampman seems to have his biggest games against NFC North foes. Tait will need help from Bears tight ends and running backs most of the day.

Key to the Game

Pass protection: This game will come down two whoever protects their quarterback best. The Bears have been decent so far this season at keeping the QBs upright, while the Packers have had a tendency to expose Rodgers to big hits.