Packers vs. Bears: 5 Halftime Adjustments Chicago Must Make

The Bears are keeping it close at home today. The defense needs to step up and limit the big passing plays, but compared to most teams who face Aaron Rodgers, they have played exceptionally well. 

They looked good on their touchdown drive that cut the lead in half midway through the second quarter, but they still need to mix up the offense a little bit to really have a good shot at turning the score around.

Here are five big adjustments the Bears need to make at halftime:

1. Don't Over Correct on Pass Plays

I understand wanting to be aggressive on defense, but sometimes sticking with a guy as close as possible isn’t the best way to play. The styles of routes that the Packer receivers are running make it easy for them to make a quick cut and get separation. And just a little space is more than enough for Aaron Rodgers to get the ball in there.

The Bears’ secondary should be giving a little bigger cushion and allowing room to correct themselves on a quick step or move after the catch. Right now, Rodgers is burning them because when the defenders are that close and the receiver moves away quickly, they are open for a split second.

2. Get to Rodgers

If he’s not the best QB in the NFL right now, he’s a close second to Brady. Make him nervous by calling some mixed blitzes, get him moving in the pocket and force him to at least make less sure throws. Maybe one of these unsure throws turns into a tipped pass or something within interception’s range.

The longer Rodgers is allowed to be comfortable in the pocket, the better chance he has of finding a seam and hitting his receiver for a big gain. A pressure or hurry or even a knockdown would be huge for momentum and rattling Rodgers' confidence.

3. Beat the Blitz

The Packers are bringing Charles Woodson or Clay Matthews a LOT today. Expect the blitz, let your tight ends and backs pick them up and call for a quick slant or a run play that will beat it. Showing the defense that you can outsmart them can easily cool pressure.

Next time Green Bay stacks the box, Cutler should audible to a quick slant or screen play that will net them about seven or eight yards, but more importantly, clears space for the running game on future plays. Once that blitz is beaten, the Bears can do more of what they want with the ball.

4. Get Another Guy on Jennings

Rodgers and Greg Jennings have been a deadly combination so far. The Bears have a solid defense, but that combo is making them look like a high school unit. If you’re not going to blitz and put some pressure on Rodgers, then the least you can do is double Jennings.

At least do it temporarily to force the Pack to look at other options. Because every time Jennings has touched the ball so far, it’s been on a wide-open catch, and he’s the last guy you want getting yards after the catch. He’s still quick, he’ll make you miss and pick up more real estate after the play if you allow him to.

5. Change the Offense

This game is not going to be won on home run balls down the sideline. Jay Cutler has the arm to make those deep throws, but not the accuracy or decision-making capabilities. That’s why he has had horrid interception numbers his entire career.

Cutler is better on short passes to the flat or across the middle, where he can sling it in rather than having to put it to a perfect spot. And on the running side, whatever is going on is not working. With 12 minutes left in the half, the Bears had minus-1 yards rushing. Matt Forte should be at least making some headway and keeping the front seven on their heels.