The NFL’s oldest rivalry opens up a new chapter at Lambeau Field this Sunday, November 16, 2008. Entitled “After Favre,” this new plot twist leaves fans of both teams anxious but uncertain as to what will unfold in this classic tale. One thing they can expect to see is Kyle Orton under center for the visiting Chicago Bears. After missing the loss against the Titans with an ankle injury, Orton will try and keep his team in first place with a win over the Packers.
Orton’s arrival means Rex Grossman moves back to the area where he can most help the offense: the sidelines. Orton’s ankle could offer problems in terms of his velocity, but his accuracy should remain intact. Luckily, he shouldn’t have to win this game all by himself, as the Packers’ rush defense ranks 28th in the league. If Lovie Smith and coordinator Ron Turner realize this, they can keep Kyle in the high teens for pass attempts by simply handing off to any one of their three running backs. Between Matt Forte, Kevin Jones, and Garrett Wolfe the Bears have an opportunity for a huge day on the ground. The Packers own the NFL’s third ranked pass defense, so going through the air too often won’t end well. They also lead the league in interceptions with sixteen. This would appear to be the perfect game for Kyle to try and play through an injury, since the Packers (like the Bears) have struggled to pressure the quarterback, totaling only sixteen sacks through 9 games. (For all those wondering, the Bears have 17 sacks. Take that Packer fans.)
As well as this match-up looks for the Bears’ offense, it looks even better for the Packers. Chicago’s 30th ranked pass defense hasn’t given up the big play, but they can be slowly picked apart through short passes. This plays right into the strength of the Packer passing attack, which likes underneath routes that allows their receivers to gain yards after the catch. Don’t be shocked if Green Bay doesn’t surpass fifteen rushing attempts. Ryan Grant, going through a disappointing season, will only be a decoy coming out of the backfield, maybe getting looks on short routes to the flats.
Personally, I would call a pass on every single down if I were Coach Mike McCarthy. The Bears haven’t shown the ability to stop it, so why not throw until they do? Chicago’s pass rush hasn’t produced all year, and it starts on the defensive line. Adewale Ogunleye has disappeared, Alex Brown only plays the run well, Mark Anderson barely sees the field, and Tommie Harris hasn’t been healthy enough to make the impact we all expect of him. All of those players have signed lucrative contracts, and now they’re starting to show a lackadaisical effort on the field. Rookie Marcus Harrison and finally healthy Dusty Dvoracek contribute the most on the defensive front, showing great awareness and taking up multiple blocks to free up the rest of the line. It’s such a shame that their effort is wasted on teammates that can’t beat their individual blockers. If things remain the same during the rest of the year I wouldn’t be surprised to a major shake-up in this unit during the off-season. Their lack of production has exposed the secondary, who are better when they can jam the wide receivers off their routes. If they press on the outside while their line gets pressure on the QB, everything works to perfection. Without the pressure, a corner’s jam may screw with a route’s timing, but the receivers will eventually make adjustments and find the openings in the coverage.
Each team has an easy game plan to utilize this Sunday. It all depends on which defense decides to show up and play to their potential. With Minnesota at 5-4 going into the weekend, the winner of this game won’t have a lock on the division, but it’s still a contest that neither team can afford to lose. Bear down Chicago Bears, because it’s time to step it up.
