Ryan Grant

Matt Toeaina will get the start in his place. Without Ryan Grant, the Packers will only run the ball to keep Chicago honest. If they need a first down, they're going through the air.

To that point, the Bear secondary is in for a long night if the front four doesn't get pressure. Charles Tillman and Zack Bowman need to keep Donald Driver and Greg Jennings under wraps, but its D.J. Moore's match-up against that third wide-out James Jones or Jordy Nelson that will be key to slowing down the Pack. They're so deep at receiver that their number four could go off for 80 yards and a TD. Despite their downfield threats, the Packers have an excellent receiving right end in Jermichael Finley, who will be in a mis-match all night long no matter who is covering him. Putting a safety on him would be a size problem and take away a much-needed deep defender, so look for one of the Bear linebackers to meet him at the line of scrimmage. Brian Urlacher should continue his high-energy play in this highly anticipated match-up. Good luck boys.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Packers at Bears"

ade me feel.

After a none-too shocking three-and-out by the Bears offense, Green Bay running back Ryan Grant took his first carry 62 yards to paydirt, leaving me resigned to an unseemly stomping at the hands of our division rivals. But a funny thing happened at Soldier Field on Sunday... the Aaron Rodgers didn't start throwing 40-yard bombs, the Bear defense tightened and the Bear offense scored! After pulling ahead 14-13 in the third quarter of a game they had no business winning, I actually thought we had a chance. That'll teach me.

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fense gave up 37 points and was pushed around by a Packer offensive line that paved the way for 145 Ryan Grant rushing yards. Rodgers picked the Bears apart, going 23 out of 30 for 224 yards and two touchdowns, hitting nine different receivers. After being burned by the pass in week ten, Chicago dropped defenders back into coverage, deviating from their normal scheme of predominantly eight-man fronts. They never struck a competitive balance or disguised their coverage, allowing Rodgers to easily recognize the situation and call the appropriate play. If Bob Babich and Lovie Smith expect a win tonight, their defense can’t be so transparent. Creativity will throw Rodgers off his reads and perhaps force a few errant balls downfield. As much as the coaches need to prepare, the players need to perform, and that starts with the defensive line. If they can get to Rodgers early, it could set an early tone from which the “playing for pride” Pack won’t recover.  

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If there were only seven men near the line, he handed off to Ryan Grant with tremendous success. Rodgers was never touched by a defender thanks to a stellar job by his of-late criticized offensive line. They made sure that Chicago’s awful pass rush stayed that way. 

Continue reading "Bears Get Blown Out in Green Bay"

His name was Ryan Grant. And once his number was called, he exploded into a productive fire storm. He lead the league in rushing from week 8 on. This year, he will get to be a starter for an entire year of football and I all am seeing is another amazing season.

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(Repost from another place in December)

Fantasy Football.

I like it. I play it. I read Matthew Berry's columns. This is my ode to him while trashing the guys in my league. Enjoy.

Continue reading "Fantasy Football Mid-Season Post"