4th Phase Game Ball Week 8: Shea McClellin

To beat the Packers, every football cliche had to come into play. The Bears had to control the clock, run the ball, force turnovers, protect the ball and Josh McCown would have to play a near-perfect game just hang with Aaron Rodgers.

Then the unexpected happen. Rodgers fractured his collarbone after a Shea McClellin sack, the most memorable sack since Corey Wootton ended Brett Favre’s career. This sack won’t end Rodger’s career or his season but there is a seismic shift in powers, not only in the NFC North or the conference, but the entire league.

McClellin, the oft-criticized first round pick who wasn’t making enough plays. The undersized defensive end who is probably playing out of position. The kid from Boise State with three total sacks in his career. The kid finished the game with three sacks, his first to set the tone of the game and his last to end the game, destroying any chance of a miracle comeback.

I don’t know if McClellin’s performance was an aberration or if it’s a glimpse into the defense’s future but it was a memorable performance in front of a national audience. Let’s just hope this builds the kid’s confidence and we hope to see more of this not only from him but the entire defensive line.

UPDATE: