Bears At Packers: What To Watch For
By Grizz.
Run Wild
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) celebrates his touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
It looks as if the Chicago Bears are going to be with their workhorse tailback, Matt Forte, for Thursdays matchup. This will draw some interest from the mere fact that Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey have played well during Forte’s absence.
Having the former pro bowler in the backfield will be beneficial to the Bears as they look to balance their offensive attack, but it will be interesting to see how Offensive Coordinator Adam Gase will handle snap counts between the three running backs.
Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes the ball against Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jon Bostic (57) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeats the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
My best bet is that Forte will see roughly 75% of all offensive snaps, while Langford will handle around 20%, and Carey will round out the rest. Look for Langford to be featured on plays with Forte as an extra receiver that will be sure to create mismatches with the Packers secondary.
On the other sideline is the duo of Eddie Lacy and James Starks. Lacy had been struggling mightily up until his matchup last week against the Minnesota Vikings. Lacy rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries that game. However, in the previous four match ups Lacy had only rushed for a combine 78 yards.
Duties were turned over to the Packers change-of-pace back, James Starks. Starks and Lacy must be shut down by the Chicago Bears defense. By doing so, the Bears will force the Packers to be one dimensional and predictable.
This battle of two very well known quarterbacks could actually come down to which team runs the ball more efficiently. Whom that may be, we shall see.
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