Bears At Packers: What To Watch For
By Grizz.
Maintain The Rush
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears line is not a top ten offensive line in the National Football League. However, this line is adequate, and that is impressive given the patchwork job that has been done.
The Bears look to have found a serviceable left tackle in former seventh round selection, Charles Leno Jr. Kyle Long is also being called a top five tackle by Bleacher Report’s Chris Simms.
Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
With that being said, the Chicago Bears must be able to maintain the Packers rush. Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers are the nucleus of what makes this Packers defense as effective as it has been. Slowing them down will allow for Jay Cutler to play clean.
Like almost every other quarterback in the NFL, Jay Cutler does not perform as well as he can when he is consistently being pressured. The Chicago Bears offensive line must minimize the impact that the Green Bay Packers have while blitzing. This will allow for Cutler to take advantage of young Green Bay defensive backs.
We have seen what Cutler can do with smart play calling, and a clean pocket – But we have all seen the games that he gets flustered and relies too heavily on his arm strength. This typically ends in a turnover or a poor pass in a tight window.
In order to win this game the Bears must maintain solid pass protection and be able to win the line of scrimmage on running plays. By being able to rush the ball, the Bears will be able to keep a balanced attack and keep the Packers defense guessing.
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