Packers-Bears scouting report for Week 14

The Packers matchup with the Bears strikes me as a trap game.  The Pack comes in at 8-4 winning 4 straight, while the Bears are 5-7 having lost 4 of their last 5 games.  The Packers have more talent throughout the roster than the Bears.  The Packers make too mistakes for a playoff team.  The 8-4 record is great, but they’ve taken advantage of a soft schedule this season.  The Packers don’t pick their opponents, but they don’t have as tough a road to hoe as some other teams. 

The undisciplined penalties and inadequate coverage on returns have hamstrung the Packers all season.  The Packers gift wrap opportunities to stay in the games.  That’s the only way I see the Bears capable of winning this game over the Packers.  Stupid penalties, special teams flipping field position, and turnovers are going to be crucial in this matchup with the inferior team.  Tramon Williams had a horrible game against the Ravens average receivers last week.  The Bears do have a deep threat in Johnny Knox and Williams will need to keep his hands to himself.  Jarrett Bush is also a liability in coverage.  I believe these two could spell the team’s demise in the postseason.  Charles Woodson will get to matchup on tight end Greg Olsen, forcing the Bears to beat them with their other receivers.  Special teams are the strongest unit for the Bears with Johnny Knox and Daniel Manning regularly flipping field position. 

Charles “Peanut” Tillman is like Manny Pacquiao with his ability to throw power punches from all angles.  “Peanut” would be my main focal point in addressing the offense this week.  His 59 tackles from the corner position along with 6 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions would receive a lot of attention in film study.  The Packers should be able to run on the Bears soft middle and be able to pick apart their secondary.  I would start all of my Packers this week in the fantasy playoffs.  Outside of Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs, the group lacks play makers.  The safeties are ripe for deep balls and should be attacked regularly.  Two good things happen when you try to throw deep a completion or a penalty.  The rules of the game favor the offense with the illegal contact and pass interference penalties often changing the flow of the game.   

The Bears offensive line is worse than the Packers unit.  Jay Cutler has regressed this season due to an inadequate supporting cast.  Matt Forte has turned into a fantasy bust this season with his inability to get going on the ground.  Only 1 hundred yard rushing performance week 4 against the Lions for 121 yards isn’t what fantasy owners spending an early pick expected this season.  Much has been made of Cutler’s interceptions in the red zone.  The Bears line is terrible and they can’t get a push in short yardage.  Because teams know the Bears can’t run, tight end Greg Olsen becomes a top priority.  Take away Olsen and none of the other receivers are capable of winning 1 on 1 matchups. Cutler gets flushed by pressure and throws into triple coverage hoping a guy can make a play.  The continuity you see with Rodgers and Jennings or Driver isn’t present in the Windy City.  The back shoulder throws Rodgers makes show confidence in his receiver’s ability to go get the ball.  The slants on the goal-line are a staple of the Packers offense.  The Bears receivers aren’t capable of executing either route.  Injuries on the Packers defense line may have an impact on the game.  Cullen Jenkins (hamstring) and rookie tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) are probable for the game. End Johnny Jolly (knee) is questionable.  While, Ryan Pickett (hamstring) is doubtful after missing a week of practice. 

The Bears have nothing else left to play for with the postseason out of reach.  If the Packers make too many mistakes even a team like the Bears can come back and beat them.  This is the NFL and anyone can be anyone.  Riding high off a 4 game winning streak, the Packers must avoid a letdown.

Tags: Bears, Manny Pacquiao, Packers