Playoff Matchup Preview: Packers vs Bears

The Situation:  The Bears and the Packers is the oldest rivalry in NFL history.  This will be the 182nd meeting in this series and only the second time these two teams will meet in the playoffs.  The last time was in 1941.  Both of the teams are known for the powerful defenses and the last time they played in Week 17 there was a combined 13 points scored.  The Packers won 10-3 in Wisconsin and that win aloud them to enter the playoffs.

The Packers made it in as the sixth seed.  Chicago was the second seed in the NFC playoffs and have an overall 12-5 record.  Green Bay has already defeated Philadelphia (the third seed) and Atlanta (the first seed).  They slaughtered Atlanta last Saturday night 41-28 with Aaron Rodgers throwing for 366 yards and 3 TDs.  Chicago made short work of the Seahawks beating them 35-24.  Bear tight end Greg Olsen had 3 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown.  Jay Cutler also played mistake free football and Matt Forte pitched in 80 yards rushing as well.

The winner of this game that starts at 3:00 on Sunday and the winner will be headed for the Super Bowl.  In Week 3, Chicago did beat Green Bay on Monday Night football at home despite Rodgers throwing for 316 yards and completing 34 passes.  The result of that game should encourage Bears fans because it illustrates that even if the Packers quarterback goes off, that they can still win and Green Bay is without their leading receiver from that game tight end Jermichael Finley.

The Outcome:  The Packers had six sacks on Jay Cutler the last time these two played.  When the Bears lost to the Giants, earlier this year, they allowed nine sacks in the first half.  I know the Chicago offensive line has improved, but I can’t believe it has done a complete 180.

Chicago and offensive coordinator Mike Martz has shown a commitment to the run in the second half of the season.  That helps mask the defficiences of their line by staying balanced.  Green Bay is no ground game juggernauts themselves.  However, they have been very creative in using rookie James Starks and Kuhn to keep defenses honest.  Starks did run for over 100 yards against Philadelphia.  But, don’t look for Chicago to let that happen

Both of these teams have awesome defenses.  Charles Woodson and Clay Matthews could both potentially be the defensive players of the year.  For the Bears, you won’t find a better linebacking duo than Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher.  Playoff football is predicated by running the ball and the turnover ratio.  I do see the Packers defense forcing some of those.  Whether its a Tramon Williams pick or a Charles Woodson or Clay Matthews sack, I believe in Cutler’s second playoff game the ball will be coming out.  No offense to the Seahawks, but the Packers aint Seattle.

Lastly, lets look at the matchups in the passing game.  The Packers have an excellent receiving core and possibly the best secondary in the league.  The Bears have an emerging receiving core including Earl Bennett, tight end Olsen, and Johnny Knox.  Hester may be the key in that group, but on special teams, if he is able to take one back it may change the complexion of the game.  But, with the Bears secondary I can’t put them in the same class with the Packers.  In fact, its kind of a no name crew outside of veteran Charles Tilman.