Keys to the Game: Packers vs. Bears

Packers Protect Rodgers Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers dodged major injury against the New Orleans Saints. Keeping Rodgers safe is job No. 1. That could be tougher with both starting guards, T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton, possibly out with injuries. The Packers did a good job protecting Rodgers in the first game against the Bears in Week 4. There’s no doubt the Bears know they have to make Rodgers uncomfortable. Stop Forte Matt Forte is one of the most consistent runners in the league. He’s a down-in and down-out back. He has 562 yards so far this season. The Bears’ offense has some great receiving targets, but a solid running day by Forte would do more to tame the Packers on Sunday night than anything. With the Packers fielding the worst run defense in the league, it might not be a bad game plan. Bears Finish Drives The Bears will need to sustain drives Sunday. With a weak defense, keeping Rodgers on the sideline is the best way to stop him. Three-and-outs, settling for field goals or turning the ball over simply won’t get it done for the Bears against the Packers. The Packers have issues on defense. The Bears showed last game they are capable of both scoring on the Packers’ defense and turning the ball over. Avoid those mistakes and a blowout becomes a much, much closer game. Build a Lead The Saints showed that the best way to beat the Packers is to get a lead. A lead takes the Packers out of their game, takes running back Eddie Lacy out of the equation, and puts pressure on the offensive line. Perhaps the best benefit of a lead is that it negates the Packers’ pass rush. A team with a lead can be much more balanced and keep a defense guessing. Extra Points Must-See Matchup Sam Shields vs. Brandon Marshall The Packers held Bears receiver Brandon Marshall to just two catches for 19 years in the first game. Marshall is healthier this time around. Sam Shields is returning from injury. It’ll be key for the Packers’ secondary, which also gets safety Morgan Burnett back, to keep the Bears’ stable of receivers in check. Getting a few picks off Jay Cutler would be a nice bonus, as well. Hot Seat: Offensive line The Packers’ offensive line is still a big concern. Tackles David Bakhtiari and Bryan Bulaga have not impressed. Guards T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton are dealing with injuries from the Saints game. Center Corey Linsley is a rookie. How the Packers line will look won’t be known until Sunday night. Whoever does start can’t afford to have a bad game. Hot Streak: Eddie Lacy Eddie Lacy had a nice game against the Saints before the bye. He had 59 yards on 13 carries. He added 123 yards through the air on eight catches, his most of the season. A lot of the yardage came on screen passes. That could become a staple of the Packers’ offense going forward.