The postseason is finally here. After a fun season filled with incredibly memorable moments and games, the Chicago Bears get a shot at playoff glory.
It certainly won’t be easy with a third game against the Green Bay Packers looming large.
The Packers and Bears already played two close games this season. But there are plenty of intriguing trends heading into the game.
The Packers lost four straight games to end the season, while Chicago lost their last two.
The Bears are a one-point home underdog, despite
winning the division.
Here’s what our crew thinks needs to happen for Chicago to get on to the divisonal round.
Sam: Dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Move the ball on offense and win the time of possession. Establish the run game once again. On defense, don’t lose those in-breaking routes and get beat deep. Green Bay is dangerous and Jordan Love can make plays. The defense absolutely has to play better than they have the last two weeks.
Jack R Salo: The Bears have to get this run game going again, and that means getting blockers to the second level. Both teams figure to be missing a few key players, so grind out long drives that end with points. The fresher the defense is, the more they can stop Jordan Love’s downfield passing. It may come down to a kick, so Cairo Santos has to be perfect.
Gary: WIN. IN. THE. TRENCHES. I have all the faith in the world in the OLine, but SOMEONE needs to step up on defensive line and create some pressure, I know it’s beyond wishful thinking at this point, but if we can’t generate pressure with 5-6 men, just play Cover 0 and send 7-8 instead of dying by a million papercuts if it comes down to it. It sounds dramatic, but that’s been the plan of attack against each each of the last 4 weeks. I’d rather die by the sword then see us have 2 possessions and 8 minutes of ball control in the first half.
Josh: The offense needs to sustain drives by all available means to limit the explosive nature of what the Pack can do. The defense needs to play with some actual grit and win the line of scrimmage at least a few times each drive.
Donald: Ben Johnson has to play the game against his playoff type but consistent with his regular season patterns – pound – the – rock. The Packers have no answer to Swift and KM. Dominate the time of possession and establish dominance in the run game, which will then open up the play-action pass. With Rome back, I expect the Bears passing game to be a real edge in this game. On defense, it is all about getting the backend together. The Bears have been exposed in recent games. With Gordon back, the Bears should have good defense in the slot. I would argue Stephenson needs to re-enter the Bears backfield – whether that is for Wright or JJ – I’m not sure – but with TS and KG back – I believe that is key to the Bears limiting Jordan Love’s downfield prospects. And maybe the key to the Bears walking away with the victory.
Bryan: Establish the run early and get points on the board. We began with all the momentum when GB visited a few weeks back and relinquished control due to mishaps and/or silly penalties. So playing smart and controlled this week with such high energy will be huge on both sides. On D, stop the run and get our hands on the ball when J. Love passes to create turnovers. Ideally, we can pressure him as well, but we haven’t been doing that very well lately. But if we can win the turnover battle, rushing battle and time of possession, we win big.
What are your keys? Let us know what it will take for the Bears to win Saturday in the comments.
