PACK/BEARS get primed

by Adam T on Dec 26, 2006 7:23 AM CST in News

In the last game using flexible scheduling, the Green Bay Packers visit to Chicago gets the call. It was a likely choice given all the stories attached to it, the Bears looking to go 14-2, possibly Favre's last game(doubt it), the Packers are still in the playoff hunt and the Grossman/Griese story that seems to have people all intrigued.

It is hard to say what exactly the game will be like. Coach Smith has not made it know what his plans are as far as resting players. He did say that Griese will get some time, but how soon is unknown.

The game will be the final game of this season and will be played on New Year's Eve.

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hopefully

with the game being against the Packers and and the game being on prime time we will actually get a full game from our defense. The past two weeks in the second half they haven't looked as though they were very interested.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Dec 26, 2006 7:33 AM CST reply actions

Dear Lovie Smith,

Please don't rest your starters on Sunday night. 16 games worth of listening to the national media fellate that asshat that takes the snaps for the Packers is enough, and we'd appreciate it if you didn't give it even a chance of having to extend any longer than that.

Sincerely,
Concerned Football Fans Everywhere

by Gonzo @ Windy City Gridiron on Dec 26, 2006 9:28 AM CST reply actions

To rest, or not to rest.

Packer fan here. Just curious to hear thoughts of whether you think it's worth playing starters in this game or if you think risking injury is reason enough to sit them for the better part of the game?

Depending on the outcome of a few other games, the Packers could (incredibly) be playing for the last playoff slot. Aside from pride and rivalry, this game potentially has a lot riding on it for Green Bay. What's in it for the Bears beyond pride and rivalry? Momentum? Warm-up for the playoffs?

by bierslayer on Dec 26, 2006 10:36 AM CST reply actions

rest or not to rest

Here's the beauty of this. That game is the last game of the regular season for the NFL. If the game is still meaningful I think that the Bears need to treat it like a real game. If by that point the game is meaningless, then I think the Bears will treat it like a pre-season game.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Dec 26, 2006 10:42 AM CST up reply actions

Either way...

it's meaningless for the Bears, right? I doubt the Bears care what it means for the NFL. They only need to take care of themselves.

Since I asked the question, I'll say that if the tables were turned I'd want the starters playing until victory was in hand or we were getting blown out. I think the flow of the game would dictate my decision. If it's a competitive game down to the wire, I'd want my guys to experience that pressure as preparation for the playoffs when more is riding on it. If it's a blowout one way or the other (not likely in GB's favor) then yank the starters so nobody gets hurt.

I think this game plays to the Bears favor in terms of playoff preparation given that Lovie Smith can play the rivalry card in the locker room for this one and give the game some meaning. If they were playing say... Houston I doubt players would be as motivated.

by bierslayer on Dec 26, 2006 2:11 PM CST up reply actions

true

It's always easier to get the guys excited for a rival. Plus, Lovie said when he came into town that he would make beating the Packers his number one priority. I'd have to believe the Bears will be up for this one, unlike the past two games against the Lions, and the Bucs.

BTW: SB Nation could use a Packers blog. I strongly encourage you to start one. If anything else, it'd give you a place to make fun of the Vikings and who (besides Gonzo) doesn't like picking on the Vikings.

first the Rush...now the Bears.

by mike @ Windy City Gridiron on Dec 26, 2006 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

We do need a Packer blog

I probably can't put the required time into it. (little tykes at home) I tried talking a few other people into teaming up with me but they didn't bite.

As Packer fans we're duty-bound to dislike the Bears but due to shared history we're also obligated to respect the Bears organization.

We don't have to respect the Vikings though. <grin>

by bierslayer on Dec 26, 2006 11:37 PM CST up reply actions

love the favre-obsession

gets us one more game i get to see on tv! though i don't think we'll see the real bears - well, not for the whole game, anyway. play the starters hard for the first quarter/half, then bring in the reserves.

by guy incognito on Dec 26, 2006 10:38 AM CST reply actions

As Long As...

Griese comes in to bail us out, I'll be happy...

by Bear z Fan on Dec 26, 2006 11:04 AM CST reply actions

Stop it...

Seriously.

by Danimal on Dec 26, 2006 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

Stop This!

Up yours!

by Bear z Fan on Dec 26, 2006 6:38 PM CST up reply actions

Jesus

...

by Danimal on Dec 26, 2006 8:35 PM CST up reply actions

bierslayer,

I think it is a mixed bag. We want to beat the Pack every time we play regardless of who is going to the play offs. That said we all realize we have a very real chance for a Super Bowl run and nobody wants to jeopardize it because of a rivalry game.

Games like Bears/Pack get overly physical, so avoiding tempers and cheap shots that might lead to injury or suspensions are key for us.

What I have been hearing is Grossman will play at least a half more likely three quarters, then Griese will come in.

I also here TJ will be only in long enough to pass some personal goals that he and the team have set for him.

by Adam T on Dec 26, 2006 11:43 AM CST reply actions

Let's remember

Resting the starters doesn't matter all that much. Last year, Mike Brown got hurt in the playoffs even though he sat out the Minnesota game. His replacement on the depth chart was a scrub because Brandon McGowan was hurt playing for Brown in the meaningless last game.

Anybody can get hurt at any time for any reason and hurt your club. Stop freaking out about it and just go out and play.

Check out my Chicago Bears Blog...

by dbt on Dec 26, 2006 4:50 PM CST reply actions

this is...

a free playoff game for the bears. the pack will be playing for their right to play in the playoffs; they have their own fate in their own hands. they will try every trick in their book, which is good. we will all get the opportunity to see how the bears do against a playoff opponent.

i kind of hope griese starts the game, plays okay but the bears get behind somehow, and rex rolls in to save the day. the crowd would go bananas, and be 100% behind rex in 2 weeks time. which will be key; no way will any boo birds help the cause in the playoffs.

by dc60123 @ Windy City Gridiron on Dec 26, 2006 7:28 PM CST reply actions