Bearprint For Success: Beat The Packers
by wiltfongjr on Sep 11, 2009 7:30 PM CDT
45 comments
We're just about 48 hours from game time! Week one. (Does it seem like the time is taking forever?) Sunday Night Football. The rival Green Bay Packers. It doesn't get much better than this. Well... playing at Soldier Field would be better, but... on to my *Bearprint!
Stop Ryan Grant
Yes, I know, Aaron Rodgers has looked All-World this preseason and the Packers have a talented group of wide-outs, but I think you have to make a team one dimensional. If you can force the Packers into some passing situations, and with the new attitude of the Rush Men on the defensive line, they could simply get after it. I've always admired the way Grant runs, and slowing him down would be exactly what D-Line coach Rod Marinelli would like to see. Jeff Dickerson's blog on ESPNChicago talks about this too, and he has the stats to back it up!
Attack the 3-4 Defense with the Run.
Yes it's cliché, stop the run and establish the run, but you have to pound 3-4 teams into submission with the running game. By running the ball your offensive line is in attack mode, and against the 3-4 defense you want to be the one setting the tone. If you get on your heels too often new Packer defensive coordinator Dom Capers will blitz you to death. With only 3 down linemen you have to account for which of the 4 linebackers are coming, and believe me someone will be coming on most every down. If your run game can keep you in manageable 3rd downs the Packers will be forced to stick with their base defense even longer. Establishing the ground game will help set up my 3rd point...
Playaction to the TE's
Part of the switch to the 3-4 that proves to be difficult is guys that normally have their hand in the ground are now asked to play in a 2-Point stance, drop into coverage from time to time, and even play some man to man. I'd love to see former DE now OLB Aaron Kampman caught in a one on one with either Greg Olsen or Desmond Clark. Taking it a step further, getting running backs Matt Forte or Garrett Wolfe matched up one on one with a LB would benefit the Bears as well. Is it too early in the season to hope for something positive from Wolfe? I think if Jay Cutler has a "game manager" type of stat-line the Bears will be in great shape.
* The "Bearprint For Success" is a game preview series I started last year on my blog on the Sporting News website. Bearprint is simply a play on words, Bears + blueprint = Bearprint! Pure Genius!!!
SN is currently having some technical issues so I thought I'd drop it over here this week.
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what time does the game start?and who is going to broadcast it?
by bears rock on Sep 11, 2009 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
NBC 7pm central.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
by Just Dave on Sep 11, 2009 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am ready for some football
Too bad C.Collinsworth has to be one of the commentators.
by Dozjah on Sep 11, 2009 8:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
assuming you have some tivo/dvr etc deal
it takes a small bit of timing and playin with the remote but if i’m watchin the game at home i like to put on joniak/thayer on wbbm 780. they are both very entertaining to listen to. especially against the likes of collinsworth and co.
by reefermadness3 on Sep 11, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would be nice
but no WBBM way out here in Alabama.
"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka
by EricEmpire on Sep 11, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well dude
i think the bears official website has a listen live option during games, and it plays the superior commentary of joniak/thayer. it’s (from my limited experience with it) a few seconds behind though so more shenanigans w/the tv remote may be needed.
by reefermadness3 on Sep 11, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'll try my best
lets hope the DVR pays off.
"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka
by EricEmpire on Sep 12, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't have the internet in Alabam?
There’s a link to the b’cast right on the Bear’s website. I live in Massachusetts and listen to the Bears that way.
I knew Alabama was a little behind the times, but…
(I am only kidding, of course)
Censorship of anything, at any time, in any place, on whatever pretense, has always been and will always be the last resort of the boob and the bigot.
—Eugene O’Neill
by 14theofleury on Sep 13, 2009 6:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Collinsworth
i think he’s interesting. way more fun, imho, than madden in later years.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Sep 11, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I prefer Collinsworth, too
He can come across as smarmy, but he’s not ridiculous with his statements and doesn’t blather about as much as older Madden.
"If God had wanted man to play soccer, He wouldn't have given us arms" - Ditka
by EricEmpire on Sep 11, 2009 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My disdain for Collinsworth leads me to do some skillful timing of...
…the NFL fieldpass radio broadcast (over the internet) package, so if the TV commentators are irritating, I tune in the chicago fieldpass coverage and watch the TV.
May the wind be always at your back, and may your placekicker have icewater in his veins.
by juperee on Sep 11, 2009 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
either we're both smart
or really wrong… b/c i agree with everything you wrote here. :-P
well done.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Sep 11, 2009 9:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, yes you are.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
by Just Dave on Sep 11, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible to be stupid and right at the same time
Sun shines even on a dog’s ass every once in a while.
Censorship of anything, at any time, in any place, on whatever pretense, has always been and will always be the last resort of the boob and the bigot.
—Eugene O’Neill
by 14theofleury on Sep 13, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually I think this game will come down to the Bears special teams play.
Truthfully, I started to write that the Bears would have to play perfectly on defense, but than I realized how grim that sounded and how impossible that would be. Our defense will give up yardage against this team. Possibly LOTS of yardage. The counter? Make them earn it. Give them the long field on punts and kickoffs. Hopefully our offense can score frequently against a new defensive scheme that favors our T.E.‘s and could pop holes for Forte. But establish a lead, pin the Pack deep, get aggressive and hope we can contain them. Last year how many of you thought we’d beat the Colts in the opener?? Seriously?? I’m not sure we can win, but my bet is it comes down to special teams play.
If you can't laugh at yourself you must not be very funny.
by Just Dave on Sep 11, 2009 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like it
some good special teams play will be a great help!
by wiltfongjr on Sep 12, 2009 1:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully our offense can score frequently against a new defensive scheme that favors our T.E.‘s…
I’ve long believed that, if the rest of your defense is sound, then tight ends aren’t going to beat you.
IMO, it’s a good example of the advantages of the ‘bend, but don’t break’ philosophy.
The glass is more than half-full.
by NorthStarr on Sep 12, 2009 1:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is...
if you look at the play-by-play stats of Rodgers and co. from the preseason, the Packers do not move the ball particularly well in the intermediate passing game. They have big pass plays for TDs or to set up TDs. They have scored on long or short drives without much differing between 30 or 80 yards to go. The running game is OK, but not terribly effective either. Thus, the length of dives doesn’t appear to matter. I like it as part of any strategy, but it will be no more effective in this game. Unless Hester/Knox/Bennett or whomever returns KOs breaks a few, I do not see field position determining this game.
If the Bears can limit coverage mistakes and play the Tampa/Cover2 to its strength of keeping every gain under 10yds in the passing game, the Bears should be able to score enough to keep it close and hopefully be the team with the ball at the end to kick the winning FG.
The “attacking” offensive line should work well against the Pack 3-4, but the relative inexperience as a unit may hamper those plans. I would argue that the Bears should roll out Cutler a lot to the right and stretch the field early with Bennett and Hester. Then come back to the running game as the defense loosens up. Basically, pass to open up the run. But I’m no expert, so we’ll see.
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.
by LostInSTL on Sep 12, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Packers have looked good in pre-season, and that’s a good point to remember – it was pre-season. Wilt summarized things pretty well on what the Bears have to do to win and I am optimistic that with Lovie Smith calling the defensive shots the Bears can slow down GB’s running game and keep the pressure on Rodgers at the same time.
"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Pasteur
by Maelvampyre on Sep 11, 2009 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
With only 3 down linemen you have to account for which of the 4 linebackers are coming, and believe me someone will be coming on most every down.
You’re right and, as I’m sure you realize, it won’t always be a linebacker.
The glass is more than half-full.
by NorthStarr on Sep 12, 2009 12:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Afalava
tooks Ricky Manning Jr’s old number, and Gaines swicted too
"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler
by BearNecessities on Sep 12, 2009 4:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
Afalava went from 46 to 24, and Gaines went from 85 to 86.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by HoneyBear on Sep 12, 2009 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahhhhh I liked the 46 on Al.
I have seen a QB and it was good.
by SoulEater7 on Sep 12, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does the fact that
nobody seems to even give us a chance evoke any emotions from anyone? we were 9-7 with a really banged up D, and hurt QB, now we have an all pro QB, and somewhat healthy D (urlacher) and young secondary(SS,FS), which could go either way.
but how can we logically assume we didnt get AT least 1 win better, considering we lost a bunch of games by a field goal or less, usually the result of a penalty or missed tackle.
referenced: Here
yet we are picked as 3rd in Division and no playoffs…i say Fire everyone at ESPN
"I'm sorry Josh, I'm with Chicago now, you need to stop calling me" -JerBear50 as Jay Cutler
by BearNecessities on Sep 12, 2009 6:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
we never get any respect
and i like it that way. like many have already said, i think there will be some big plays to the TEs and RBs out in the flats taking advantage of their OLBs in pass coverage. i wish kevin jones could have kept himself healthy though. let’s just hope wolfe can surprise us. who knows, maybe with a few more opportunities he can break something.
by genetic on Sep 12, 2009 6:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Respect
Doesn’t Sports Illustrated, the second most popular publication to ESPN, pick the Bears to win the NFC and go to the Super Bowl? The majority of analysts have any pick of the Bears, Packers and Vikings to go deep in the playoffs. The respect is pretty equal this season.
by FavreSucks on Sep 12, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I call it a 3 way race
… sorry Detroit
by wiltfongjr on Sep 12, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But for how long?
Stafford, to this point is looking as good as advertised… and they’ve got Calvin “ain’t talkin’ bout the one that works at McDonald’s” Johnson.
Another thought is, how much longer will the Vikings be in the mix? I guess in today’s NFL you can retool year to year, but we (Bears fans) know as well as anyone, it’s difficult to be successful without a solid QB.
by rdent4hof on Sep 13, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
start of 2009 Season
Thus year I Hope the Bears do what the Lions did last year LOSE EVERY game,, I HATE the DAMN bears,, Packers should kill them,, and Brett Farve will destroy them 2 times this year
by Dan268 on Sep 12, 2009 7:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why are you on this blog page?Don’t you have a cow to F^&# ????
by bears rock on Sep 12, 2009 8:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
now here’s an idiot… check out the profile on THIS GUY:
Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball Team
Dallas Cowboys National Football League Team
Tennessee Volunteers NCAA Men’s Football Division 1A Team
the winner of course NASCAR Driver(s)
fagits Boxer(s)
gay sport Soccer Team
Dallas Stars National Hockey League Team
Flagged for being a total douchebag…. who can’t even spell what he’s trying to insult.
Jerry’s been so distant lately and Lovie barely calls.- Just Dave
by Allie on Sep 12, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's safe to say
We have a troll in our midst. Please don’t feed the troll.
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. NOW GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 12, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WTF
Did this guy get gang banged by the Bears before or what? Where’s all the animosity coming from? Anyway when Da Bears win the division and Yeah I’m gonna say it, Win the Super Bowl deal with it. F the Packers, F Favre, and F you. You dumb F face. Thus year, WTF. Learn how to spell your boyfriend name’s first. The V comes before the R.
by Big Ike on Sep 12, 2009 9:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I also like
that you joined today and have posted two comments here, the only blog you are a member of, yet you are a Cowboy’s fan. Which you call a “real” team.
When’s trash day??? Somebody needs to take out the garbage!
I cut the sleeves off because it looks awesome. NOW GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME!
by Ditkavsworld on Sep 12, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IMO
I like that he is obviously unnerved by the prospects of the Bears being an outstanding team this year.
This type of person is typically a very angry white male, between the ages of 30-35, picks a new favorite team every 5 years, plays Madden thereby proving (in his mind) that he should be an NFL coach, and flat refuses to eat the vegetables his mom makes him every night for dinner. Good Luck with that, Cowboy!
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
by Fly1965 on Sep 12, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and flat refuses to eat the vegetables his mom makes him every night for dinner
Be fair. If he doesn’t have at least a bite of them, she won’t do his laundry or get him Pepsi Max from the store…..
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy
by Spongie on Sep 12, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good job wilt!
“new attitude of the Rush Men” I love it!
by rdent4hof on Sep 12, 2009 8:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't be surprised if our secondary play will be the key.
Who will be playing at less than full strength? How much will a (hopefully) improved pass rush keep them from being exposed?
And I, for one, will be watching Afalava closely. If he is as capable as he looked in flashes during the preseason, we might have found quite the 6th rounder. If Al and Knox step up to the plate in the next couple of years, it might compensate for the loss of the two first rounders this off-season.
A fine post, as usual, Wilt.
by Kind_Al on Sep 12, 2009 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great Post!
I’m also concerned about the Packers’ screen plays. With our D being so fast, we get killed with it at times. Alot of their receiving yards are after the catch. Gotta tackle low, guys! Bears swarm tackling! I believe Pisa will be a key to our defenses performance, based on his energy and agressiveness during preseason. He could end up being a major addition this season!
Watching the NFC Playbook on NFLN last night, Jennings was on the sideline excitedly telling everyone who would listen that Vasher just could not cover him. He was playing way off and Jennings was just doing whatever he wanted. I hope Bowman plays. The depth chart is extremely misleading, (I hope!) If we get our guys back, we have a real good chance to beat these guys. Bears 24 Packers 21
Getcha Beernuts Ready!
by Fly1965 on Sep 12, 2009 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Pisa could play a huge game
by wiltfongjr on Sep 12, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defense?
35-31 sounds crazy but it could be a long night for both defensive units. I hope the Bears are the 35… It would be a huge road divisional win because in the end our division most likely will be decided on some sort of tie-breaker. Lets face it… this is a HUGE game for the first game of the year… Not to jump ahead but the Steelers aint going to be easy either…. GO BEARS!!!!
by DJokerst on Sep 12, 2009 11:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
35-31 actually doesn't sound that crazy
i think the o/u of 44.5 seems like an easy over pick
preferably with the bears having at least 42 of those points please hurry sunday night
by reefermadness3 on Sep 12, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree entirely with what you posted
I think that’s what got the Bears defense in trouble last season against the Packers. Ryan Grant is a very talented back that if not accounted for can make a huge difference in the game. As far as the offense is concerned I would be completely shocked if Ron Turner doesn’t exposed the huge mismatches against that 3-4 formation. I could see Capers switching to 2-4 Nickel formation so he can match Olsen up with a corner, but to counter that you give Forte the Rock and watch him get 4 to 10 yards easily.
by NiqueBears on Sep 13, 2009 3:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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