The 1-3 Chicago Bears have their backs against the wall as they travel to Green Bay to take on the undefeated Packers. If the Pack are able to pick up a win, the Bears are virtually out of the division race.
The Bears offense comes in a horrible mess. Coach Smith promises us they will be refocusing on the run game and we will see the added presence of Devin Hester and Greg Olsen on offense, but as much as it pains me to say this game could be won on the arm of Brian Griese. The Packers are weak against the pass ranking 23rd in pass defense and another CB just went out for the season. While not phenomenal against the run (ranked 15th) they have a good set of linebackers and with a offensive line stopping no one refocusing on the run might be playing to their hand. If the Bears will finally loosen up the play calling and spread the field (hello, has anybody heard of 4 receiver sets?) there are points to be scored.
On offense the Packers are just a on dimensional as the Detroit Lions if not more so. They are dead last in run offense racking up only 54.3 yards a game. They have been living off the arm of Brett Favre who has the pass game ranked 2nd in the league at 288.8 per game.
The biggest question for the Bears is who will be available to play. Thursday's injury report have Rueben Brown, Fred Miller and Adam Archuleta with full participation in practice, so they should be ready to run. We will also have Tommie Harris back in the starting lineup. While Lance Briggs did not participate he was working out on the sidelines and so far word is they are expecting him to play. Vashar is definitely out. Tillman is a question mark, but I am guessing not likely. There is still a question of who would start opposite Arch in the safety spot. Rookie Kevin Payne is gone for the year and Brandon McGowan is banged up and unsure if he will be ready to go.
This is not a must win for the Bears in terms of the playoffs, but if they want a shot at winning a third consecutive division title it must start this Sunday Night.
BEAR DOWN!