***Pre-Game Thread*** Green Bay at Chicago (2 Viewers)

[whitem0nkey]

The last time Chicago faced NFC North rival Green Bay in the postseason (Dec. 14, 1941), Bears won 33-14 led by a pair of Norm Standlee touchdowns.

the Bears and Packers have advanced to the playoffs the same year just four times.

Norm Standlee helped the Chicago Bears to the league championship title over the New York Giants that year before serving in the armed forces in World War II.

 

[Debeucci]

The last time Chicago faced NFC North rival Green Bay in the postseason (Dec. 14, 1941), Bears won 33-14 led by a pair of Norm Standlee touchdowns.

the Bears and Packers have advanced to the playoffs the same year just four times.

Norm Standlee helped the Chicago Bears to the league championship title over the New York Giants that year before serving in the armed forces in World War II.

Really? I'd thought the Jets/Bears game would be the biggest NFL for ratings ever. After all, it's the 2 biggest markets.

As for the bears being home dogs...keep it up. We love the hate. IT FUUUEEELLLLSSS US.

Bear down mofos...Bear down.

 

[harryhood]

After today's events in the late game, expect the unexpected when division rivals meet in the playoffs.

I have a weird feeling the Bears win this one.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

The last time Chicago faced NFC North rival Green Bay in the postseason (Dec. 14, 1941), Bears won 33-14 led by a pair of Norm Standlee touchdowns.

the Bears and Packers have advanced to the playoffs the same year just four times.

Obviously this game is huge, but I had no idea that in the entire history of this rivalry they had only met in the playoffs once. That's amazing.Talk about ultimate bragging rights - we'll likely never see a higher stakes Bears-Packers game again in our lifetimes. Can't wait.

 

[whitem0nkey]

The last time Chicago faced NFC North rival Green Bay in the postseason (Dec. 14, 1941), Bears won 33-14 led by a pair of Norm Standlee touchdowns.

the Bears and Packers have advanced to the playoffs the same year just four times.

Obviously this game is huge, but I had no idea that in the entire history of this rivalry they had only met in the playoffs once. That's amazing.Talk about ultimate bragging rights - we'll likely never see a higher stakes Bears-Packers game again in our lifetimes. Can't wait.

its an odd rivalry for most of the time its a whole decade where the bears rule and packers stink, then the packers are beast and bears suck and it flips every decade with some odd moments where both have been good the same year.

 

[whitem0nkey]

"I told [Packers receiver] Donald Driver after we played them [on Jan. 2], I said: 'We'll see y'all in Chicago for the NFC Championship Bame,'" Bears safety Chris Harris said. "I had a feeling they would make it. I was very confident what we could do. So we got the rematch."

In winning his first postseason start, Jay Cutler accounted for four touchdowns -- two passing, and two rushing -- to become just the second quarterback in NFL history to throw and rush for multiple touchdowns in a game (Otto Graham did it in 1954 and 1955 for Cleveland)

"Aaron Rodgers, I don't know what else you could say about him," Bears safety Danieal Manning said. "He's got a great team around him. They've got great players, great coaches. That's the reason they're in the NFC playoffs and going to the NFC championship game. We're definitely familiar. We know what we bring. We know what they bring. It's gonna come down to who wants it the most, who is executing the most. & The best team is gonna win."

 

[RBM]

Been waiting for this game for my entire life. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

ThisCant even describe the feeling I am going to have Sunday morning before this game.

 

[flapgreen]

Been waiting for this game for my entire life. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

ThisCant even describe the feeling I am going to have Sunday morning before this game.

I'm a night person but I will be going to bed early on Saturday. I would to enjoy every minute of it. eta: Where you been during the games this season? Mostly a bunch of tools on here now.

 

[Sabertooth]

Been waiting for this game for my entire life. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

ThisCant even describe the feeling I am going to have Sunday morning before this game.

Don't get too high. Your team is going to lose.

 

[smackdaddies]

The last time Chicago faced NFC North rival Green Bay in the postseason (Dec. 14, 1941), Bears won 33-14 led by a pair of Norm Standlee touchdowns.

the Bears and Packers have advanced to the playoffs the same year just four times.

Obviously this game is huge, but I had no idea that in the entire history of this rivalry they had only met in the playoffs once. That's amazing.Talk about ultimate bragging rights - we'll likely never see a higher stakes Bears-Packers game again in our lifetimes. Can't wait.

its an odd rivalry for most of the time its a whole decade where the bears rule and packers stink, then the packers are beast and bears suck and it flips every decade with some odd moments where both have been good the same year.

That is very true. I grew up hating the Bears, but for about 15 years it's been, meh, don't care that much. Just not much competition. Past 2 years has been more however.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

I was pulling for this matchup all week. Can't wait for Sunday. To be honest, I don't think it gets any better than Packers/Bears for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Two great franchises with storied history. Really excited for this one.

 

[Sabertooth]

I was pulling for this matchup all week. Can't wait for Sunday. To be honest, I don't think it gets any better than Packers/Bears for the right to go to the Super Bowl. Two great franchises with storied history. Really excited for this one.

I agree. In my house we are evenly split. I grew up a Packers fan. My inlaws and wife are Chicago born and bred. Can't wait. As a bonus, I get to go to the Super Bowl if the Packers win. I'm pretty excited for this game. Stakes don't really get much higher. In other news Jay Cutler has this to say....

 

[Jagerbomber]

Their O-line will be the difference this coming weekend I think. All things being equal and assuming that the defenses will dominate, it'll come down to decision making. Rodgers has a better rep for not making mistakes...Cutler can prove himself by avoiding any fatal mistakes himself.

I'm actually thinking the Bears will pull this one off. Just a hunch.

 

[Statcruncher]

IMO this will be either the 2nd best game (SB XX) or the 2nd worst game (SB XLI) in my Chicago Bears history. I cannot even begin to describe the feelings of hope and fear. I'm guessing the Packers take this in a close one, but I've always been a pessimist.

 

[Cookiemonster]

As for my take on the game other than the disbelief that it actually is happening, the Bears need to be clicking on all cylinders to win unless the Packers revert back to shooting themselves in the foot with penalties and drops. Not many are playing better than Rodgers and unless his teammates fail him, the Packers will most likely score with regularity. I know they didn't week 17 but you can't expect it to happen again.So, the Bears probably need to produce on a high level on offense and special teams to stay in the game. The Packers could run away with it if they don't. I wouldn't expect a close game just because both meetings were close. Look at the NFC games this weekend. Previous results mean little.

This guy gets it. The Bears have a very good D and some nasty special teams. Problem is, special teams don't make a difference every week. They need them to make a big play or three to make up for a mediocre offense when playing a team like the Pack. I can't say that any team is playing or has played as well over the last month as Green Bay. Rodgers was nearly flawless against what I thought was a very good and well-rounded Falcons team. The Packers D is getting after it on both the pass rush and pass coverage and are no slouches against the run either.I see the Pack winning by 7+ but the Bears could easily swing that big the other way with special teams.ETA - If the field conditions are equal or worse than this weekend's game, that is one more bonus to Chicago. I think slowing down the Packers' pass rush will be of the highest importance and loose footing could help with that.

 

[pantagrapher]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

 

[Pipes]

The one game where Rodgers hasn't looked great since he came back from the concussion was the regular season finale at home against the Bears. He didn't have a bad game but the Bears defense played him tough and did a good job slowing down the Pack offense. Special teams scares me too.

I'm leaning towards the Pack but I can certainly see and wouldn't be surprised if the Bears won.

 

[sho nuff]

The one game where Rodgers hasn't looked great since he came back from the concussion was the regular season finale at home against the Bears. He didn't have a bad game but the Bears defense played him tough and did a good job slowing down the Pack offense. Special teams scares me too. I'm leaning towards the Pack but I can certainly see and wouldn't be surprised if the Bears won.

These teams just know each other well.Neither QB has had a great amount of success against the opposing D.Special teams will always scare me, but Matshay seemed to get a bit better. If he has a day like he did in week 17...the Packers should be fine (given the normal performances by the O and D).

 

[kwille]

If Matshay has a game like he did vs. Atlanta I will guarantee a Packers win.

 

[RBM]

Been waiting for this game for my entire life. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

ThisCant even describe the feeling I am going to have Sunday morning before this game.

I'm a night person but I will be going to bed early on Saturday. I would to enjoy every minute of it. eta: Where you been during the games this season? Mostly a bunch of tools on here now.

Exactly the reason I had to close the computer during the games. Rather enjoy in peace rather than argue with people on here.

 

[jurrassic]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

We'll see. The Packers are middle of the road against the run but they have gotten Jenkins back which helps alot. The Bears don't exactly boast a great running game, ranking 22nd in the league (only about a yard better than what many are calling a non-existent running game by the Packers.) This game is going to come down to defense, turnovers and the big play. The Packers need to limit the turnovers and not let Hester break one. If they do that, they will win. From the Bears perspective, Cutler needs to not make the dumb throw and defensively they need to keep the Packers wr's in front of them. Rodgers hasn't done that well against Cover 2 defenses and the Bears have played him well over the years. This is going to be a very close game. The Bears defense is very good and the home crowd will have an impact on the game.

 

[DrJ]

So this is what I got on the Bears Season Ticket waitlist 15 years ago for?

 

[DrJ]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

We'll see. The Packers are middle of the road against the run but they have gotten Jenkins back which helps alot. The Bears don't exactly boast a great running game, ranking 22nd in the league (only about a yard better than what many are calling a non-existent running game by the Packers.) This game is going to come down to defense, turnovers and the big play. The Packers need to limit the turnovers and not let Hester break one. If they do that, they will win. From the Bears perspective, Cutler needs to not make the dumb throw and defensively they need to keep the Packers wr's in front of them. Rodgers hasn't done that well against Cover 2 defenses and the Bears have played him well over the years. This is going to be a very close game. The Bears defense is very good and the home crowd will have an impact on the game.

The season rankings don't tell the whole story of where the Bears running game is at today. Forte averaged almost 5 YPC in the last half of the season, was one of the top RB's in the league over that span, and a unit that wasn't getting anything done in the first half has transformed into a strength of the offense.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

 

[DrJ]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

 

[Almas_4th_Child]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

You're right, ignore Matt Fortes 6.1 yard average in Week 17 to the tune of 91 yards. Not relevant whatsoever.

 

[Mr.Pack]

This thread needs GRIDIRON ASSASSIN

WTH is he?

 

[sho nuff]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

Can we quit with the abandoned talk?He had more carries in the 2nd half than in the first.

 

[sho nuff]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

You're right, ignore Matt Fortes 6.1 yard average in Week 17 to the tune of 91 yards. Not relevant whatsoever.

Well, Turner lit up GB in the first meeting. Did that matter this past weekend?

 

[jurrassic]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

Can we quit with the abandoned talk?He had more carries in the 2nd half than in the first.

I'm not saying the Bears won't try to establish the run, they might even be successful at it. I just think with the weather, Cutler's tendency to make bad throws, no real wr threat for the Bears that will require extra attention and the Packers secondary that the Packers will focus on stopping the run. Forte may do more damage catching the ball out out of the backfield than runnining it. The Bears o-line has improved but they are still at best average. The same can be said for the Packers line. I think the two key matchups in this game are the Packers o-line vs. the Bears d-line and the Packers kick coverage. The Packers will need to help on Peppers which will limit them from a playcalling standpoint and will require the rest of the line (primarily Colledge and Bulaga to step up and play a solid game). The kick coverage speaks for itself.

 

[sho nuff]

I'm not saying the Bears won't try to establish the run, they might even be successful at it. I just think with the weather, Cutler's tendency to make bad throws, no real wr threat for the Bears that will require extra attention and the Packers secondary that the Packers will focus on stopping the run. Forte may do more damage catching the ball out out of the backfield than runnining it. The Bears o-line has improved but they are still at best average. The same can be said for the Packers line. I think the two key matchups in this game are the Packers o-line vs. the Bears d-line and the Packers kick coverage. The Packers will need to help on Peppers which will limit them from a playcalling standpoint and will require the rest of the line (primarily Colledge and Bulaga to step up and play a solid game). The kick coverage speaks for itself.

I think the Bears will try and establish it...and should.It is the weaker part of the GB D...but its part they can seem to turn it on at times (see the Atlanta game this weekend, and the Jets game earlier in the year).If they can force Cutler to have to throw a lot...it should be good news for the Packers.I think GB will be keeping a lot of people in the box and gunning for the run, while going after Cutler often.Woodson may have another big game if they do this.

 

[pantagrapher]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

Can we quit with the abandoned talk?He had more carries in the 2nd half than in the first.

You're right that they didn't abandon him; I was also guilty of thinking that was the case earlier. They used him sparingly the entire game. That said, I think one reason they used him sparingly was because they saw something they liked and didn't want to show their hand. Another reason was obviously to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

 

[onlyseventeenpoints?]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores.

Packers 38

Bears 21

 

[sho nuff]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

Can we quit with the abandoned talk?He had more carries in the 2nd half than in the first.

You're right that they didn't abandon him; I was also guilty of thinking that was the case earlier. They used him sparingly the entire game. That said, I think one reason they used him sparingly was because they saw something they liked and didn't want to show their hand. Another reason was obviously to keep him fresh for the playoffs.

Perhaps...but it seems they also exposed Cutler to a lot of hits if all they were trying to do was scheme for later.

 

[pantagrapher]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

 

[DrJ]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

Considering Forte averaged 6 YPC in that contest, and they still abandoned him in a close game, I'd say it's a little different.

Can we quit with the abandoned talk?He had more carries in the 2nd half than in the first.

Alright, I guess they abandoned the run from the start of the game. The 2nd half Bears aren't a 2 to 1 passing to running team. Especially considering they were very effective running the ball on the Packers, you'd expect balanced attack similar to what they've sported during that stretch.

 

[onlyseventeenpoints?]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

 

[Almas_4th_Child]

Just a hunch, but I think the Bears saw a weakness in the GB run D in Week 17 that they're going to hammer next Sunday. If it works, they win.

You mean like Atlanta did?

You're right, ignore Matt Fortes 6.1 yard average in Week 17 to the tune of 91 yards. Not relevant whatsoever.

Well, Turner lit up GB in the first meeting. Did that matter this past weekend?

OMG, you are so right. I apologize for even posting.

 

[onlyseventeenpoints?]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

 

[DrJ]

Perhaps...but it seems they also exposed Cutler to a lot of hits if all they were trying to do was scheme for later.

This is true, and it certainly would have looked foolish had he actually gotten injured. Thankfully that's not what happened and it was hopefully more good experience for Jay and the OL in figuring out what they can and can't do against a good pass D like the Packers.

 

[RBM]

2 pages and this thread is already a trainwreck. Going to be a looooooong week.

 

[DrJ]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

You mean like the game where the Packers were lucky that the opposing kicker didn't bother showing up?

 

[onlyseventeenpoints?]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

You mean like the game where the Packers were lucky that the opposing kicker didn't bother showing up?

would you like to flesh out that point a bit more?

 

[pantagrapher]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

I could have sworn I heard the same arguments when they came into Week 17 having scored 72 points over the previous two weeks.

 

[mrdawg23]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

True but Atlanta's defense is one of the worst in the NFL. The Bears defense held the packers to 17 points and 10 points in their two games this season. This will be another low scoring game probably 13-10 or 17-14.

 

[sho nuff]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

True but Atlanta's defense is one of the worst in the NFL. The Bears defense held the packers to 17 points and 10 points in their two games this season. This will be another low scoring game probably 13-10 or 17-14.

The Falcons were just behind the Bears by .1 point per game on the season (ranked 5th in the NFL)That is one of the worst in the NFL?

 

[DrJ]

I respect the Bears and am glad they are competitors again. However I do not think they will pose much threat against the Pack considering the way the Pack has been playing lately. I'm still in shock about how powerful its been even without finley and the Bears don't really have a defense that can stop them (but then who does?), nor do they have an offense that can match scores. Packers 38Bears 21

The whole "the way they've been playing lately" thing didn't help GB much in Week 17. They put up 10 points against the Bears in a desperation game on their home field in decent weather. I don't understand where this notion comes from that the Bears can't stop the GB offense. They can and they have, even when GB came in flying high.

that's a good point if you haven't watched football since that last game

You mean like the game where the Packers were lucky that the opposing kicker didn't bother showing up?

would you like to flesh out that point a bit more?

The Packers won by a narrow margin thanks to the opposing kicker not making routine kicks. The Eagles win had little to do with the Eagles being unable to contain the Packers offense, to the tune of 21 whole points.

 

[Mr.Pack]

2 pages and this thread is already a trainwreck. Going to be a looooooong week.

 

[onlyseventeenpoints?]

Dr j if your point if that David akers lost the game in the firs quarter with a missed FG then I guess we will gac to part ways.

 

[Ghost Rider]

The Packers won by a narrow margin thanks to the opposing kicker not making routine kicks. The Eagles win had little to do with the Eagles being unable to contain the Packers offense, to the tune of 21 whole points.

You do realize that the game plays out completely differently if Akers makes either of those kicks, right? Sure, Akers blew six points for them, but James Jones also blew an easy seven for GB by dropping that bomb at the end of the 2nd quarter, so it goes both ways.