Offense
The Packers' offense is on fire. Scoring the second most points in a playoff game in NFL history last week, it appears that Aaron Rodgers is getting better and better. Jay Cutler and the Bears' offense was able to produce 35 points last week and got out to an early lead with a TD pass to Greg Olsen. The Packers have a clear advantage in the passing game, even though I was happy to see Cutler make big improvements against Seattle in last week's playoff game. Many will be watching Jay closely to see if he can handle the pressure that will be on him, and it is up to him to prove himself to the skeptics.
Running-wise, Green Bay has started to develop a run game towards the end of the season. The Bears, however, also made a presence last week. Chester Taylor caught a TD pass and he and Forte are looking like a good combination. The Bears have the advantage in the running game, but not by all that much, and not by enough to overcome Green Bay's adavantage passing the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, I think it is clear who has the advantage.
Edge: Green Bay
Defense
Both of these teams have impressive defenses, and both are ranked in the Top 5 overall defenseively. Green Bay's Clay Matthews has been an eye-opener and has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league. Bears DE Julius Peppers has also had a great season, and it is time for Peppers to earn his money, the playoffs is where it counts the most. Bears Safety Chris Harris is questionable for the game, but he says the only way he won't play is if his "leg was cut off." Harris is the only question the Bears have coming into the game. Harris has played well so far and has made the Bears' backfield satisfactory.
I see these defenses as different, yet equal. The Bears have excellent run coverage, while Green Bay has excellent pass coverage. If the Bears can run the ball, they can win. If the Packers can throw sucessfully, they have a chance. Overall, though, this is going to be a close, defensive battle, and niether team has clearly the better defense.
Edge: Split
Special Teams
Special Teams could play a big part in Sunday's game. Devin Hester could give the Bears a lot of momentum by running back a kick or punt. It will be interesting to see if Green Bay kicks to Hester. If they do, he could do some serious damage. Kicker Robbie Gould could also have an effect. I envision this as being a close game, and Gould has hit a number of game winning kicks in his career. He has won games against the Packers, and he has also won games in the playoffs, for his team. Green Bay's special teams have been very questionable. Kick/punt returning has not been a bright spot for the Packers, and kicker Mason Crosby has been just alright. The Bears have been well known for having excellent special teams over the past 5-10 years, and they have a clear advantage.
Edge: Chicago
Coaching
Both head coaches have fallen under scrutiny this year, but both have also had sucess as head coaches. In fact, both coaches have been here before, with their current teams. In 2006 Lovie Smith coached the Bears to the Nfc Championship in which they beat New Orleans, and in 2007 Packers' coach Mike McCarthy brought the Packers to the NFC Championship, losing to the Giants. The head coaches are pretty even, in my opinion.
The Bears, however, have a stacked coaching staff, including three former head coaches on the staff below Lovie Smith: offensive genius Mike Martz, Mike Tice, and Rod Marinelli. The Packers have had some nice signs from their coaching staff, but Chicago has the edge (as long as Martz stays away from the wildcat formation).
Edge: Chicago
Prediction
This is going to be a fun game. It is nice to know that a team from the NFC North will be going to the Super Bowl. It would be nice to have bragging rights over the cheeseheads (those bragging rights wouldn't go away any time soon). This is going to be a very close game that I see coming down to the fourth quarter, or maybe even overtime. I can see either team coming out with a win tomorrow, but my gut tells me Robbie Gould kicks a game winning field goal to send the Bears to the Super Bowl.
Prediction: Chicago 23, Green Bay 20
Lovie Smith said in his first press conference as Bears' head coach, "Our number one goal is to beat Green Bay." Have fun watching the game tomorrow, and GO BEARS!
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