By MARQUES EVERSOLL
When the Packers have the ball: Chicago’s defense is beaten up. The Bears are missing their best interior lineman (Jeremiah Ratliff), veteran cornerback Charles Tillman and their safeties are beaten up. Of course, the Packers saw a beaten-up defense last week in Detroit but were only able to score seven points against a stingy Lions defense.
Still, Aaron Rodgers told fans to “relax.” And the Packers are usually at their best with their backs against the wall. Eddie Lacy has just more than 100 yards through three games, but he should get back on track with 100+ this week in Chicago. And if that’s the case, it should be all systems go for the Green Bay offense.
When the Bears have the ball: Jay Cutler has defeated the Packers just once in his career as the Bears’ starting quarterback. That one win came in an ugly, penalty-plagued Monday Night game in Chicago. Marc Trestman has been great for Cutler’s development, but for whatever reason, the up-and-down QB just hasn’t been at his best against Dom Capers’ defense.
Like the Packers, Chicago’s ground game looks to get on track in Week 4. Matt Forte has struggled over the past two games, but the Packers are 30th in the NFL in run defense. They should have no problem moving the ball, and as long as they limit turnovers, they’ll have a chance to win the game.
Big Game Alert: Packers RB Eddie Lacy
He hasn’t looked anything like his 2013 self through three games, but his yards-after-contact are actually up from last season. Lacy posted a career-high 150 yards in Week 9 last season, and he should have another big day against the Bears today. I’d be surprised if Packers fans are still complaining about a flat running game this week. Big day for Lacy.
Also — it’s time to get Randall Cobb involved on offense. Yeah, he has three touchdowns, but it’s time for him to have an eight-catch breakout game. The Packers have big shoes to fill in the middle of the field. Jermichael Finley had some of his best games against the Bears’ Cover 2, and while Cobb clearly isn’t cut from the same mold as Finley, he should have his way with the middle of the field, a la Finley.
PREDICTION: Packers 27, Bears 24 (Record: 2-1)
Last week was ugly for the Packers offense, but Chicago’s medicore-at-best defense may be exactly what the Pack needs to get back on track. It’ll likely be a close game either way, but I think McCarthy, Rodgers & Co. get things rolling early with the passing game and hold on to get back to .500. Mason Crosby comes through in the clutch with a late, game-winning field goal.
You can hear Marques on SportsLine, Monday through Friday 4:00-6:00pm on WDUZ 107.5 FM and 1400 AM “The Fan” and on the Saturday Morning Showcase at 8 am on Saturdays. You can follow him on Twitter @MJEversoll and/or email him at [email protected].
