[CBFF] Game Comments - Packers 12/31/06

[Thomas R. Shannon]

http://bloggeddrain.typepad.com/cbff/2007/01/game_comments_p.html

Offense

1. Green Bay had this team well scouted.  Its evident that they were well
prepared for a game that might have playoff implications for them.  Even
though those hopes were dashed, the preparation remained.  It seemed that
whenever they wanted to do something, whatever it was, Green Bay was one
step ahead.  They were jumping routes and playing with an intensity that the
Bears couldn't match with nothing on the line.

2. This was definitely not how you wanted Rex Grossman to be going into the
playoffs.  These ups and downs will eventually stop, I hope, but the Bears
need them to stop now.  The performance of the offense wasn't all his fault,
of course.  But  a lot of the blame still rests upon him.

3. Cedric Benson is looking just great.  I think the Bears will be able to
run against most of the teams they meet in the playoffs (the big test might
be Philadelphia, though).

4. The Bears had better pour over this film and understand everything that
was done to them.  I guarantee that other teams will also be looking at it
closely, particularly as regards the coverages.

Defense

1. Same old story, same old song and dance.  From what I could see the Bears
had a tough time getting to Favre with the front four and only pressured him
consistently when they brought the blitz.  Give the Packers some credit,
though.  The offensive line is maturing.

2. The Bears are going to need both Nathan Vasher and Charles Tillman out on
the field at the same time if they are going to have any hope of winning a
Super Bowl.  Ricky Manning is a fine corner back but he isn't in their
class.  They will be at their best with him in the nickel coverages.  If
he's playing every down, it’s a problem.

Miscellaneous

1. I see no reason to dwell on this game with extensive comments.  It was
tough to watch, not just because it was a loss to the Packers, but because
the game didn't mean much to anyone here.  The beloved have two weeks to
self-scout and prepare for what's to come.  This game will provide a lot of
fodder for the mill that, hopefully, will help them to identify and correct
deficiencies.


2.  One thing is certain:  The Bears had better bring a great deal of
intensity in two weeks.  The playoffs are evidently a whole different game
and I've yet to see the Bears crank it up the necessary level of intensity.
I think it comes with a desperation that can only come when the season is on
the line.  They certainly couldn't do muster much in a meaningless game
here.

Tom S.

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary
truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that
the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. A
whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all
manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no
man could have dreamt would have come his way.
--W.H. Murray
http://blog.chicagobearsfanforum.com