Bear Week Has Arrived ????
After a hard fought comeback win against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Green Bay Packers were faced with the task of quickly regrouping and preparing for this Thursday’s showdown against the division rival Chicago Bears. The short week will be a tremendous disadvantage for both teams players who are currently nursing injuries, or who were injured in Sunday’s action.
Takes from Sunday’s Win:
The Offensive Line could potentially play even worse than last week:
The Green Bay Packers offensive line situation appears as if it has gone from bad to worse. After allowing five first half sacks in Sunday’s win over the Bengals, the Packers appear to have lost Sunday’s starting left tackle Kyle Murphy and starting right tackle Brian Bulaga. Justin McCray looks like he will get the nod to take Bulaga’s place. With David Bakhtiari still not healthy, Adam Pankey looks to be the leader to start against the Bears. Pankey will be the Packers third different starter at left tackle in the first four games of the season. With a porous back up offensive line, Aaron Rodgers will have to be ready to be reacquainted with the Lambeau Field turf for yet another week.
What to look for:
1. Many prayers for our offensive line sent up to heaven by the Packers Pope.
2. Richard Rodgers, Aaron Ripkowski, and Ty Montgomery playing more significant roles in protection.
3. More Three step drops, quick passes, and roll outs as well as some more 3 wide receiver looks.
Defense:
Look for the Packers defense to build off of last weeks second half:
The defense looks to be Trending upward after the emergence of Josh Jones and Kevin King last week against the Bengals. The defense looks like it could see Mike Daniels, Jake Ryan, Kentrell Brice, and possibly even Nick Perry return for tonight’s game. The development of the Packers young members of the secondary along with the return of these injured players will strengthen both the run defense as well as the pass rush. I expect a much more stout run defense against Jordan Howard tonight than was seen on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What to look for:
1. An aggressive and motivated front 7.
2. A ferocious pass rush
3. Exotic Blitzes with Josh Jones
4. Hurried passes, poor decisions, and at least one turnover from Mike Glennon.
Predictions:
1. Aaron Rodgers gets sacked 5 times but still throws for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns
2. Lance Kendricks reps increase significantly.
3. Josh Jones has 10 tackles and 2 sacks
4. The Packers win 24-14.
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David Michalski is a recent college graduate from Princeton New Jersey who has been a life long Green Bay Packers fan. Like the great Vince Lombardi, he values God, family, and the Green Bay Packers in that order. You can follow him on twitter at @kilbas27dave
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