I think pointing out the Rivera/Bears scheme connection is apt, but here's two things I'd add:

1.) The Bears defensive personnel is vastly superior to the Panthers. Chicago has Peppers, Briggs, Urlacher, a host of other above-average guys.

2.) Ron Rivera, a Cover 2 disciple. Sean McDermott -- a 4-3 zone blitz guy. All I'm trying to lead to is that the Panthers seemed to play more of a hybrid 4-3 defense than a more strictly Cover 2 defense.

Now, Green Bay and Chicago's twice-a-year matchup (and hey, sometimes thrice, like that time we sent them packing en route to the Super Bowl) probably does more to familiarize one another than anything else. That's why these games are typically so close. Each team has a good idea of what the other is going to do.

Originally Posted by: evad04 

Ahhhh new meat. This hard hitting analysis is precisely why I love all of you..."O line sucks...."Sack Cutler and we win"....

I hear that with Collins gone the Packers are actually considering bringing that stiff Darrin Sharper back, hell why stop there, why not bring back the good feet spokesman, LEEEEEE ROYYYY Butler also?

Granted, you'll probably cover the number at Chicago,and win the game, but like it or not, your new super qb has just average games against the Bears Defense.

Oh, and don't forget that they all will be playing on arguably the worst playing surface in all of the NFL...

So I'm not giving up yet, I'm just praying for rain....

Originally Posted by: polargrizz 

If GB comes away with the win (I could care less if they cover or not.) what does it matter the stats that Rodgers has? 3-0 vs 1-2 is all that will matter.

Originally Posted by: wpr 

Yeah those 8 sacks in two games sound good, but it doesn't mean we're getting enough pressure. I know the Saints and Panthers seem to have two of the more explosive offenses this year so far but we've giving up a lot of passing yards. We've been lucky to stop them more often than not in the red zone to keep more points off the board.

But to slow down those passing yards, ether the coverage has to be better, the pressure has to be better or the offenses have to be worse. Coverage probably isn't gonna get better with Collins down and Williams not at 100%. The other two could get better for the Packers.

Also I read what seemed to be a very good article (sorry I don't have it saved or remember where it was at) but it talked about the Bears OL not giving up that many sacks since the second half of last year. They were just so bad the first half, and haven't added many guys other than the 1st round draft pick, that the reputation has stuck with them.

The article also pointed to other factors giving up the sacks instead of the OL, like Martz system calls for longer drop backs, holding onto the ball longer (which sometimes means holding onto it too long which equals QB hits/sacks), TEs one on one in blocking (part of the system... but the TEs have lost at times)

But there is a reason most QBs haven't lasted long in Martz system... the longer routes and drop backs lead to more hits and they get injured. Kurt Warner for a long time took them and did well and got right back up (like Favre). But other QBs after a while haven't been able to do so, they've gotten injured.

Originally Posted by: beast 

Bears fans have to take what they can get, man!! It's sad, but let them have what little they are capable of having!!

Originally Posted by: doddpower 

synical

Originally Posted by: polargrizz 

Thank you for allowing us Bears fans the few crumbs that you have so generously dropped upon the floor of the 2011 football season. It the kindness of football souls such as yourself that make rainbows and unicorns real in this often misunderstood world of synical mean people. I know that my Bears have no chance of defeating your green and gold juggernaut but I will endure and watch even knowing that I am headed for certain defeat.

Originally Posted by: polargrizz