The Packers might not be back to the Al Harris days, but they appear more inclined than ever to match cornerback Tramon Williams against their opponent’s best receiver.

Back in the mid-2000s, the Packers almost always matched Harris against the opponent’s best receiver, and hope that Harris could take him out of the game with physical, relentless play.

Dom Capers, the Packers’ defensive coordinator since 2009, started doing that with Williams at times the last couple years, including last season even though Williams was at well below full capacity because of a nerve injury in his shoulder. Capers did it again last Thursday night in the Packer’s win over the Bears by matching Williams against Brandon Marshall most of the game.

Williams is a different player than Harris — Williams relies on quickness, fast reactions and instincts more than physical play — but it worked against the Bears. With regular help over the top from safety Morgan Burnett, Williams helped hold Marshall to not even being targeted for a pass in the first half and without a reception until the fourth quarter.

Pete Dougherty wrote: