Erik who? Well, he was around the ball all freaking day. Didn't matter if it was run stopping, coverage (man or zone), or gettin' after Cutler's ugly mug -- he did it all.

Ten tackles, 2 sacks, and he had a pretty crucial tipped pass. But really, just watching that game, he was always near the ball. It's just one game so take it with a grain of salt.

I don't know if there's a larger discussion to be had here, but I'm sort of shocked that we keep plugging in the Zombos and Waldens of the world without any noticeable deterioration on defense. Do pat Kevin Greene on the shoulders? Capers? McCarthy and Thompson? All of them?

Going to Philly Saturday night, the Pack are going to need those OLBs to be at full force. We know we have a beast in Matthews -- perhaps Walden can keep bringin' it.

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Yes, I was thinking the same thing. He lloked more athletic than zombo!

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i saw one drive where walden looked like a third stringer...the one in the first half where Forte went left for a big gain. But other than that, I thought he looked pretty good.

And he definitely looked fast. Did anyone else catch his closing speed on a couple deeper plays to make the tackle when something else broke down?

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Yeah he got SUCKED IN on that run, but hey thats coachable! Well with Capers it is.

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Walden had some big plays - and he certainly brought it tonight. Considering he is like the 4th string OLB, it is hard to be too critical of his performance.

But he has to be more consistent. On Forte's first big run, Walden got sucked in on a fake and by doing so lost contain and Forte ran around us for 20 something yards. That cannot happen, especially since we are playing Vick next week.

But he deserves props for bringing it tonight. He hopefully continues to get better. Between him and Zombo (if he can get healthy) I feel comfortable with the OLB position going into next week.

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Walden did play a whale of a game for a young "green" player.. he gave up the edge on both Forte runs.. one crashed inside and got pinned giving up his assignment.. protecting the edge. The second carry.. I can't really fault him as he lost a battle.. but he stayed high and got buried.

But past that.. I didn't see anything but hustle and heart.. dude came up large.

I mentioned that same premise in the Bear vs Packer thread.. the job this team did sticking together injury after injury is a testament to this team of players, coaches and personnel staff.

They all get a very deserving tip of the cap.

Forever a fan.

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Yes. This could be what we need against Vick next Sunday.

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Chicago was having some early success running to the outside. Not to detract from the valid criticism of breaking contain, but I'm guessing Walden isn't the only one who messed up.

I know there was one particular play in the 3rd or 4th where Chicago needed to convert a third down. Green Bay sent a zone blitz and Cutler hit Taylor or Forte over the middle. The only won standing in the way of a new set of downs was Walden, and he smothered the guy.

In looking at the totality of the performance -- Walden did everything, and that's what sticks out for me. You might be right on technique, Pack93z. I'd add more but you're one of the resident technique dudes and the only football I've played since high school is Madden. However Walden did it -- hustle, effort, magical superpowers -- I dunno. But he was always around the ball.

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Just so long he doesn't over-persue and let Vick outside to his left.

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That's a good point. Word on Walden is that he can cover, but he's not as good against the run. His speed should help him contain Vick though. Is Vick expected to play?

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