Week 11 Preview: Bears Face Division Rival Packers

It will be a constant battle over the final weeks for Chicago (5-4), who are tied with the Minnesota Vikings for 1st in the NFC North.  This week, the Bears face off against another division rival, the Green Bay Packers in what has become a must win game.  Chicago will be hard pressed to cover the Packers passing game, which was ultimately their downfall last week against the pass heavy Tennessee Titans.  This week’s keys:

Keys to the Game

1) Cover the Pass: It really is the main key to this week’s game, as the Bears run defence is in the top 5, Ryan Grant should not be a problem.  However, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers has a solid arm, and will be able to expose the Bears D unless some changes are made.  Whether it be moving away from the Cover 2 defence, or just pressuring him all game long, Coach Lovie Smith needs to find a solution to this nagging issue.

- Kyle Orton is on the path to recovery, and should be ready for this week’s game, which couldn’t come at a better time as I think everyone is in agreement that Rex Grossman is no longer starting QB material.  Although Rex didn’t make any huge blunders last week, he also couldn’t get the ball moving down field.

- I’m thinking RB Matt Forte should be getting a couple more reps each game, he’s young, therefore he should be able to handle the extra workload this early in his career.  He’s been effective all season, and makes the Bears offense that much stronger.

- Finally, Brandon Lloyd will be returning to the Bears receiving core this week, he’s been out for far too long and will be a welcomed back addition.  This should give Devin Hester some more breathing room down the field.  Hopefully Lloyd can fit right back in without any rust in his game.

My question this week Bears fans is fo you think the Bears can hold on to the NFC North lead? E-mail me at williamhillock@sportstalkbuzz.com

For a Packers point of view, check out Patrick Mulroy’s preview.

GO BEARS!

-Will

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