One of the joys of being a Packers fan located in Chicago this year has been watching the Bears struggle. They are downright terrible. They just came off a four game losing streak, thanks to eeking out a victory against the hapless Rams. Through the course of the season, the media in Chicago has gone from hyping the Bears to being disgusted with their crybaby quarterback to debating which person in management to fire. The choices now include head coach Lovie Smith, offensive coordinator Ron Turner, and general manager Jerry Angelo. Many Bears’ fans are suggesting all three. The Bears’ confidence is shattered and the coaching staff is exhausted. The defects are glaring on both sides of the ball. The team is dispirited and heartless.What was once a great defense is now plagued with injuries and declining veterans. The Bears have lost LB Brian Urlacher, LB Pisa Tinoisamoa, DT Dusty Dvoracek, and DE Henry Melton for the season. Their secondary has seen a little life with Al Alfalava and Charles Tillman, but they get torched all too often. The unit is in no way aided by a pitiful offense. Gaines Adams, who they acquired from the Buccaneers for a 2nd round pick, has been a complete non-factor, and only has added to their mounting problems. The Bears are now the 15th ranked defense, allowing 330.9 yards and 22.5 points a game. They remind me of a once great rock band, touring with one or two original members. The Bears offense is now 24th overall and 31st in rushing. As Lombardi Sweep correctly predicted way back in the preseason, Crybaby Cutler was an overrated and overhyped quarterback who has yet to prove anything. He throws way too many interceptions, many of the them in the red zone. But as bad as he’s been, the blame does not lie solely on his limp shoulders: The offensive line is a sieve and gives Cutler no time; the best of the Bears wide receivers would be a number 3 on any other team and is often in the wrong spot; and Matt Forte is having a devastating sophomore slump. He’s only had one 100 yard game this season and averages an underwhelming 3.4 yards a carry. The Bears offense on paper certainly pose no threat to the number 1 defense in the league.
Fortunately for the Packers, the Bears have mortgaged their future to obtain The Whiny One and Gaines Adams. They will not have a draft pick in the 2010 draft until the 4th round, which will make it very hard for the Bears to improve next year. The other big question is if Cutler will be able to survive the Media onslaught that may contribute to breaking his confidence. Lombardi Sweep has taken great joy in watching the Bears fall from grace, and will enjoy it even more when the Packers destroy them Sunday in Chicago.
This rematch of the Packers and the Bears is much different than their meeting on opening night. The Bears’ collapse has coincided with the Packers ascension to the upper ranks of the NFC. The Bears will probably play their last full game of the season against the Packers. Lovie Smith has always stated that beating the Packers is one of his goals and will do his best in this game. However, we are very confident that these efforts will come up well short. Hopefully the Packers will get some quality reps for Tramon Williams and Jared Bush and get them ready for covering a challenging Steelers receiving corp. There should also be good opportunity for the Packers to finally establish their running game.
The upcoming grudge match between the Packers and the Bear is boding well for the Packers. Look for a close game until the late second half when the Packers pull away. Then enjoy the beating to come. Go Pack Go!
