It's one of the worst stadiums in the NFL. I call it the Mistake by the Lake. Soldier Field meant to be a tribute to our armed services.
Instead, it looks like a spaceship that crashed into roman columns. When you're in the play-by-play booth, the upper deck hangs over so that you can't see a high punt or a long pass. Just think, it cost twice as much as the renovated Lambeau Field, and it isn't half as good. And since it's next to the lake, it's always unbelievably cold.
I just think back to what Mike Ditka told me on a satellite interview a few weeks back. It's not all Lovie Smith's fault. The Bears are a talent poor team with personnel. GM Jerry Angelo, Mike Ditka is calling you out!
Keys on offense: Tommy Harris is a symbol for the Bears defense. Aging in a hurry. The Packers with Ryan Grant and Ahman Green, should be able to run on the 25th ranked Chicago D. And the Packers showed how to expose the Cover 2 scheme against the Ravens. Don't challenge the outsides all the time, pick at the soft underbelly with Jermichael Finley. Other than Lance Briggs, the Bears LB's aren't anything special.
Keys on defense: This is where the Packers are vulnerable. Sure, the Pack is still ranked #1. But they're coming off a short week, and they have 4, count 'em, 4 defensive linemen hurt in Ryan Pickett, B.J. Raji, Cullen Jenkins and Johnny Jolly. Fortunately, the Bears can't run the ball well with Matt Forte averaging 3.3 yards per carry and a poor offensive line. Jay Cutler, make him throw all day. The Bears don't have playmakers. Special teams is the one area the Bears might have a big advantage. Robbie Gould is automatic, something that certainly can't be said for Mason Crosby. Daniel Manning and Johnny Knox could explode on a leaky Packers kick coverage unit. And even though Devin Hester is only averaging 8 yards per punt return, I'd still be scared of him.
That being said, I say Packers win 27-24. The Bears are too offensively challenged to win, but it is a scary rivalry game. And if you're going to lose a game, do it against an AFC team like the Steelers...losing in the NFC would hurt in wildcard tiebreaker scenarios.
Emails at lallan@todaystmj4.com
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