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| Jaworski on the Packers |
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After looking at the tape of last week's game against Tampa Bay, opposing defenses seem to think the Green Bay Packers are Ahman Green's team.
Despite Brett Favre's success, defenses are focusing primarily on stopping Green. The commitment to eight players in the box is a clear indication that they fear him more than Favre. The veteran quarterback can still beat teams, but Green's performance has been steadier than Favre's. Teams are concentrating on Green and making Favre throw the football, hoping to force mistakes. While Favre was off his game last week, Green had a big day, and the Packers got a punt return for a touchdown.
The Green Bay defense is still solid, but not dominant, playing with great enthusiasm and gap discipline. The secondary is performing well. The addition of Gilbert Brown has made a huge difference against the run. Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila gives them the edge pass rusher they needed. Na'il Diggs is a playmaking linebacker. The Packers' defense will create problems for the Chicago Bears.
Five keys for the Packers:
1. Green must be solid. As their primary offensive weapon, Green must force the Bears to keep people up in the box so Favre can be more effective. The receivers have not been giving Favre the window of opportunity that he has had in the past; that's the difference in the passing game. Corey Bradford and Bill Schroeder are fast, but they are not the best route runners. Antonio Freeman is now just another player -- good, but not a player who will beat teams or require double coverage.
2. Stop the A-Train. The foundation of the Bears' offense is to give the ball to Anthony Thomas. He has great quickness with his feet and excellent vision. Plus, Thomas is a finisher; he doesn't go out of bounds or go down easily. His pad level is always delivering the blow. The A-Train must be stopped. Everything in Chicago's offense -- the bootleg game, the play-action game, the short passing game -- feeds off him.
3. Design explosive plays. As he did brilliantly against Baltimore, offensive coordinator Tom Rossley has the ability by design to create opportunities for Favre. Within the Bears' style of play, opportunities will exist. The Bears like to play double zone in normal situations, so there will be opportunities down the middle of the field. And no one throws the seam route better than Favre.
4. Bubba must be big. The Packers need to get some production not only in the red zone, but also in the open field from tight end Bubba Franks. He has been a red-zone receiver -- more by Favre moving around and finding him rather than by design. Franks has not been running routes and beating people. For Favre to get his game going, he needs to have a comfort level with Franks in the hash area.
5. Kabeer must strike fear. Look at the type of game Courtney Brown had last week against the Bears' offensive line. The Packers will move Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila around along the defensive line. The one thing about the Bears' quarterbacks, whether it is Shane Matthews or Jim Miller, is that they are not deep ball throwers. They won't stand in the pocket and let things develop. The Bears run a very short passing game. That's why it is critical for Gbaja-Biamila to get quick pass-rush pressure.
