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Granted, Green Bay isn’t undefeated and Chicago isn’t forced to play their back-up QB, but nonetheless, this week could be a close one.
As is the case with any division opponent the Bears face, the stakes are high and the stress for us fans is unbearable (yes, bad pun intended). Throw in our insecurities after last week’s fatal blow from the Titans, and we’re struggling between our relentless hunger for a victory and our realistic sense of what lies ahead.
At the risk of inserting my foot into my mouth, what should lie ahead is a win. If the numbers don’t lie, our boys should be able to walk into the Packers’ house and take this game. With the numbers in such a dead heat, however, being overconfident could be deadly.
On paper, the Bears are 5-4, Packers are 4-5. While each NFC North team is dead even in the touchdown draw—27 to be exact—Chicago is slightly more compelling in their rushing game, earning 12.5 more yards per game than Green Bay. Plus, if you consider the inconsequential 8.4 yards per game Chicago is lagging in their passing efforts, the scale is near balanced for these Midwest challengers.
Even the Bears' road record is implying a Sunday nail-biter. Their 2-2 record away rivals their 3-2 record at home, so it seems being on Packers’ turf is the least of our worries. I’d be more concerned with the blinding puke green and cheese yellow that will be interfering with our guys’ eyesight.
Speaking of numbers, it is worth mentioning our no. 1 ranked seat to the Packers’ no. 3; a nominal difference that can change overnight? Perhaps, but only fair to mention.
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See, the problem with gauging the Week 11 showdown purely by numbers is that, well, numbers often do lie. When it comes to a struggling offense, an inconsistent defense and a duck-duck-goose QB situation, the numbers aren’t always as trustworthy as we’d like them to be. Then again, the Bears already know this.
“Every week we want to win and we go in with a great game plan, at least what we think is a great game plan. We’re leading the division, we want to continue to lead the division,” said Bears cornerback Corey Graham.
“We already know what they’re gonna do. We already know what we’re gonna do, pretty much. We just gotta go in mentally tough and prepared to play.”
Hopefully, this week’s preparation will prove stronger than last’s. Though it’s more than x’s and o’s that determine a team’s promise, it’s a good start.
“We take so much pride in what we do, and we go out to every game expecting to win, no matter what the record is,” said tackle John St. Clair.
“It’s gonna be a tough battle. The road is not easy for us. We play them [Green Bay] then go to St. Louis. We’ll be on the road for the next three weeks. So we really gotta lock in and focus on what we have to do.”
No truer words were ever spoken, John. Putting the Tennessee loss behind them, along with Kyle Orton’s absence and even their fans’ unyielding boos, the Bears are staying positive and motivated for Green Bay.
Heck, they’re not even flinching at the thought of Brett moving out of the way so they can get a clear shot at Aaron Rodgers.
“They’re a good team, regardless, so we’re gonna play hard" said Graham.
"We’re playing at their home, so they’re gonna play hard and physical. So, no matter what we’re doing without Brett, it’s gonna be a tough game. We’ll be alright.”
Here’s hoping Corey, here’s hoping.
