SnoTap Packers Preview: Bears-Packers

Green Bay Packers are the walking wounded heading into Thursday. Same goes for Chicago. Thursday Night Football is a disaster, and it continues to be for everyone involved. This should be a noon game on Sunday afternoon with a mid-level FOX team on the call. Instead, this is a Thursday night primetime game. Anything could happen with all things going on with both teams. That might sound like some John Madden shit, but that’s what we have tonight.
Five Things to Watch
Aaron Rodgers – The lights will be the brightest they have been on Rodgers. Last year was one thing, this year it’s grown into a bigger NFL headline. He does respond well to pressure. Rodgers needs to trust his guys and make the right throws. He can’t be concerned with the mistakes that could happen out there. Rodgers needs find that level of trust with his receivers, or they are absolutely doomed.
Green Bay’s offense on full display – No Eddie Lacy, no James Starks combined with a struggling Aaron Rodgers. Who knows what’s going to happen with Packers offense. They need to have a big day through the air to win this game. A Rodgers FU game is possible, but that’s not what’s important rather Green Bay ends up being consistent with their offense. Big play offense would be great, yet the best part would be the team moving the ball up and down the field. Knile Davis and Dom Jackson will get some looks, but I’m not expecting much from the running game.
Jordan Howard vs. Packers Run D – If we want to see if Green Bay’s rush defense is a fraud, Jordan Howard will be the answer. He’s been great for the last four games and gets another chance on Thursday night. Howard is a good back but not to skill level of Elliott, nor does Chicago have the same offensive line of Dallas. I feel confident in Green Bay’s run defense getting going.
Ladarius Gunter Experience – Packers corner gets another shot at playing boundary position. He was absolutely terrible on Sunday. Gunter now gets either Alshon Jeffery or Cameron Meredith. The latter might be more of the problem. Meredith tore it up the last two weeks, and if he plays like Cole Beasley, it could be a long night at Lambeau.
No Josh Sitton – It’s too bad the former Packer guard couldn’t give up two sacks and look like ass all night. Just shocked he refused to meet with the media this week. What a standup guy.
Prediction
As much as I want to think Green Bay’s offense will get going versus Chicago, I can’t see it with all of the injuries. This is an ugly football game that Green Bay wins with a defensive score along with some bright spots from the offense. GB 20-9
Charlie.