Smith sees Packers game as opportunity
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Coach Lovie Smith acknowledged that the Bears weren't playing for much Sunday against the Packers.
But he kept his starters in for the entire game, as he had hinted he would do during the preceding week.
“Knowing that we had the bye week, we weren't playing for an awful lot,” Smith said. “But we wanted to just keep momentum going. We hadn't peaked yet. We still thought there were some things we could improve upon, and that's what we went into the game to do.
“It's a great opportunity for us to get into the playoff mode as much as anything, and to have a chance, as it turns out, to play against a playoff team and see how we matched up.”
But 2 interceptions and 6 sacks helped keep the Bears out of the end zone in the 10-3 loss.
“Especially in the first half, there were times when we had control,” Smith said. “You have to score points, though.
“Moving the ball and having momentum is one thing. But you have to be able to get the ball in the end zone. We had some opportunities. The turnovers really hurt us.”
Not the same:
While some players, especially Packers, talked about the playoff atmosphere created by a vocal Lambeau Field crowd of 70,833, Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher didn't agree.
“We weren't playing for anything,” he said. “Everything we needed to do was done already. The crowd was loud, there was a lot on the line for them, but it didn't feel like a playoff game to me.
“Coach (Lovie Smith) told us we were going to play every game. (It) keeps us in shape. (But) this wasn't a playoff game for us. We have an off week and we'll be ready to go when we have our game at home.”
After the Atlanta Falcons defeated the Carolina Panthers in a noon game Sunday, the Bears were locked in to the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye plus homefield advantage for at least their first playoff game.
Injury update:
Nick Roach started in place of Pisa Tinoisamoa at strongside linebacker for the fifth straight game, but he suffered a shoulder injury on the Packers' first possession and did not return.
Roach was replaced by Tinoisamoa, who was able to finish the game.
Free safety Chris Harris suffered a stinger late in the game, and backup safety Major Wright was sidelined in the first half with a leg injury.
Coach Lovie Smith said he hopes to everyone back for the first playoff game.
Tickets on sale:
A limited number of playoff tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Ticketmaster.
The Bears host a divisional playoff game Jan. 16 at noon, the opponent to be determined. Tickets are only on sale for the first home playoff game. A second sale date will be announced if the Bears host the NFC championship game.
All playoff game ticket sales through Ticketmaster are via phone and Internet only. Fans may charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are priced at $107.00 to $559.00.
There is a limit of four tickets per customer or billing address. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are subject to a per ticket customer convenience charge.