Can Cutler become third QB to throw for over 400 vs. Pack?
The most effective way of preventing opponents from sending extra pass rushers is to make them pay by connecting with “hot” receivers in the areas that are left vulnerable by the blitz.
Quarterback Jay Cutler wasn’t able to consistently connect with his “hot” receivers against the Saints because of tight coverage at the line of scrimmage, a ploy the Packers are sure to duplicate.
“They pressed us up pretty good,” Cutler said. “Something’s going to have to be downfield, and (I) have to hold on to the ball a little bit longer to be able to make those plays happen, (but) we just weren’t able to (vs. the Saints). That’s what we have to do to get the running game going and pop some creases in there and get them off of us.”
The good news is that the Packers gave up 851 passing yards to Drew Brees (419) and Cam Newton (432) in their first two games.
“They got into a few shootouts,” Cutler said. “They’re a very high-risk defense, just like New Orleans is. They cause a lot of turnovers, but there are some openings out there for some really big plays. The last two games, teams have been able to take advantage of that.”
Fine as wine:
Weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs compared 33-year-old middle linebacker Brian Urlacher to a vintage wine, noting that his level of play hasn’t waned even in his 12th NFL season.
“When you go in and you say it’s a special date or some kind of a special conference, meeting or something like that, you say, ‘Give me a vintage. Give me your best wine,’” Briggs said. “You don’t want a 2010; you don’t want a 2011. You want something that goes way back because it gets better with age.”
Urlacher was voted to his seventh Pro Bowl last season, and he was NFC defensive player of the week for his performance in the season opener.
“I think I’ve gotten smarter,” Urlacher said. “The longer I’ve played, the more knowledge I have for the game. There are some things I can’t do athletically anymore that I was able to do when I was younger. I feel my mental (game) makes up for what I’ve lost athletically, if I’ve lost anything at all. I’m definitely not as fast as I used to be.”
Slice of life:
Wide receiver Roy Williams, who hopes to be back in action Sunday after missing Week 2 with a groin injury, knows what it will take to change the current sky-is-falling attitude of critics.
“We were the greatest thing since sliced bread Week 1, and I said, ‘We’re going to hit some bumps in the road, and that’s the true test of this football team — how we’ll bounce back,’” Williams said. “There’s no greater test than the Green Bay Packers, 2-0 football team. So, if we win this one, we’re back to greatest thing since sliced bread.”
Injury update:
Wide receiver Earl Bennett (chest), offensive tackle Gabe Carimi (knee) and safety Major Wright (head/neck) did not practice again on Thursday. Wright is the only one who has a chance to play Sunday, but he’s probably doubtful at best.
Running back Marion Barber (calf), guard Lance Louis (ankle) and safety Chris Harris (hamstring) were limited at practice. Wide receiver Roy Williams (groin) was listed as having full participation but was not involved in some individual work.
For the Packers, cornerback Charles Woodson (foot) and linebacker Clay Matthews (quad) didn’t practice for the second straight day, but coach Mike McCarthy expects both to play against the Bears, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Defensive end Ryan Pickett (foot) and cornerback Tramon Williams (shoulder) were limited.
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