5 Bears and 5 Packers to watch.
Running back Matt Forte has averaged 5.8 yards per carry over the final six weeks, which is fifth best in the NFL. Forte also is tied for the team lead with 51 receptions, and his average of 10.7 yards per catch is third among all running backs. Hes done everything, head coach Lovie Smith says.
Associated Press
Defensive back Charles Tillmans 5 interceptions is tied for the team lead, and he also has 3 forced fumbles, 2 recovered fumbles and 11 pass breakups. Says defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli: I dont know if there has been anybody ever in this game as good as this guy at how he takes the ball away.
John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
Five times in the last seven games Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has achieved a passer rating above 104. And hes 22-0 as a started when his passer rating is 100.0 or better, including 12-0 as a Bears. He was outstanding last week, and we need him to play that way again, head coach Lovie Smith says.
STEVE LUNDY/slundy@dailyherald.com
Bears kick returner Devin Hester hurt the Packers early in the season on this play, and added a punt return for a 62-yard touchdown. Says teammate Greg Olsen: It seems like in the bigger games, when we really need him, is when he makes those returns. Certain guys have that knack, and hes one of them.
Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
A former walk-on at USC, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was fourth in the NFL this season with 13.5 sacks. He had 6 sacks in the first two games. The Bears will try to control his impact by double-teamming him at times and throwing shorter passes with short drop-backs by quarterback Jay Cutler.
Associated Press
While the Packers have four wide receivers with 45 catches or more, Greg Jennings is clearly their No. 1 with 76 catches, 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns. Says Bears cornerback Charles Tillman: Hes their playmaker, one of their money makers.
Associated Press
At age 34, Packers cornerback Charles Woodson is still making big plays, such as this sack of quarterback Jay Cutler in Green Bays 10-3 win on Jan. 2. Says Bears TE Greg Olsen: Hes done it for a long time. He can play corner, he can play nickel, and hes almost like a linebacker at times.
Associated Press
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has the highest career passer rating in NFL history and he led the NFC with a 101.2 mark this season. In three playoff starts, hes been even better (129.4 average). Says Packers coach Mike McCarthy: Hes in a great rhythm right now. Hes playing the best football of his career.
STEVE LUNDY/slundy@dailyherald.com
Green Bay Packers B.J. Raji (90) sacks Jay Cutler during the Bearss 10-3 loss to the Packers on Jan. 2 in Green Bay. Raji is a force in the middle of Green Bays 3-4 defense, and hell play fullback on the goal line. Says Bears head coach Lovie Smith: Hes a solid run guy, a hard guy to move.
Associated Press