Bears vs Packers, First Half Notes
The first half of the biggest game in the history of the Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers' rivalry has come to a close with the Packers leading 14-0.
Cutler Using His Feet To Make Plays
As we've seen all season, one of Jay Cutler's most underrated abilities is the way he makes plays with his feet. Twice on the first drive Cutler used his feet to get out of trouble and make a play.
First Cutler was able to scramble and get the ball for Matt Forte for a big gain. Then, on a busted screen pass, Cutler was able get out of the reach of Cullen Jenkins and get the ball to Forte again for a gain of one yard.
While the second play didn't net much of a gain, Cutler's ability to use his feet will be key for the rest of this game. Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator, Dom Capers has a history of being able to dial up complex blitz packages.
Cutler has been sacked once in the first half, but has also used his feet to avoid others and gain some yardage, including a nine yard run.
Forte The Focus
Through the nine Bears' plays in the first quarter, Forte touched the ball seven times. Clearly it's part of Mike Martz's gameplan to get the ball in Forte's hand.
The second quarter started, again, with Forte seeing the bulk of the offense being run through him. However, some of that is situational, as the Bears started the quarter backed up in their own endzone.
Forte has 12 touches in the the Bears' 25 first half plays.
Defense Needs To Get More Pressure
Pressure will be key to slowing down the Packers' offensive attack, and although Brian Uralcher already has a third down sack, the Bears will need to apply more pressure on Aaron Rogers.
Rogers has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in the playoffs. With a QB rating over 100, Rogers has had his way with the defense he has seen so far this postseason. If the Bears want to slow him down, they'll need to take advantage of a Packers' offensive line that may be without tackle Chad Clifton, who left the game with a stinger.
The Packers have gained 252 total yards of offense in the first half.
Bears Offense Still Looking To Click
The Bears' offense has struggled, to say the least, in the first half of the game. What little offensive success they have had, has been negated by penalties that have put them in tough conversion situations. In the 25 first half plays, the Bears offense has produced 103 yards and 0 points.
