What To Watch For: Bears-Packers
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) Given their struggles that have led to a 1-5 start, nothing would feel better for the Bears then beating the rival Packers at Lambeau Field on Thursday night.
John Fox's second season leading the Bears hasn't gone as hoped, with the team playing poor football in the first six weeks. The Bears are searching for positives to hang their hats on. A second straight win in Green Bay would be just what this team needs.
The Bears are beat up entering the primetime contest -- their third of four national night games this season -- with receiver Eddie Royal out and quarterback Jay Cutler, running back Jeremy Langford and guard Josh Sitton listed as doubtful. Defensively, the health question marks have created concerns, specifically in the secondary.
On the other side, the Packers are dealing with their own injury issues, with Eddie Lacy out for Thursday's game and their two top cornerbacks out as well.
What could come from the latest game between the Bears and Packers? Here's what to watch for:
Your move, Hoyer
It seemed as if the Bears' quarterback position was Brian Hoyer's to lose, and while he's thrown for more than 300 yards and zero interceptions in each of the last four games, the Bears are 1-3 in that span.
Hoyer hasn't been good enough for the Bears to win. He hasn't taken chances deep downfield or even enough beyond the first-down marker. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has stood by the Hoyer-centric offense, which is aimed at protecting the football.
"We want him to be as aggressive as he can in the timing of the play, so there are shot opportunities that are called and we have to execute," Loggains said. "Brian has done a nice job doing what he's coached to do."
Added Hoyer: "I'm not about taking chances, risking the football. The No. 1 priority is taking care of the football. Whenever you start to turn the football over – I learned the hard way in a playoff game last year – you don't give yourself a chance to win."
Checking down hasn't been good enough for Hoyer and the Bears offense, which is averaging just more than 18 points per game in his four starts.
The Packers are without their two starting cornerbacks, meaning that Hoyer will have a better opportunity throwing the ball to receivers Alshon Jeffery and Camerom Meredith.
If the Bears have any hopes of winning, they have to take chances in the passing game.
Fluster Rodgers
Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio called a great game last Thanksgiving in the team's 17-13 win over the Packers. What went right?
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw the ball 42 times for just 202 yards. Fangio was willing to give the Packers yards but not points. The defense held when needed, with Tracy Porter picking off Rodgers and later knocking away a pass in the end zone on fourth down.
Fangio must find a way to keep the struggling Rodgers in check. The pass rush has to get home and make Rodgers uncomfortable in the pocket, and the secondary must hold its coverage to keep the quarterback from a quick release.
Coverage sacks on Rodgers would be ideal, and it's possible. Rodgers has struggled through five games this season, with four interceptions, two fumbles lost and five fumbles in total. He hasn't secured the football consistently as he has in the past.
The Bears must make Rodgers uncomfortable for four quarters. If so, they'll have a chance.
Next man up
Surely, Sitton wanted nothing more than to maul his former team, but the Bears guard and former Packers Pro Bowl player is doubtful to play Thursday after suffering an ankle injury late in Sunday's loss to the Jaguars. Now, the Bears must find a way to sustain their blocks up front without his steady presence.
Either Eric Kush or Ted Larsen will step in at left guard for Sitton. Kush came to the Bears in the finalization of the 53-man roster. He hasn't been active yet this season. Larsen was set to start at center for the injured Hroniss Grasu this season, but Sitton's availability changed the Bears' plans.
The Bears can only hope their solid offensive line play can hold without Sitton lining up against the Packers.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
