Bears-Packers: 5 Matchups To Watch
By Dan Durkin-
(CBS) Sunday's Bears-Packers game is the 189th installment of the NFL's longest-running rivalry. In a key divisional game, here are five matchups to focus on.
Bears left tackle Jermon Bushrod and left guard Michael Ola vs. Packers defensive end/tackle Mike Daniels -- The Packers are a 3-4 base defense, but they play a lot of two-man lines, with Daniels lining up on the right side. Daniels is the most disruptive player on the Packers' defensive front. He is powerful at the point of attack against the run and swiftly converts speed to power with his pass rush. Look for the Packers to play their two-man line a lot to get Daniels singled up against Ola, who has struggled to get movement in the run game.
Bears right tackle Jordan Mills vs. Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers -- Mills' streak of tough opponents continues this week, as he draws his former teammate. Peppers doesn't have the get-off speed he once had, but he can still set blockers up with his feet and plays with active hands. Mills must be patient in his pass protection sets and not overextend against Peppers, who can win with his length and strength.
Bears tight end Martellus Bennett vs. Packers safety Morgan Burnett -- In one-on-on situations, Bennett is becoming a go-to guy for quarterback Jay Cutler. As teams roll and shade their coverage to wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, single-coverage situations are created for Bennett, who has certainly capitalized early on. The Packers trust Burnett, who is smooth in coverage and will be the best individual pass defender Bennett has faced so far this season.
Bears right defensive end Willie Young vs. Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari -- With Jared Allen inactive for the game, Young will play a larger role versus the Packers. Through three games, Young has earned the right to be on the field as many snaps as possible. Bakhtiari has nimble feet, but he can struggle to anchor. With proper leverage and lean, Young can bend the edge on Rodgers' blind side.
Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller vs. Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson -- Fuller has made some crucial plays for the Bears early on, showing a knack for being in the right place at the right time. This Sunday, Fuller will face his toughest assignment yet when he lines up across from Nelson, who's capable of beating coverage both with speed and size. Nelson doesn't waste any motion or sacrifice speed at the top of his route, which helps him make cuts and use his body to shield defenders. Fuller must play his technique and not guess against Nelson, whom the Packers like to use double moves with to get over the top of the defense.
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
