The Green Bay Packers head into Soldier Field in the Windy City to continue a classic NFC North Rivalry.
No one could have predicted the Bears sitting atop the division with the Packers at 2-0, while the Vikings and Lions were at the bottom of the heap at 0-2. Yet, here we are in week 3 and that's the exact scenario, which could only mean one thing: Monday night is the biggest game of the season so far for the Packers and the Bears.
No matter what happens between the battle of the defeateds in week 3 (Lions vs. Vikings) the Bears and Packers rivalry rages on with the winner claiming the top spot in the NFC North and a 3-0 record.
This game will be a great one to watch because of a couple reasons.
1) This game will be highlighted by great quarterback play.
Believe it or not, but Jay Cutler may be back as one of the premier passes in the league. Despite not having a plethora of offensive weapons, Cutler is thriving under Mike Martz and has had two big games against the Lions in week 1 and against the Cowboys in Dallas in week 2.
Meanwhile, the Packers Aaron Rodgers could be making a statement this season to be considered one of the best quarterbacks in the game with the likes of Brees, Manning, and Brady.
However, Aaron Rodgers has never played well against Chicago.
In two games against the Bears last year, albeit both victories, Rodgers was held to 364 yards passing and 1 touchdown pass. He was also sacked 7 times.
2) With Julius Peppers added the Bears defensive line, the Packers pass protection will have to be in top form to slow down Peppers among others and keep Rodgers upright.
Nevertheless, Rodgers will look to find many of his targets during the game.
Linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher used to be two of the best in the business for the Bears. But let's face it, they are getting old. Can they really slow down Jermichael Finley, one of the premier talents at tight end?
Finley showcased his playmaking ability last weekend with 103 receiving yards on only four catches. He continues to be one of Rodgers favorite targets and is a matchup headache for any defense with his combination of size, speed, and strength.
3) The Packers defense will also get its first true test against a legitimate pocket passer.
The Packers defense knocked out Kevin Kolb after just two quarters thanks to Clay Matthews. Michael Vick ran pretty wild over the Packers in the second half but clearly doesn't have the same pocket presence as Cutler.
Needless to say, the Packers defense wasn't threatened too much by Trent Edwards either.
That being said, Cutler has thrown for 649 yards and five touchdowns on the young season and the Packers secondary will have to step up to slow down speed demons Johnny Knox, Devin Hester, and Devin Aromashadu.
The Packers run defense appears to be in top form, so expect Martz to rely on Cutler's arm to find his receivers, tight end Greg Olson, and running back Matt Forte to hurt the Packers.
I think this will be a great game in this storied rivalry and is a true test for the Packers. It will be tight but I think the Packers have a little too much offense for the Bears defense to handle.
Packers 27, Bears 20
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