nfl_cutler_rodgers1_576The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will meet for the 178th time tonight. The Bears currently lead the all-time series 91-80-6.

Since his hiring in 2004, Head coach Lovie Smith has recorded a 7-3 record against Green Bay including a 4-1 at Lambeau Field. The Bears got demolished in Green Bay last season, 37-3 and won in overtime at Soldier Field 20-17 (I was at that game).

All that stuff is in the past. It’s time for some football and tonight we should see some of that. Everyone is saying this game will be a shootout because the quarterbacks are so talented. Their also saying that the Green Bay Packers wide receivers are way better than the Bears young group of receivers.

Let me just say this. Who was Eddie Royal before Jay Cutler? Nobody!

Mr. Cutler should make the inexperienced receivers on the Bears look good tonight.

I think if the cornerback tandem of Tillman and Bowman play tonight, than the Bears should have an easier time on defense. They should start Kevin Payne and Al Afalava at the safety positions, because you need Danieal Manning fresh for kick returns and nickel situations on defense.

Players Who Must Step Up:

1) Earl Bennett- Last years third round pick has earned the number two receiving spot across from Devin Hester. He must play like he did with Cutler at Vanderbilt. Look for him to be solid.

Prediction: five catches, 68 yards and one touchdown

2) Brian Urlacher- He showed me how he was aging the last two seasons, I’ve heard his back feels better than ever this season. He is the key to success on defense because he drops back in coverage on many plays. Watch for Urlacher to step up to his Pro Bowl form this season.

Prediction: 12 tackles, one interception

3) Adewale Ogunleye/Alex Brown- These veteran starters have to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers all night, if they can’t the defense could be in big trouble. I hope Rod Marinelli brought these players back to there 2006 forms. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Prediction: Ogunleye (8 tackles, 2 sacks), Brown (7 tackles, 1 sack)

Who will win?

Final Score: 28-23. Bears Win!