It was early April of 2009 and baseball was on my mind when I got a text and a congratulatory phone call from a close friend that the Bears had finally gotten a franchise quarterback. I did not expect it at all, but the move set the landscape for the Bears going forward and it has paid off in just two seasons.
Yes, last year was a bit rocky for the Bears and Cutler and in a story today on ESPNChicago.com, the case is made that the Cutler trade and its after effects that led to a couple things in the offseason that made this Bears team what it is today.
First off, Jerry Angelo gets some credit for not standing pat and rolling into the 2009 season with Kyle Orton as his quarterback. He wanted a guy who could win him some games and not just play not to lose it. That led him in a search for a franchise quarterback. Yes, last year was not Cutler's best. Hell, it was one of his worst. But things like that are what you learn from and amidst a change with Mike Martz coming to town, Cutler has played within himself this year (and he'll need to Sunday, too). He showed last week why they got him by making some of the throws he made. Namely the one to Greg Olsen to open the game.
Now with Cutler coming to town and two first round picks going out of town, the Bears did not have a first-round pick. That opened up some cash and led them down a path to go out and bring in the mother of all free agents in Julius Peppers. The two are tied to one another now and it is the result of the Cutler trade that allowed the Bears to make such a move prior to this season.
Of course, the return of Brian Urlacher from an injury which forced him to miss all but 15 minutes of last season. That brought No. 54 into this season rested and ready - he only hurt his wrist - and made him hungry to get back on the field this season.
Of course, things had to change somewhat during the bye week this season for Cutler to completely bring the offense together, but it did. Is it a matter of him being better, or just playing better this season? To be honest, I think it is him just playing better. There was nothing I saw that made me say he couldn't be the guy the Bears traded for last season. He just had to limit the turnovers.
Of course the argument is there for whether Orton would have the Bears in this spot. My answer is simple. Cutler gives them a much better chance of winning than Orton did and that is why the Bears went and got him when the opportunity was there.
As promised, now is the time to turn things over to you the readers in a mailbag edition of Wilber's Way. I'm impressed with the turnout and am hopeful we can get more like this in the future.
Jeremy Lubus, Packers fan
"Two of the three players to keep an eye on if your a Bears' fan this Sunday went undrafted, and the other was taken in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Cornerback Tramon Williams and running back John Kuhn went undrafted in 2006 and 2005 respectively. Williams has been placed in the spotlight recently with his strong play and will be asked to lock down Johnny Knox who was shutout in their last meeting. Kuhn should not scare you on the ground but I expect him to be used more like he was when the Packers lost at New England. Kuhn had three catches for 27 yards and a score, two of the three resulted in first downs not to mention they were not check down passes. He is a north-south runner which will help given the surface at Solider Field.
The last guy that will make the difference is Donald Driver. Driver, a former seventh round pick who many thought was on the decline, has been extremely reliable in the playoffs. Driver has 11 catches for 127 yards in his last two games. More importantly an average of 10 plus yards per catch. Don't forget his costly fumble in their Week 17 meeting which should fire him up even more.
Prediction: I love the Packers but the field will slow down the receivers greatly. Much was made about Rodgers' escapabitly but he will be facing a much more talented front four that can get him down. Robbie Gold is head over heels better than Mason Crosby which will be the difference.
Bears 27 Packers 24"
-Jeremy Lubus is the Sports Editor for the UW-Milwaukee Post Newspaper and Journal Sentinel contributor.
Alex Tomter, Packers fan
"Aaron Rodgers vs. the Tampa Two – Since Jermichael Finley’s injury, Aaron Rodgers has looked confused at times against the cover 2, resorting to unnecessary scrambling, or holding on to the ball too long and taking sacks. Rodgers will have to stay patient and within the offense as he did in week 3 against the Bears as opposed to his efforts in week 17.
Take Advantage of turnover opportunities – When Jay Cutler gives the Packers a chance for an interception, they must take it.
Bears Keys
Front Four Must Create Pressure – Rodgers has proven himself deadly against blitzes, so the Bears front four will have to create pressure to throw Rodgers off his rhythm. Julius Peppers will obviously be the key to this attack.
Ride Matt Forte – Getting Forte 25-30 touches could be the most important key to the game for either side. An effective Forte will open things up for Greg Olsen and allow him to have a second straight huge day.
Final- Packers 23 Bears 1"
Matt Goins, Bears fan
"It's easy to look at this game on paper and think you know exactly what a team needs to do to win a game.
For the Bears, they need to be opportunistic with their blitz calls, and they need the front four - not just Julius Peppers - to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers and try to force him to make mistakes. They can't afford to be constantly sending five and six defenders to the quarterback and not getting there - Rodgers has shown his mobility can give his receivers time to get open for him.
For the Packers - get to Jay Cutler, early and often. In my mind, it's that simple. Cutler has shown me nothing to give me confidence that he is a great quarterback under pressure. He gift-wrapped at least two interceptions to the Seahawks that were dropped. He's going to make mistakes, and the more pressure that Green Bay gets on him, the more likely he is to make those mistakes.
Of course, this could be a 40-37 shootout too.
Prediction: As much of a Bears fan as I am, I'm going 23-14 Packers with the victory"
For the Bears, they need to be opportunistic with their blitz calls, and they need the front four - not just Julius Peppers - to get pressure on Aaron Rodgers and try to force him to make mistakes. They can't afford to be constantly sending five and six defenders to the quarterback and not getting there - Rodgers has shown his mobility can give his receivers time to get open for him.
For the Packers - get to Jay Cutler, early and often. In my mind, it's that simple. Cutler has shown me nothing to give me confidence that he is a great quarterback under pressure. He gift-wrapped at least two interceptions to the Seahawks that were dropped. He's going to make mistakes, and the more pressure that Green Bay gets on him, the more likely he is to make those mistakes.
Of course, this could be a 40-37 shootout too.
Prediction: As much of a Bears fan as I am, I'm going 23-14 Packers with the victory"
R.J. Osterhaus, Packers fan (and President of the 223)
"I foresee a relatively low-scoring affair coming Sunday. Late in the 4th quarter the Packers will find themselves up 17-14. One of the Bears TD's will be of the special teams variety, the other a passing play in which a defender loses his footing on the shoddy Soldier Field turf. The Packers will get their scoring on a field goal, a passing TD and a pick six. The Bears will find themselves driving for victory in the games closing moments, when a pass down the right sideline results in...nah, I'm not going to spoil it! But I can't wait to see it! :)"
Prediction: ?!?! (He didn't want to spoil it!)
Mitch Maersch, Bears fan
"Bears need to run a balanced offense. Don't give up on the run too early. Also, Cutler can't just toss up jump balls. This game counts, unlike the last one. Double team Matthews every down.
They must shut down the Packers' running game and make them one-dimensional. Cover Jennings since he broke free the last game.
Hester has to make plays on special teams, either give good field position or score.
Also, take the attenas from the Sears Tower and clunk Rodgers over the head with them, preferably before kickoff.
Packers must kick away from Hester and force Cutler into a key turnover or two, while not committing any. They also must have a balanced offense to slow down the pass rush
Prediction: Bears 27, Packers 24 (wishful thinking)
Vaughan Gartrelle, Giants fan
"Packers offense has a great first quarter taking off to a 14 - 3 lead. Second quarter and the rest of the game controlled by the bears defense taking a 17 -14 lead into the half. Bears come out firing on all cylinders in the second half getting to Rodgers very often.
Prediction: Bears win 35-21"
What do you think? Be sure to comment below!
**Check out tomorrow when I break down the five keys for the Bears to win and Packers fan Josh Golberg will break down the keys for the Packers.**
Alrighty boys and girls, it is now time for the Nussie Hunter portion of today broadcast and if you follow me on Twitter and FB you saw me mention Grace Potter of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals who performed on Jay Leno last night. I was enthralled by her and had to put her on the blog today. She's all legs, and has amazing pipes. Take a look at these pics with this preview.
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