The Bears probably won’t beat the Packers by getting involved in an offensive shootout.
The path to a victory for Chicago is to dominate on the ground (they averaged more than 5 yards--per-carry in Week 17), prevent big plays, and win decisively on special teams.
The Packers have had won of the worst special teams groups in the league all year. They gave up a kick return score last week in Atlanta. The Bears, on the other hand, have Devin Hester. Their kicking game has been solid.
Despite all that, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune points out the Packers had a big advantage in special teams when the two teams faced in the regular season finale. The Packers controlled Hester, and got a big return from Tramon Williams.
“They had the edge last time. They beat us. I am driving that point home,” special teams coordinator Dave Toub told Briggs. “They have enough weapons and enough people, they can beat you.”
Packers Punter Tim Masthay has quietly performed well this season. The Packers have largely tightened up their mental mistakes and special teams late in the year.
If the Bears are going to win Sunday, they can’t let the Packers have the edge in special teams again.