Nov. 25--Bears on offense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Bears offense 18th, Packers defense 23rd
Receiver Alshon Jeffery's availability and fitness are major factors. Jeffery sat out Sunday's loss to the Broncos because of a groin injury, but he participated in Tuesday's workout. "When they have Jeffery healthy, they're definitely different," Packers coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged this week. Marquess Wilson impressed Bears coaches with his ability to separate against the Broncos' quality corners. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers, a longtime nemesis of quarterback Jay Cutler, is masterful at disguising pre-snap alignments and varying his attacks out of similar-looking fronts.
ON THE GROUND
Bears offense 15th, Packers defense 22nd
Matt Forte is expected to return after missing three games with a sprained MCL in his right knee. He had 141 yards on 24 carries in the season-opening loss to the Packers. "You call a couple of plays at the right time and they call a certain pressure at the right time and it just fit up right for us," coordinator Adam Gase said. The Packers limited Vikings running back Adrian Peterson to 45 yards on 13 carries Sunday by swarming to the ball and tackling well.
Bears 16th in total offense, T-20th in points scored
Packers 21st in total defense, 3rd in points allowed
Bears on defense
IN THE AIR
NFL ranks: Packers offense 22nd, Bears defense 4th
Aaron Rodgers completed a season-worst 47.1 percent (16 of 34) of his passes in Sunday's win over the Vikings. But he can take over a game, as the Bears well know. His ability to read defenses and throw accurately on the move makes him special. "I don't know if he's the best, but there's nobody better," Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. Outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is managing his ailing left knee. His plan for stopping Rodgers? "We just need to hit his ass."
ON THE GROUND
Packers offense 16th, Bears defense 25th
Packers running back Eddie Lacy rushed for 100 yards against the Vikings, the first time this season he has hit that mark. Fangio said Lacy looks physical and agile, as usual, despite a subpar season. The Bears surrendered a season-high 170 rushing yards to the Broncos and were beaten on several perimeter runs. The Bears lost blocks, didn't consistently set the edge and didn't always fit properly. Strong safety Chris Prosinski is likely to replace Antrel Rolle (right knee) for the second straight game.
Packers 21st in total offense, T-17th in points scored
Bears 14th in total defense, 24th in points allowed
