Nov. 26--Buckle in. The 192nd meeting in the Bears-Packers rivalry comes just in time for Thanksgiving dessert. And it's an intriguing matchup between an improving Bears team and a Packers squad that needed Sunday's 30-13 road victory over the Vikings to snap a three-game skid. With kickoff nearing, here's our snapshot look at Thursday night's game at Lambeau Field.
Player in spotlight
Pernell McPhee has been gutting through a knee injury that kept him out of the Bears' Week 10 game at St. Louis and limited him to just 38 of the defense's 69 snaps last weekend against the Broncos. That has made it an in-game challenge for coordinator Vic Fangio to stay tapped into how effective McPhee can be.
"He's trying his best," Fangio said. "There was one point in the game (against the Broncos) when I was told he was done and wasn't going to play anymore. Then I look up and he's out there two series later.
"So it's up to him right now."
McPhee wants it known he will be playing Thursday night. And when asked how the Bears' defense can find a way to limit the mobility of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, McPhee didn't need a lengthy X's and O's dissertation.
"Hit his ass," he said. "That's it. Nothing else. We just need to hit his ass. He won't be able to run then.
"The only thing we need to do is hit the quarterback and win the game. That's it. And then go eat us some turkey dinner. Happy Thanksgiving."
Pressing question
Can Jay Cutler vanquish his demons against the Packers?
Cutler's losing streak in the rivalry reached eight in September. He's also winless in four career starts at Lambeau Field. And since joining the Bears in 2009, he has thrown 23 interceptions with just 14 touchdown passes against the Packers.
But that was the old Jay Cutler. The new model, the 2015 version operating with composure and efficiency in Adam Gase's system? Even the Packers acknowledge the quarterback's progress.
"You can tell he's being a lot smarter with the ball and not trying to make as many plays," linebacker Clay Matthews said this week. "He's just playing smart."
Added coach Mike McCarthy: "I think he's doing exactly what Adam wants him to do. You see the efficiency and the time clock in the passing game."
Now it's time for Cutler to measure his growth against an opponent and a defensive coordinator in Dom Capers that have given him fits for years.
Keep an eye on ...
Bears kicker Robbie Gould shares the NFL lead with 23 made field goals this season. Packers counterpart Mason Crosby, meanwhile, has made 17 of his 19 attempts, including four from 40-yards plus last week against the Vikings. In what figures to be a close game, precision in the kicking game may be an X-factor.
Snow is in the forecast for Thursday night with temperatures possibly dipping into the high 20s and wind likely.
Two of the league's most seasoned outdoor kickers should be up to the challenge. But even the slightest misstep could prove significant.
Injuries
Martellus Bennett has been ruled out of Thursday's game, still dealing with an injury to his ribs that he suffered during Sunday's loss to the Broncos. Bennett has played in 42 consecutive games since joining the Bears in 2013.
Matt Forte is listed officially as questionable but made it clear Tuesday he will play. Alshon Jeffery (questionable with a groin injury) is a little more iffy.
Other Bears starters on the injury report include safety Antrel Rolle (questionable -- knee, ankle) and receiver Eddie Royal (out, knee).
