Cutler Debuts As Underdog At Lambeau

NFL News - September 10th, 2009 - Written by John

Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers - If you were looking for a chance to get a look at the completely revamped NFC North, you'll have to wait all of about three days. The NFL bill gives fans an immediate look at two of the most intriguing teams Sunday night, when the Bears head to Lambeau for an NFL-record 177th meeting between the teams.

The two teams split their season series in 2008, the Packers by way of blowout, the Bears by way of overtime field goal. But a lot can change in a year and the Bears have completely gutted their offense into a potential house of fireworks, acquiring Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos and utilizing Devin Hester more prominently in the offense. Head coach Lovie Smith has limited Hester's touches as a return man and instead installed him as a primary receiver. Smart considering there's not much else there for Cutler to croon about.

Hester has caught six passes this preseason for 60 yards and is still working on his connectivity with Cutler, who appears at times to force the ball to his top target.

Outside of tight end Greg Olsen, rookie Juaqin Iglesias appears to be the next option. Iglesias caught eight passes for 130 yards in the preseason and a touchdown. Four of those catches were for 20 yards or more.

The Packers, although doing little in the off-season, are still an interesting team to watch as quarterback Aaron Rodgers develops and tries to improve on his great year as a starter. Rodgers threw for 4,038 and 28 TDs and ranked sixth in the NFL in passer rating. He and Cutler were two of only six players to throw for at least 4,000 yards.

But the Packers have recently expressed concern for the next guy in line, were Aaron Rodgers to go down for some reason. It was reported on NFL.com in late August that the team contacted Tampa Bay about the possibility of acquiring one of the quarterbacks in their never-ending closet. Matt Flynn is currently the only quarterback under Rodgers after the Packers released Brian Brohm, and even he might not be 100-percent at game-time after injuring his shoulder. Ryan Grant will once again take the leading role in the backfield after finishing ninth in the league with 1,203 yards on the ground.

Their defense has only gotten stronger in the off-season, drafting the beefy defensive tackle, B.J. Raji, out of Boston College. Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers has instituted a 3-4 defense over camp, and Green Bay will be the only team in the division to run that scheme. The switch means defensive end Aaron Kampman will have to make a transition to outside linebacker, a switch few defensive players have been able to make effectively.

As late as Thursday, the Packers are listed as 3 1/2 point favorites on BetUS after going 4-4 at home last year. Taking the Bears straight up, however, will deliver a reward of +165 if they win. The over/under for the game is 46 1/2. Last season, the Bears were 6-8 against the spread and the Packers were 7-8.

All Betting Lines Above Can Be Found At BetUS Sportsbook

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/nfl-news/