Joniak's Journal: Why The Bears May Look Better In Latest Contest With Packers
By Jeff Joniak--
(CBS) The Bears (0-0) host the Packers (0-0) in their season opener Sunday at Soldier Field. Here are a few thoughts heading into the game.
First impression
After missing the offseason program while looking for a new contract, tight end Martellus Bennett put his head down and went to work. In an interview to air on Sunday's Bears Radio pregame show on WBBM, Bennett explains why he is in lock-step with new coordinator Adam Gase. Bennett's empowered by Gase's open-minded approach to developing roles for players based on what they are capable of executing, not stubbornly pigeon-holing players into roles that fail to meet their skill sets.
Second thought
A startling stat from the two Packers wins over the Bears in 2014 was Green Bay's offense averaging 7.3 yards per play. It's a crazy number, pointing to unstoppable production. I don't anticipate that happening again. The edge that Bears coach John Fox and coordinator Vic Fangio demand from their defensive players should lead to an attitude that better reflects the blue-collar mentality the city and its fans embrace.
For right now, I am looking for a collective mindset of toughness and urgency that presents itself on every snap, no matter the situation, and eventually leads to winning football.
Third degree
Watching the "Do Your Job" documentary on New England's victorious march to the Super Bowl XLIX title, what stood out was how the Patriots ran the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC title game. LeGarrette Blount ran it 30 times for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
In the past four meetings between these teams, the Patriots have outscored the Colts by 116 points. They've also run it 152 times for 771 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. Think about that: better than five yards per carry and winning by an average of 29 points per game.
It's another example of why I want the Bears to run the ball as much as possible Sunday against the Packers. If New England can average 38 carries a game in keeping a great quarterback like Andrew Luck off the field, why can't the Bears do the same against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers?
Fourth-and-short
One of four backs on the Bears roster, Kadeem Carey enters his second season hoping for a chance to be active Sunday and with a role. He feels he's made progress on special teams, and that would give him a chance. Carey's biggest volume of carries as a rookie in 2014 came against the Packers, and he was impressive.
"Our O-line got after them in that game," Carey said. "It's time to beat those dudes up."
Carey's 72 yards on 14 carries came after the outcome was decided back then but showed what he's capable of when he gets more than a few touches. He only had 36 carries all of last season.
Jeff Joniak is the play-by-play announcer for the Bears broadcasts on WBBM Newsradio 780. Follow him on Twitter @JeffJoniak.
