Clay Matthews will have his eyes on Jay Cutler tonight. Raymond T. Rivard photograph

I had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Burzawa of Beargoggleson.com, our sister Fansided.com fan site that focuses, of course, on the Chicago Bears.

He spent some time answering questions we threw his way about tonight’s Bears vs. Packers game.

He has an interesting take on the game.

Here are his answers …

In years past, Cutler might spiral out of control and try to force things, but I feel like this season he’s better equipped to deal some early missteps.  Of course the Bears can’t let the Packers build up a big lead to let Dom Caper’s defense play downhill and come after Cutler.  If the Bears can keep it to within one score so they can run a balanced offense, they have the weapons to come back.

I think a lot of Cutler’s problems have been related to the talent around him.  Without wide receivers that could beat press coverage and one on one matchups, Cutler forced some bad throws.  With some new weapons, I expect you’ll see a new Jay Cutler on Thursday night.

The Bears are a team in transition, changing from a defensive-minded team to an offensively focused team.  You can tell by the Bears’ offseason acquisitions that they’re trying to “keep up with the Jones’s” and get some more firepower to be competitive in today’s NFL.  The defense may be getting long in the tooth, but they make up for their physical losses with experience and cunning.  Special teams are always staple on the Bears and will continue to make game changing plays.

There’s no “seems” about it – the Bears are an aging defense; their best players are north of 30.  The Urlacher injury makes the Bears a little vulnerable in the middle of the field while he’s working himself back into game shape.  Peanut is a tough physical corner, but if Greg Jennings sits, those might end up evening out.

Wait, the Packers have a running game?  I thought they just handed the ball off a couple times per game when Aaron Rodgers’ arm got tired.  The Bears still have some strong play in the secondary without Peanut.  In case you missed it, Tim Jennings had two interceptions and another tipped ball that led to another interception.  On the other side, Kelvin Hayden has plenty of experience and fared well filling in for Tillman last week.  DJ Moore plays the nickel and is a bit of a ball hawk, so keep an eye out for him.  The young safeties Major Wright and Chris Conte could be challenged keeping up with the Packers’ aerial assault.

On offense, keep an eye out for H-back Evan Rodriguez.  He did a nice job opening some holes in the running game.  On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears invested a first round pick in defensive end Shea McClellin.  So far, he’s rotating in on pass rushing situations and has shown great speed creating pressure.  Aaron Rodgers had better look out for him.

The Packers have gotten the best of the Bears over the last few years, but this isn’t the same old Bears team.  Jay Cutler has the weapons to keep up with Rodgers and the Packers for a change.  The Bears use some creative scheming to protect Cutler and the defense has just enough to slow down the slumping Packers, who move to 0-2 on the season.  Bears 37, Packers 34

Matt Forte will be carrying the ball and the Bears' flag for at least the next four years. Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

Matt Forte just this afternoon went from a dissatisfied running back to a player who now fits nicely into the Chicago Bears‘ long-term plans.

It was announced around the noon hour today, Monday, July 16, that Forte and the Bears agreed on a four-year, $32 million contract.

According to BearGogglesOn.com, fansided.com’s Chicago Bears blog site, Adam Schefter first reported the details this morning, ending all speculation that Forte would hold out.

Here’s what Tooch over at Bear Goggles had to say on the signing:

Forte was originally due to make $7.74 million this season after the Bears placed the franchise tag on him. Despite an injury-shortened 2011 season, Forte still racked up 997 yards on the ground in 12 games. The multi-purpose running back should be pushed even harder this year with the team’s acquisition of Michael Bush in the offseason and the added offensive threat of Brandon Marshall.

Many have questioned for months whether or not the Bears should sign Forte to a long-term deal given his position and recent injury as well. The potential threat of a training camp holdout may have contributed to the team’s decision.

If the Packers are to win Sunday against the Bears, they must not turn the ball over.

Mike Burzawa, the blogger over at beargoggleson.com, threw some questions to us here at lombardiave.com about today’s Packer vs. Bears, which we were more than glad to answer.

In what, in my opinion, could be a much closer game than many expect, We talk about injuries, quarterbacks, defense and the Packers vs. Bears longtime rivalry.

No doubt, this will be just another great game between the Midwest rivals.

As you prepare to watch, check out the Q&A we’ve put together here … and don’t forget to Like Lombardiave.com on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Q. The Packers finally lost a game.  Does that help take some of the pressure off?  How does that affect their preparations for the Bears on Sunday night?

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