Packers vs. Bears: Five key matchups

Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) runs past Green Bay Packers free safety Micah Hyde (33). Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

3. Green Bay’s Safeties vs. Martellus Bennett

The other player on the Bears offense that has killed the Packers defense in recent memory has been athletic tight end Martellus Bennett.

Towering at 6-foot-6 and 273 pounds, Bennett is a difficult player for safeties and inside linebackers to contain in coverage. He’s a big target over the middle of the field, and last year he was Cutler’s top lifeline when the quarterback faced pressure and looked to quickly get rid of the ball.

The Packers have had their fair share of problems trying to cover the 28-year-old tight end. In week four last year, he tore up Green Bay’s defense with nine receptions for 134 yards receiving.

Bennett clearly hast he upperhand matched against linebackers like Barrington or Nate Palmer. My guess is the Packers will shadow the pass-catching tight end with a safety or nickel corner, like Micah Hyde.

The Packers may even bring Sean Richardson in as one of the two nickel linebackers on passing downs to match Bennett’s physicality downfield. At 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, Richardson also has the size to go toe-to-toe with Bennett across the middle.

I expect the Packers to get creative on defense in order to scheme against one of Chicago’s top receiving threats.

Next: Cobb vs. Fuller