Will Packers Injuries Pave the Way Again?

A Packers repeat run to the Super Bowl is possible, but it's starting to look like it will also have to include a repeat of the injury bug.

This past Sunday the passing game was a bit off early on. The defense, this time without cornerback Tramon Williams, once again gave up over 400 passing yards.  However, unlike the Metrodome roof and the Viking defense this past Sunday, they didn't collapse. The Packers defense compensated by getting four takeaways, turning the tide to help the Packers secure a win.

Unfortunately in the process safety Nick Collins suffered a neck injury and is out for the season. Also defensive lineman Ryan Pickett sprained his foot. Now the Packers have to head into Chicago to face the Bears with a weakened defense.

Injuries early in the year can be a blessing in disguise as it provides much-needed experience to backup players. This improves the quality of the team's depth and helps their confidence. The downside is that the team has to overcome more mistakes by less-experienced or less-talented players, making games closer and more difficult to win. This was pretty much the story last season and it could be again this season.

Last year safety Charlie Peprah adequately replaced rookie Morgan Burnett.  However this time Peprah doesn't have the benefit of the other safety being a Pro Bowl player. This combination could cost the Packers a big play or two in the upcoming game against the Bears, making what is more often than not a tough, close game even more difficult. Let's hope Williams and Pickett will be able to play this Sunday.

Look for some interesting adjustments by defensive coordinator Dom Capers.  Charles Woodson could get some playing time at safety. Jarrett Bush might also be used at safety because of his speed in an attempt to counter the Bears' speedster Devin Hester.

Fortunately for the Packers, the Bears don't have last year's luck. Instead of being healthy they too are a bit dinged up.
 
Chicago's starting rookie right tackle Gabe Carimi is out for a month and starting guard Lance Louis is doubtful for Sunday's game with a sprained ankle. Free safety Major Wright might not play (head injury). Also the Bears' deep safety Chris Harris is coming off of a hamstring injury and hasn't practiced.

Assuming the Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz can manage to suppress his pass-happy ego, watch for the Bears to press their running game early and often, and then take some deep shots. Hopefully the Packers defense can do what New Orleans did (six sacks) and get some hits on Cutler. Assuming the Packers can protect Rodgers, he should be able to carve up the Bears just like the Saints did this past Sunday.