Let’s get down to business.

Here are three things the Green Bay Packers must, must, must do if they are to advance to the Su…wait…I don’t even want to say that phrase yet…defeat the Chicago Bears in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game (still get chills writing that).

The Packers, using something similar to sleight of hand, actually had us believing they had changed many of their famously - or is that infamously? - self-defeating ways from previous years. Also apparently gone were the poor special teams performances this [...]]]> Up until Monday night, it’d been quite a magic act pulled off by the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers, using something similar to sleight of hand, actually had us believing they had changed many of their famously - or is that infamously? - self-defeating ways from previous years. Also apparently gone were the poor special teams performances this team was known for, an especially impressive act of trickery as this team gave no indication it was capable of such change until about two weeks ago.

Of course, even the best magicians can’t make things vanish forever. At some point, the re-appearance always takes place. For Green Bay, that happened Monday night.

The dark side of the Packers reared its ugly head in full force in an embarassing 20-17 road loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, Green Bay showing few characteristics of this so-called “championship-caliber” team we’ve spent too much time making it out to be.

If the Packers (2-1 overall) were a championship-level squad, they would not have spent the entire evening killing themselves over…and over…and over with penalties. At no point did the time-tested principles of discipline or self-restraint enter into Green Bay’s thinking in this one, the Packers racking up a team-record 18 penalties for 152 yards with seemingly every position getting into the act at one point or another. At least it was everybody, right?

And, of course, you can’t rack up that many penalty yards without a few personal foul calls, the ultimate indicator of a sloppy, undisciplined team. Let’s see – there was an unneccessary roughness call, a roughing the passer call, a facemasking call…yeah, I think it’s safe to put Green Bay in that category, don’t you?

If the penalties weren’t enough to remind you all too well of the 2009 Packers’ evil twin, Shawn Slocum and his special teams’ whiz kids were there to seal the deal.

To punt to Devin Hester once, only to have Hester almost house it, is a bad – but ultimately forgiveable – mistake. After all, it’d been awhile since Hester was that Hester. But deciding to kick it to him again is an act of reckless idiocy that simply can not be overlooked. Hester got his mojo back on the first big return; you knew he’d cash in if he got another chance, no matter how good your still-suspect coverage units looked over the first two weeks.

Well, you knew unless you were Slocum, anyways.

None of this is to suggest the Packers didn’t outplay the Bears (3-0), because they clearly did. But you can find drawbacks in that fact, as well.

Yes, Green Bay looks fantastic offensively between the 20s. That’s nice, really. But if this team is the offensive juggernault we all think it is, why is scoring within the red zone slightly harder than finding an intelligent Bears fan? With all these weapons at their disposal, why can’t Aaron Rodgers find any of them often enough when it matters most? Last time I checked, championship teams aren’t settling for field goals – or worse, blocked field goals – at the end of eight-plus minute drives all that often.

Similar story with the defense. After all the pressure and heat that group put on Jay Cutler in the first half, why was Dom Capers going with the dreaded “sweep three, drop eight” sets time and time again towards the end of the game? Where was the Cutler-throat mentality this defense sells us on? Perhaps it was – oops, sorry, got cut off.

Green Bay just committed another defensive penalty.

If all of these things weren’t enough – they’re not? – the most damning aspect to emerge from the game is this: A championship team would’ve crushed Chicago, a truly underwhelming bunch if there ever was one.

Remember, the Bears were desperate to serve notice that they were for real. Brian Urlacher said the game would be the team’s biggest since its Super Bowl loss in 2007. The Packers had to know the Bears were going to fight them wire-to-wire, if for no other reason than, well, they always have under Lovie Smith.

Of course, none of this would’ve mattered to a championship team. Expecting a battle, you simply walk into their building and break their will. After all, you’re the better team and they are in your way. Simple as that. What you don’t do is beat them up-and-down the field for 60 minutes, only to repeatedly get in your own way at every single crucial turn.

The Packers gave us some indications they are – and will continue to be – a very good team in this loss.

But until they toss their evil twin off the cliff once and for all, it’s hard to see a championship in this team’s future. After this one, it seems like that’ll take an awful lot of sorcery.

-Chris Lempesis

For part two, it’s time to look at the tough guys on defense (and those wimps on special teams…I kid, I kid).

Front seven - Yeah, that’s right. We’re going a different way on this one. It seems ridiculous to compare the respective defensive lines/linebacking corps for the [...]]]> Okay, so we’ve covered the pretty boys on offense.

For part two, it’s time to look at the tough guys on defense (and those wimps on special teams…I kid, I kid).

Front seven - Yeah, that’s right. We’re going a different way on this one. It seems ridiculous to compare the respective defensive lines/linebacking corps for the teams because, really, they’re asked to do different things. So, instead, we’ll just give an overview of the two groups and then decide who’s got the edge.

The Green Bay Packers, obviously, run a 3-4 scheme. So far, so good for the front seven in that group. The run defense, while perhaps not operating at a No. 1-level, has been more than sound. The 5.3 yards per carry allowed is completely misleading, as most of those yards came from Michael Vick’s showing in week one (against a defense that had not prepared for him).

The linebackers have been quick to the ball, like last season, and the trio of Cullen Jenkins, B.J. Raji and Ryan Pickett has been very good. That should continue, though Mike Neal’s presence will be required on the line at some point so those three can avoid hitting empty on the tank. He’s unlikely to play in this one, though, due to his rib injury.

The pass rush generated from this group has been outstanding, as Green Bay led the NFL in sacks coming into the weekend (10). Most of this stems from Clay Matthews hitting beast mode, of course, but it’s not just him. Raji and Jenkins have also been strong in this area. Matthews should have a field day with this weak Chicago line, but at some point, another linebacker is going to have to step it up.

For the Bears, it’s the same old Cover 2 scheme that they’ve always run. If you don’t know, in this scheme, most of the pressure is generated from the front four, while the linebackers are mainly asked to play the run and drop in coverage. The run defense has been, in a word, sterling. Chicago had the NFL’s top-ranked run defense through two games, allowing just 1.4 yards per carry (with a long of eight. Eight!). Brian Urlacher is healthy and playing near his old level, with running mate Lance Briggs continuing to be the league’s most underrated linebacker.

The Bears’ pass rush has not been as effective, recording just two sacks so far. Julius Peppers, the team’s big-name offseason acquisition, has just one, although he also knocked Detroit’s Matthew Stafford out in week one with a shoulder injury. Look for him to show up in a big way here, as it’s a nationally-televised night game (his specialty). Tommie Harris is a very good d-tackle and Mark Anderson is an end who knows how to get to the quarterback.

In the end, though, I think Green Bay is better in more front-seven facets than is Chicago. Edge: Packers

Secondary - Okay, I’m keeping this one real short. For Green Bay: Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Nick Collins and Morgan Burnett.

For Chicago: Zackary Bowman, Danieal Manning, Chris Harris and Charles Tillman.

Who would you rather have? Edge: Packers

Special Teams - The biggest area of surprise for the 2010 Packers so far. The coverage units have been fantastic, as has kick returner Jordy Nelson and kicker Mason Crosby. Punter Tim Masthay has been just okay, but even he hasn’t been terrible. Williams hasn’t made any mistakes as a punt returner, but at some point, you’d like to see him break one.

The Bears have two really good returners in Johnny Knox and the always-fearsome Devin Hester. Kicker Robbie Gould has been his usual sturdy self and punter Brad Maynard is one of the best in the business. While I like what I’ve seen from Green Bay in this department, Chicago has been better for longer and could definitely take advantage of the Packers here. Edge: Bears

While the Packers take six out of eight categories overall, this game will still be close. The Bears are at home and desperately want to serve notice that they are a team you need to take seriously. Plus, Lovie Smith’s teams always battle Green Bay until the end. I said the Packers would win, 27-24, and I’m sticking to that, mainly because of their overall edge in talent.

But expect a nailbiter, folks. See you after the game.

-Chris Lempesis

Well, fear not – we’ve got Packers football tonight. Green Bay heads into Soldier Spaceship – er, Soldier Field – for a Monday Night contest with the Chicago Bears (7:30 p.m. Lambeau Time).

In this matchup of 2-0 teams, who has the edge [...]]]> Man, Sunday’s kind of stink when there’s no Green Bay Packers game, don’t they?

Well, fear not – we’ve got Packers football tonight. Green Bay heads into Soldier Spaceship – er, Soldier Field – for a Monday Night contest with the Chicago Bears (7:30 p.m. Lambeau Time).

In this matchup of 2-0 teams, who has the edge in the position battles? Let’s take a look now. This is part one; part two will run Monday morning.

Quarterback - It’s been an up-and-down first two games for everyone’s preseason MVP, Aaron Rodgers. By my count, he’s played four really good quarters, three bad quarters and one decent quarter. That’s not to say he’s been terrible, just that he hasn’t been flawless. Jay Cutler has been the Cutler that Bears fans thought they were getting a year ago so far, throwing five touchdowns against just one pick. Mike Martz’s system appears to be suiting him just fine, though it is just two games. Edge: Packers

Running backs - One game into the Brandon Jackson-John Kuhn experiment, things aren’t looking so great. While it shouldn’t hurt the Packers too much, long-term, you have to wonder how the offense will hold up in a game where Rodgers struggles. Matt Forte hasn’t done much better on the ground (2.9 yards per carry), but he is bringing great value in the passing game (12 catches, 188 yards, three scores). He’ll act as Martz’s Marshall Faulk in this offense. Packers fans know Chester Taylor from his Vikings’ days as an outstanding pass-catcher and very good pass protector. Look for him to get involved more than a few times in this one. Edge: Bears

Wide Receivers - Things are going pretty much as expected for Green Bay’s highly touted receiving corps, although you have to wonder why the team is dead-set on making James Jones such a factor. Note to broadcasters: He is not a No. 1 receiver for any team in the league and is only a two for about one-third of the teams. No clear No. 1 has emerged for the Bears yet, but the group of Johnny Knox, Devin Hester and Devin Aromashodu is young with plenty of upside. Upside doesn’t win the day here. Edge: Packers

Tight ends - While he has not set the league on fire, as many expected, Jermichael Finley has still turned in two very good games. Last week, we saw what happens when teams decide to single-cover him. Not sure if we’ll see much of that again. Donald Lee has not been a factor at all and Tom Crabtree is a blocker. Much has been written about how Martz does not like to use the tight ends in the passing game. So far, that seems correct as Greg Olsen has just five catches for 76 yards (and a score). Olsen is very talented, though, and should not be overlooked. At 295 pounds, Brandon Manumaleuna is primarily a blocker and will stay in to help cover Cutler. Edge: Packers

Offensive line - Green Bay’s offensive line has been decent so far, but Rodgers has faced more pressure than you’d prefer . The group needs to reach another level. Chad Clifton (knee) is a game-time decision; if he can’t go, in steps rookie Bryan Bulaga. Either way, Chicago will attack that side of the field. The Bears’ front five hasn’t been great, either, and will be going with a pair of guys, Frank Omiyale (left tackle) and Kevin Shaffer (right tackle), playing out of position due to injuries. If the Bears think they can get away with all those five-and-seven-step drops behind this group, they’re nuts. Edge: Packers

So far, the Packers hold the edge in four of five categories. How will things shake out in part two? Again, check back Monday morning to find out.

-Chris Lempesis

We know about the primetime television audience.

We know about the rivalry.

As fun as all those things are – and, believe me, they are fun – we should probably, at some point, talk about the actual matchup itself.

Well, that time is now, as we are going to break down all the important [...]]]> We know about the storylines.

We know about the primetime television audience.

We know about the rivalry.

As fun as all those things are – and, believe me, they are fun – we should probably, at some point, talk about the actual matchup itself.

Well, that time is now, as we are going to break down all the important information and matchups that comprise Packers vs. Bears, Sunday night at Lambeau Field at 7:20 p.m. Lambeau time.

(Gives me chills just writing that)

Weather report: At the time of this posting, the Weather Channel forecast for kickoff suggest a possible high of 79 degrees and a possible low of 52 degrees, with zero chance of rain. That’s likely to change a half-dozen times between now and kickoff, but at the moment it sounds like it will be a perfect early fall evening at Lambeau.

Injury report

Packers

Will Blackmon (quad), Brandon Jackson (ankle) and B.J. Raji (ankle).

Raji practiced today and it sounds like he’s planning on playing. Whether the coaching staff agrees remains to be seen. Still, I think the big fella will play, albeit in a slightly reduced role.

Jackson and Blackmon, however, haven’t practiced in awhile. Jackson is almost guaranteed to be out, I think. Blackmon will test his quad today, but he’s been out with that injury far longer than originally thought and I doubt it heels in time for Sunday.

Bears

The only real major player battling an injury for the Bears is cornerback Charles Tillman (back).

Tillman was listed as a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Chicago is being secretive, as you’d expect, regarding his status but my bet is that he’ll play.

Key matchups

Offense

Packers wide receivers vs. Bears secondary

The Bears’ secondary won’t be quite the unit we’re used to seeing. In other words, it likely won’t be as good.

As of now, Chicago is definitely starting a rookie sixth-round pick, Al Afalava, at strong safety.

Tillman, even if he plays, won’t be 100 percent. If he doesn’t, Trumaine McBride, a third-year player with very little experience, will go in his spot. Nathan Vasher will start at the other corner. But he’s struggled with injuries and inconsistent play over the past two seasons.

Kevin Payne is the starting free safety and he’s a hard-hitter who is solid overall.

Regardless, the Packers elite group of wideouts should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Defense

Packers linebackers vs. Bears tight ends

With the Bears so questionable at wideout (Devin Hester as a No. 1 target? Really?), it’s a safe bet that their very good tight ends – Greg Olson and Desmond Clark – will be Jay Cutler’s top targets in this contest.

The Packers have to make sure those two don’t own the seams or else, suddenly, the whole field will open up for Cutler. The linebacking group, which has some strong cover guys (Brandon Chillar, Nick Barnett) and some who, well, aren’t strong (Brady Poppinga, A.J. Hawk) will have to be physical with Olson and Clark to keep them from finding space.

Special teams

Packers cover teams vs. Bears returners

Hester wasn’t his normal game-breaking self last season as a returner, likely because he had more responsibilities as a wideout. Still, he’s always dangerous. Danieal Manning handles the kickoff duties and all he did was lead the league in return average last season.

The Packers struggled on coverage duties last year. The group appears to have improved in the preseason, but it will be put to the test Sunday. It has to respond.

The Packers will win if….

1. The offensive line creates space for Ryan Grant and Grant takes advantage. Most of the talk surrounding the Packers’ preseason showings dealt with how well Aaron Rodgers looked. Rodgers was fantastic, to be sure, but the o-line and Grant are the real keys to success Sunday night. With the Bears’ secondary being so weak, you have to think head coach Lovie Smith – who is calling the plays on defense this year – will scheme it so that group is covered (i.e., running a lot of nickel and dime defenses early). If Chicago is sitting back on its heels, the running game should have a chance to get rolling early on. If it does, that will get the Bears leaning forward. Then its playaction time and the Pack will dominate.
2. Cutler is pressured. Yes, saying that you have to pressure the quarterback sends me dangerously close to “Master of the Obvious” territory, I know. But with Cutler, it’s really true. Remember, he doesn’t know his receivers that well yet. So, if the defense pressures Cutler, he will rely on his gunslinger mentality (he’s got a big arm and is a huge Judas fan, keep in mind). That will cause early and, oftentimes, poor throws. That will allow the Packers’ playmaking secondary to do what they do best: Create turnovers.
3. Green Bay gets off to a hot start. First quarters were not good for the Packers last season. A hot start Sunday is key because it will just reinforce for the team that it is as good as it was in the preseason. That type of momentum spreads throughout the entire team. It also lets Chicago know what type of game its in for. The Bears, a far-less talented team, could then start pressing in order to keep up.

How I think the game will go

Offensively, it’s all set up for the Packers to dominate. The Bears defense is on the downside even with a proven mastermind like Smith calling the plays. The Packers offense, on the other hand, is on the cusp of becoming one of the league’s best. If the o-line does its job, Green Bay will score in bunches. Period.

Defensively, the Packers have to prove the strong preseason showings weren’t a fluke. I think they will, somewhat, although don’t expect that group to dominate like it did. The games count now and the Bears have had some time to look at the tape from the preseason. Plus, Cutler is going to make one or two brilliant throws because, well, he almost always seems to and Matt Forte will get his touches and yards. That said, the Packers’ secondary is so good, I expect they will come up with at least a turnover or two.

That will prove to be the difference as Green Bay will make a statement that it is for real.

Prediction: Packers 27, Bears 20

-Chris Lempesis

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush [...]]]> “You can’t lose what you don’t put in the middle…but you can’t win much either.”
-Mike McDermott, “Rounders”

Quick Refresher:

Even though the movie “Rounders” is about poker, the game the Vikings and Judas played all offseason was essentially a game of high stakes poker.  (I have been waiting  on a decision from the man who make waffle makers blush to dish out the Vikings’ offseason review, so thank you for your paitence.)

That has been the story of the Vikings offseason, like it or not.  A team that is coming off their first division title since 2000 seemed to have most of the pieces in place to make another playoff run, maybe even a dark horse for a Super Bowl bid.  The only hole on the roster was and still is at at the most important position in the game.  They went all-in on the ultimate gamble with Judas and lost.  

They may be fine without him, but the coaching staff and front office obviously felt otherwise.  When you have a chance to go for it in the NFL, you do it.  So, they pushed their chips in the middle and now hope the repercussions do not derail their division title defense.
 

Where they were heading into the offseason:

Coming off a 10-6 season and their first division title in eight years, the Vikings sat in a nice position to build on last year’s success.  One of the league’s top defenses, ranked sixth overall and first against the run, returned almost their entire starting lineup, including  starting middle linebacker E.J. Henderson, who missed most of last season to injury. 

Couple that withthe league’s fifth-best rushing attack in 2008 and perhaps the NFL’s most dangerous player Adrian Peterson, it seemed like the Vikings were just a solid passing game away from being a serious contender in the NFC.

There was also the court decision on Kevin and Pat Williams’ suspension for testing positive to banned substances, which was delayed and now looks like they may not get suspended at all.

What happened in free agency:

As far as signings, there was nothing of any real significance.  They seriously flirted with T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who turned down the purple to sign withSeattle.  With Housh out of the picture, the biggest offseason acquisition in Minnesota was the trade for Sage Rosenfels.  In desperate need for some competition for incumbent Tavaris Jackson (before all of the Judas courting), the Vikings ship a 4th round pick to Houston for the 31-year-old quarterback.  Rosenfelsthen signed a two-year, $9 million deal after going 2-3 in five starts last season, throwing for 1,431 yards with six touchdowns and 10 interceptions.  Not earth-shattering stats.

The biggest name to be signed took place just last week when Antoine Winfield ended his offseasonholdout, inked a new five-year deal worth $36 million and $16.1 million guaranteed.  Coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance of his career last season Winfield,32, signed probably his last contract of his career.  Given his age, physical style of play and demanding position of cornerback, some have to question giving out a lengthy contract with a good chunk of guaranteed money.

 Perhaps the biggest storyline of the Vikings’ free agency was their departures.  Starting safety/relative of Judas/ former Packer Darren Sharper ended his stay in Minnesota after signing a deal with New Orleans.  Not a huge loss for Minnesota as it looked like Sharper lost a step last season.

The bigger loss though is on the offensive line and departure of long-time center Matt Birk to Baltimore.  Birk was the longest tenured Viking and at 32, still one of the better centers in the league.  The team had plenty of cap room to re-sign him, especially for the deal Baltimore gave or maybe they were saving the room for Judas and others?  Either way, the loss of Birk hurts in many areas, on-field and in the locker room.  Withuncertainty at quarterback, Birk could have been a stabilizing force.  Now the Vikings must turned to first-year starter John Sullivan, a fifth round pick in 2008.

What happened in the draft:

After missing out on the Houshmanzadeh sweepstakes, the Vikings focused their wide receiver needs on the draft.  Picking #20 overall, they took multi-faceted and talented Percy Harvin from Florida.  On paper, it is a great pick because they kid has tremendous talent and upside.  However, red flags caused him to drop in the draft.  Harvin tested positive for marijuana at the scouting combine, among other off-field concerns.  Seriously, how can you test positive at the combine.  You know they are testing everyone and it is the biggest job interview of your life!  I will never understand it.

I digress.  Harvin is a very unique talent that can bring different dimensions to the Vikings.  For starters he a dangerous return man.  He can also catch passes out the backfield and get open downfield.  There has been talk of Brad Childress installing a version of the Wildcat for Harvin.  It can be scary to think what he can do with Peterson in the backfield.

However, can he stay on the field and out of trouble?  Is he big enough?  Can the Vikings even get him the ball enough?

Those are all legitimate questions and concerns.  At best, he is Devin Hester with better offensive ability.  At worst, he can’t stay out of trouble and his size hinders him and is looking of work in three years.

Withtheir second-round choice, they drafted mammoth offensive tackle Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma.  A savvy choice by the team, especially after watching right tackle Ryan Cook struggle all through last season.  At 6-foot-8 and 343 lbs, Loadholt is expected to compete for a starting job right away with Cook.  Size doesn’t always matter, but Loadholt looks down to about anyone next to him.  I’m sure Peterson was happy on draft day.

Where they are now:

 Ironically, they are basically where they were the day after they lost to the Eagles in the playoffs.  Yes, they lost Birk and Sharper to free agency, but they also gain back Henderson on already stout defense. 

Does the acquisition for Rosenfels make this team any better than they were last year?  Jackson did get the team to the playoffs and then flopped.  So, maybe bringing in Rosenfels to compete pushes Jackson or provide a decent fall-back plan.

What it all comes down to is the courting of Judas.  For weeks, even months it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he was going to suit up for Minnesota.  The coaches believed it, most of the players did.  Even earlier this week when it started to leak that he was going to stay retired, guys like Peterson, Jared Allen and Steve Hutchinson were trying to convince him to return.

Now what do those guys and other players, who said it publicly or not do that Favre isn’t there.  Is there going to be a rift or second-guessing with Rosenfels and Jackson?  Teammates and coaches can say that they are behind those two until their faces turn blue, but how much is that true or just saving face?

Jackson and Rosenfels have both said they are ready to compete and have put this Favre saga behind them.  They say there is no ill will with their teammates and coaches, but how pissed off do you think they are? 

Imagine at your job, you are competing for a job promotion with an equally talented and experienced co-worker for a few months.  Things are going well and then your boss says we want to bring in another guy from a different company to take the position because we don’t think either of you can improve this company more than it already is, but he can.  He has a heck of resume and knows people inside the company, despite on the verge of retirement and less commitment we still would like to have him over you two who have a brighter future.  Almost all of your co-workers, especially the heavy-hitters and the ones who have been there the longest all agree.  He then says thanks for all your hard work and competition between you two, but you now are back to your old, lesser roles.

Then right before he is about to start, he decides to retire after all and your boss comes back and tries to sell that he still have faith in both of you to do a great job and improve this company. 

Wouldn’t your confidence be shot a little bit?  Wouldn’t you be pretty upset for: a) your boss and co-workers not having faithin you; b) having your dreams and hopes built up, then it taken only for it to be given it back when the other option failed; and c) everyone trying to pretend it’s no big deal, we had faith in you the whole time and it will be ok.

I know these guys are all pros and this is the real world, but if I’m Jackson or Rosenfels, I would be ‘WTF?  Before they didn’t think I was good enough, but now they do because Judas isn’t coming and they have no other option?’

And what about all the players who wanted Judas there?  What is going through their minds?  Is it going to be the same ol’ song and dance like the last few years are quarterback?

On the flip side, all of this could motivate Jackson and Rosenfels and the best man will win the job in training camp.  That is what the Vikings pray will happen.  We have seen it thousands of times, the whole ‘no one believed in us’ motivational tool.  Maybe it will happen here.

All of this has to be taken into consideration.  On paper, this team is built to win and built to win now.  Not a lot of personnelchanges were made and sometimes that is the best formula.  The coaching staff returns with the same game plan.  Their defense is one of the best and so is their running game.  Adding Harvin and Loadholt should help the offense and the sky is the limit for Peterson right now.

Now, the biggest question in maybe the entire NFL looms, can Brad Childress circle the troops after the affair with Judas? 

We won’t know that answer for some time, but the Vikings went all-in to win now.  Sometimes in the NFL that’s what you have to do.

Offseason Grade: C

The Bears, longing for the days of, well, Sid Luckman, finally got themselves a big-name quarterback this afternoon when they acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos.

Cutler came with a price tag befitting a big name, as well: Chicago’s first round [...]]]> Well, it looks like that Sunday night Bears-Packers season opener at Lambeau just got a whole lot more interesting.

The Bears, longing for the days of, well, Sid Luckman, finally got themselves a big-name quarterback this afternoon when they acquired Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos.

Cutler came with a price tag befitting a big name, as well: Chicago’s first round picks in 2009 and 2010, its third round pick in 2009 and the team’s current starting quarterback, Kyle Orton. The Bears also pick up Denver’s fifth round selection in this year’s draft.

The move makes the Bears a buzzworthy team heading into next season and Chicago fans, at least for the moment, are excited to have an actual quarterback. For some Bears fans, it’s the first time in their lives they can actually say such a thing.

Cutler is a young quarterback who certainly has some potential, but when you step back and take a good look at both Cutler and what the Bears gave up to get him, the move just doesn’t add up.

Cutler has a record of just 17-20 as a starter playing in a system that has gotten good numbers from some very average quarterbacks (the names of Brian Griese and Jake Plummer come to mind here).

His “career” year came last season, when he threw for 4,526 yards, certainly a great amount. But 25 touchdowns to 18 interceptions? Not a very good ratio (his career rating of 54 to 37 also leaves something to be desired).

When his team, in the midst of an AFC West divisional title chase last season,  needed him to be his best, he was anything but. Denver lost three straight games to end the season, with its “star” quarterback compiling QB ratings of 74.3, 72.4 and 74.9. He also threw just two touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

Positively Grossman-esque.

Things are even less rosy with regards to the team he’s going to.

Once known for their top-flight defense, the Bears are nowhere near as good as they once were on that side of the ball. Last season, they finished 21st in total yards allowed, including a 30th place showing in passing yards allowed. They also were 22nd in sacks. Head coach Lovie Smith will take over play-calling duties for the defense this season, but even he can only do so much.

What’s that have to do with Cutler, you ask?

The Broncos had a similarly poor defense last season. That meant Cutler had to carry a lot of the load in order for the team to win. Mixed results followed.

It will be a similar story this season – in fact, it could be worse as the Bears lack any of the consistent, big-time playmakers that Denver had. And don’t mention Devin Hester, Matt Forte or Greg Olson, Bears fans – remember, I said consistent, big-time playmakers. There’s no one close to Brandon Marshall’s level on Chicago’s offense.

The Bears could always get him some help in the dra – oh wait, they can’t because they only have one pick in the first three rounds now.

If all of this wasn’t bad enough, there’s also one more factor to consider: Cutler seems like a real jerk.

This is a guy who just could not deal with the fact that his new head coach (Josh McDaniels) might have been trying to get rid of him in order to acquire a quarterback (Matt Cassel) that he helped groom and who knew the system he was going to install.

Cutler pulled a Favre – yes, I said it – and got his agent, the increasingly detestable Bus Cook, to inform the team he wanted to be traded. Then, like Favre – yes, I said it again – he tried to act like the whole thing wasn’t his fault.

This is a business, sweetheart – grow up a little bit. If Cutler had a hard time dealing with McDaniels, how in the world is he going to deal with Smith, who seems like one tough, old school S.O.B.?

In the end, you come to the conclusion that while the Bears might have finally gotten a quarterback, they’ll likely be kicking themselves for a long time for what they gave up.

Besides, we still have the best quarterback in the division.

-Chris Lempesis