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As we approach kickoff on Thursday evening, we'll take a look at four Bears players whose impact during the game (or lack thereof) will likely have a major effect on the final result; we also highlight one player who might not make a major impact, but will instead be a curiosity for Packers fans and is therefore worth keeping an eye on.
CB Charles Tillman
Peanut hates math. He also has a shin injury which leaves him questionable for the game. If he can't play, that should seriously hamper the Bears' ability to cover the Packers' receivers. If he plays, he could match up against Jordy Nelson, since Greg Jennings is also injured. That should be a fascinating clash to watch, with Nelson being covered by probably the tallest corner he'd see all season (Tillman is listed at 6'2"). If his injury slows him down, expect to see a lot of safety help on his side, especially against the speedy Nelson.
CB D.J. Moore
Moore might get the start if Tillman can't go, but should be the primary slot corner in nickel sets regardless. He typically has covered Greg Jennings in the past, and will probably see a lot of Randall Cobb as well on Thursday. He's not very big (5'9", 180 pounds) but he is physical and quick and will look to disrupt Aaron Rodgers' timing
DE Shea McClellin
McClellin isn't a starter, but he'll be brought in on pass-rushing downs to try to get to Aaron Rodgers. He's listed on the depth chart at both ends, so both Bryan Bulaga and Marshall Newhouse will need to block him over the course of the game. This will be the Packers' first look at a player that was widely rumored to be a target of theirs, and it would be nice to see the offensive line prevent him from being a factor.
LT J'Marcus Webb
Webb will have his hands full all day with Clay Matthews rushing off the right side of the defense. He looked okay in week one, but Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney left early with an injury and didn't have much of an opportunity to make an impact. With a healthy and amped Matthews looking to bring down Jay Cutler, Webb will need to bring his A game if Cutler is to stay in one piece.
TE Kellen Davis
Aside from the obvious receiving weapons in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, Jay Cutler has Kellen Davis as a large target over the middle. He hasn't been a prolific player in terms of receiving statistics for his career, but he seems to make an impact against the Packers, scoring a touchdown in each game against Green Bay last season. If Davis is able to exploit the middle of the defense, this could be a long day for Charles Woodson and company.
Previous Packers vs. Bears Coverage:
TV and Radio Coverage | Best Rivalry in Football | Week 2 Fantasy Sit/Start Advice | Week 2 Fantasy Preview: Big Day For Finley | Key Match Up #2: Cedric Benson vs. His Old Team | Key Match Up #1: Gabe Carimi vs. Nick Perry | Injury Report
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