Halftime notes: Packers-Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: NFC Championship Game, Aaron Rodgers, Brandon Jackson, Brian Urlacher, Cullen Jenkins, James Starks, Julius Peppers, Matt Forte, Mike Martz, Sam Shields, T.J. Lang, Tim Masthay

A look at some halftime numbers, and a few observations, at halftime of the NFC Championship Game at Solider Field:

Aaron Rodgers is showing no signs of cooling off. Rodgers went 4-for-4 on the Packers first drive, capping it off with this 1-yard touchdown run. Rodgers has four completions of more than 20 yards, and the Bears have done little to disrupt his rhythm.A fantastic play on the ball by Sam Shields on his interception late in the half, the first play following Brian Urlacher’s interception. It immediately killed any momentum for the Bears.The Packers are staying committed to the run, and having success, against the Bears No. 2-ranked run defense. James Starks has 12 rushes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Solid play by the interior of the Green Bay offensive line. Rodgers has scrambles of 12 and 25 yards, and the Packers have 104 yards rushing.Forte Factor: Offensive coordinator Mike Martz is relying heavily on Matt Forte. Forte was involved in nine of the first 11 offensive plays and has 12 total touches for 28 yards rushing and 44 yards receiving.Jay Cutler has been throwing off of his back foot all game. He’s 6-of-13 for 80 yards and the interception.Packers DE Cullen Jenkins is playing like a difference-maker. Bears DE Julius Peppers, matched up on Packers backup tackle T.J. Lang for much of the half, so far has not.Greg Olsen was a big part of Martz’s game plan against the Seahawks last week with three receptions for 113 yards and a TD in the first half. Olsen has been targeted twice against the Packers, with no catches.Wow, Urlacher. You got shook by Brandon Jackson.First downs in the first half: Packers 17, Bears 6.Field position has had a huge impact in the half. The Bears average starting field position on their first five drives was the 20-yard line, and three have started drives inside the 17. Tim Masthay has been a factor for the Packers. The Bears elected to punt instead of attempting field goals from about 52 and 48 yards.Posted in: News  

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By the numbers: Packers-Bears

Published: January 23rd, 2011 | Tags: Green Bay Packers, B.J. Raji, Caleb Hanie, Chicago Bears, James Starks, Matt Forte, NFC Championship Game, Sam Shields, Tom Waddle

The crew on the NFL Network research desk has sent out its notes from the Packers’ 21-14 win over the Bears in the NFC Championship game, and it’s headlined by this nugget: The Packers are the 10th different NFC champion in last 10 seasons.

That’s a pretty amazing fact.

Here are some other interesting numbers:

The Packers are the second No. 6 seed in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl, joining the 2005 Steelers. They’re also the fourth team in NFL history to win three road games in a single postseason, joining that same Steelers team, the 1985 Patriots and the 2007 Giants.B.J. Raji’s 18-yard interception return TD was the third by a defensive tackle in NFL playoff history. The others were a 61-yard return TD by Michael Carter of the 49ers against the Redskins in the 1990 divisional round, and a 10-yard return by Darryl Grant of the Redskins against the Cowboys in the 1982 NFC Championship.The Packers improved to 28-16 all-time in playoffs, and their .636 winning percentage is highest in NFL playoff history.Here’s a look at the value of James Starks and the balance of the of the Packers offense: They outrushed the Bears 120-83 Sunday and have outrushed opponents 354-209 in the 2010 playoffs.Sam Shields had a sack, a forced fumble and two interceptions after having two interceptions during the entire regular season.The Bears are the only team since 1970 to have three QBs with a pass attempt in a conference championship. Third-stringer Caleb Hanie was 13 of 20 passing for 153 yards, with a TD and two INTs. Prior to Sunday, Hanie had attempted 14 passes in four career games, including two this season.Matt Forte finished with 17 rushes for 70 yards and 10 receptions for 90 yards. His 10 receptions sets a franchise playoff record, breaking the mark held by NFL Network’s Tom Waddle (nine receptions in 1991 Wild Card vs. Cowboys).

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