The Green Bay Packers will kick off Week 2 of the 2012 NFL Season by taking on the Chicago Bears on Thursday night at 8:20pm ET. The Packers had won both matchups against the Bears in 2011, but Chicago has since improved their offense and is a tougher match than the previous year.

In the opening game of the football season, Bears Quarterback Jay Cutler reunited with former 2008 Denver Broncos teammate Brandon Marshall, who caught nine passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.

The Bears filled a large void when they picked up Marshall from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for some draft picks. The playmaker put up some great numbers in "07" and "08" with the Broncos and had over 1200 receiving yards last year.

Unfortunately for Green Bay, their offense was not as nearly as productive as the Bears, as they only racked up a miniscule 45 yards in rushing in Week 1. If the Packers are going to cement themselves as a feared running team, they will have to produce against the top-notch defenses around the league.

Green Bay must prevent former teammate and current Bears running back Cedric Benson from breaking open against their defense. However, the talented Alex Green will be available to come off the bench for him if need be.

The Packers will look to reignite their superb offense behind quarterback Aaron Rogers, although wide receiver Green Jennings is on the shelf with a groin injury. If he does play, it is said to be in a limited capacity. This could potentially mean more time on the gridiron for Donald Driver, who did not play all that much in Week 1 against the 49ers.

Tight end Jermichael Finley will be a large factor in the Packers offensive machine as well, as he looks to replicate his seven catch performance from last week.

Although it is extremely early in the football season, the Packers must pull out a victory in order to regain their confidence for the grueling weeks ahead. What better place for a hot start then their home turf at Lambeau field against their oldest rivals the Chicago Bears.

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Tags
Football 2012, Television