xan

While a number of pundits have given their analysis of what are the keys to winning, I'm going to give my few, which may be off the beaten path.

Key #1

Weather will be a factor. Now, it's not going to be that cold and there's not going to be that much snow, but changing direction will have its issues.

On offense, take advantage of this by doing the same misdirection stuff that's worked all season. The bears aren't that big, so they rely on speed and multiple pursuit. Cutbacks and backside plays will be there. Plus, double moves will have equal success if the short passing game is established. Make their DBs chase and salivate when there's press coverage.

On defense, Grossman's gotta prove he can hit the out. Take away the middle of the field, throw a safety over the top of Thomas when he's on Berrian, and don't pass blitz, run blitz. Keep the bears off the edge and in the middle of the field where the pursuit can minimize gains.

Key 2

Punt the ball out of bounds. Don't let a stupid special teams play save the bears.

Key 3

Don't get cute. There were too many plays, like the screen to Bush or the pitch to Bush that resulted in a lost fumble, that will be sat on by the Bears. Use that expectation to go another direction.

Key 4

Use'm up, wear'm out, make'm do, then do without. Ride what works until the Bears stop it. I can't tell you how many tiimes I was yelling at the tube for a Deuce run when he just couldn't be stopped.

Key 5

Make sure you've got the wind with in the 4th quarter. Carney's leg's not that strong and the ball doesn't travel as far in the cold. Don't let the bears kicker get another pass with the wind. And watch him that he doesn't practice on the field during the game. That's against the rules.

Key 6

Ignore the circumstances. It's just another game. Executing the current play is all that matters. Be alert like Terrence Copper and play to the whistle. And DON'T get goaded into stupid, mind boggling personal fouls. The bears are prancers and talkers, waiting for you to lose your concentration. All you have to do is focus for 4 hours. Drink plenty of water and stay near the heaters when on the sidelines looking at gamepics.

Calvin: "I wish I was a Tiger."
Hobbes: "Common lament."