Bears’ WR Brandon Marshall Doesn’t Like the Packers

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers meet for the 186th time on December 16th in one of pro football’s most storied rivalries.  It seems things are as intense as ever between the two NFC North rivals, at least it’s intense to Bears’ wide receiver Brandon Marshall.  “I don’t like the Green Bay Packers” he told reporters on December 12th.  He went on:  “I’m not going to use the word hate but I really dislike the Green Bay Packers and their players.  He added that he wouldn’t shake their hands after the game either.

Marshall’s animosity towards the Packers goes back to the team’s first game this season, a 23-10 Packers victory in Green Bay back on September 13th.  Marshall was held to two catches for 24 yards after quarterback Jay Cutler had told the Packers “good luck” defending against the Bears’ receivers.  The Packers intercepted Cutler four times in the game.  Marshall didn’t like the postgame comments the Packers’ defensive players made after the game, and he’s looking for payback.

Of course, the Packers heard about the comments, but their public response was muted, except for a comment tight end Jermichael Finley made about Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher.   Finley said perennial All Pro Urlacher is “at the end of his career; he’s playing a little slow out there.”  bound to get Urlacher will miss the game with an injury, and Finley added that “I don’t think their losing too much if he’s out”.  While that’s bound to get Bears fans riled up, there is an element of truth in there.  Injuries have begun to catch up with the 34 year old Urlacher, and his performance isn’t what it used to be.

Aside from the trash talk, the game has serious playoff implications,  A Packers victory wraps up the NFC North title for Green Bay.  The Bears have have lost four of five, and with just three games left they’ll  out of the playoff  hunt if they keep losing.