Running Backs Could Hold Key 12/14/12

Lake Forest, Illinos-As fierce as the Bears - Packers rivalry is, this week is just as much about the standings as it is about unbridled hate.

"It's the Packers. It's playoffs. Everything is on the line. We've got to go out and leave it all out there," says linebacker Lance Briggs.

"You know we've got to win this game," says Bears linebacker Nick Roach. "They can lock up the division obviously if they win, so we've got to do whatever we've got to do and not let that happen."

In a game of this importance, the quarterbacks and defenses get the most attention between these two teams. But the running backs are expected to play a significant role.

The Bears duo of Matt Forte and Michael Bush face off against a surprising yet unknown Packers group.  The Packers have relied more heavily on the run game in recent weeks to help keep defenses off of Aaron Rodgers.

"I mean they've made more commitment to the run over the last couple of games and they've found some success there," says Briggs. "I think it's been beneficial to them because not as many defensive lineman are getting up there to Aaron Rodgers if they're running the ball more."

  The Packers are now led by Ryan Grant who was unsigned two weeks ago.  Duwuan Harris is their other back. He's playing in just his second NFL game.  Yet the Packers are running the ball now better than ever. They've averaged close to 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns over their last two games.