Packers tune out comments, keep Brandon Marshall in check
BY ADAM L. JAHNS ajahns@suntimes.com
Bears receiver Brandon Marshall and quarterback Jay Cutler stay warm as time runs down in the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bears 21-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers Sunday December 16, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall appeared to be doing what he promised. A physically dominating stiff arm to the head of Green Bay Packers defensive back Casey Hayward on his way into the end zone highlighted the all-out might that Marshall was bringing for the Bears. And then it ended. “We did what we had to do,” cornerback Tramon Williams said after the Packers clinched the NFC North with a 21-13 victory at Soldier Field on Sunday. “We played good team ball. That’s what it takes to win games.” Marshall made headlines when he adamantly voiced his dislike for the Packers, called out Williams and Charles Woodson and dared the Packers to cover him one-on-one. He was incensed After the loss Sunday, Marshall was visibly upset when he met the media. With the Bears losing for the fifth time in six games, Marshall called out the offense and demanded more accountability. Marshall had four catches for 34 yards and a 15-yard touchdown in the first half. The Bears were able to get him matched up with linebacker Brad Jones in zone coverage on his touchdown. But in the second half, the Packers held Marshall in check until he made two 11-yard receptions in the final four minutes. Quarterback Jay Cutler targeted Marshall only seven times. “We just won the game,” said Williams, who primarily covered Marshall like in Week 2. “I ain’t worried about no comments. Comments don’t play the game. We played the game.”
a lot of balance and strength behind me today just to deal with him. But I did that. I felt that I could do that, and I did it.”
Cornerback Sam Shields, who was in a physical battle with Alshon Jeffery all game, insisted the Packers tuned out Marshall’s comments and focused on their game plan. “He was doing the talking,” Shields said. “We just went out here and played.” Was Marshall talking a lot during the game? “When it comes down to it on the field, there’s not much talking going on,” Williams said. “I don’t recall him saying anything today.”
