Packers QB Rodgers Set to Return to Face Bears

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is returning to the Green Bay Packers lineup for the first time since Nov. 4 when he suffered a broken collarbone on a tackle by Chicago Bears defensive lineman Shea McClellin. The Packers made the announcement Thursday regarding Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Bears at Soldier Field.

The Dallas Cowboys may be without starting quarterback Tony Romo, but they do have cheerleaders such as Kim.

Asked what the return of the opponent’s star quarterback meant, Bears QB Jay Cutler said succinctly, “I play offense.”

No offense, but Cutler could have scrambled for a better response than that. Then again, the Bears don’t pay him for his oratorical skills. They pay him for the thrills his right arm can provide when he throws the ball.

And Cutler is correct. He and Rodgers will not be on the field at the same time. Well, until after the game is over and the NFC North champion is decided. A Bears victory or tie and the Bears advance to the postseason. A Bears loss and the Packers go to the postseason — and no telling where Cutler goes. Or if he goes.

Cutler is 1-8 against the Packers, including a loss in the NFC title game loss three seasons ago. Rodgers is 8-3 against the Bears; he plays offense, too. He also plays better in Bears-Packers games than Cutler does.

The question remains who — if either team — will play defense. The Bears and Packers are two of the worst in the NFL. So scoring points (the Bears allowed 54 in their last loss at Philadelphia) should not be a problem. Maybe the team that has the ball last wins.

Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy likes his QB.

“In my humble opinion, I’ve always liked my guy,” McCarthy said. “I think he’s the best player in the league.”

Bears coach Marc Trestman may realize in this matchup his QB is not the best man. Whether he is good enough is a matter to be settled Sunday.

Quarterbacks are vital to any team’s success. But quarterbacks alone do not win games. There are the other elements of the offense. And then there’s the defense. And special teams. And coaching decisions. And all the wonderful variables that make games like Sunday’s Packers-Bears contest compelling viewing.

Speaking of which, NBC’s Sunday night game will feature a game that decides a division title: Dallas vs. Philadelphia with Cowboys QB Tony Romo expected to miss the game because of injury.

Too bad NBC can’t call an audible to show a game — thanks to Rodgers’ return — that likely would attract better numbers (in terms of viewers as well as the points on the scoreboard).

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