Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bears’ Marshall sets trap for eager Packers

Brandon Marshall hopes to catch a few passes Sunday. (Associated Press)

Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings thinks Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall is a genius.

Marshall had made headlines one day earlier when he went off on the rival Packers during his weekly media availability. But it was something Marshall said later that Jennings found brilliant: Marshall’s attempt to bait the Packers into matching their cornerbacks up with him man-to-man.

Marshall said Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers “did an amazing job of game-planning me” in the teams’ Sept. 13 meeting, in which Marshall caught only two passes for 24 yards in Green Bay’s 23-10 victory.

Then, Marshall dared the Packers to try to cover him 1-on-1 in Sunday’s rematch at Soldier Field.

“I didn’t beat double or triple coverage or whatever they were throwing at us,” Marshall said. “I take it as a slap in my face when guys talk about my lack of ability to do something against them when they have help all over the place. I’m looking forward to 1-on-1 coverage.”

On Thursday, Jennings had answered questions for about three minutes before bringing up – unprompted – what Marshall had said.

“I think he’s smart for saying whatever he said. So I’m going to be smart, too,” Jennings said, a wide smile stretching across his face. “Man, I wish the Bears would play us 1-on-1 and man-to-man.”

• The Packers (9-4) expect to have linebacker Clay Matthews back in the lineup Sunday. Matthews is listed as probable for the NFC North showdown.

Bears (8-5) quarterback Jay Cutler went through a full practice Friday despite knee and neck problems.

RG3 questionable

Robert Griffin III practiced for the third straight day on his sprained right knee Friday, albeit again on a limited basis, and is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Cleveland (5-8).

Redskins (7-6) coach Mike Shanahan again said he will wait until Sunday to reveal whether Griffin or fellow rookie Kirk Cousins will start. He said the quarterbacks might be informed of the decision Saturday night.

Quick kicks

Miami (5-8) WR Davone Bess (back) and LB Koa Misi (ankle) have been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Jacksonville (2-11). … Minnesota (7-6) CB Antoine Winfield is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at St. Louis (6-6-1) because of a knee injury but is likely to play. … N.Y. Giants (8-5) RB Ahmad Bradshaw will miss Sunday’s game at Atlanta (11-2). He is being held out due to knee and foot problems.