Dane Sanzebacher has emerged as a dependable receiver for Jay Cutler over the last two weeks. The undrafted receiver from Ohio State has taken advantage of the playing time he has earned.

Injuries to Earl Bennett and Roy Williams have allowed Sanzenbacher to get on the field.

Sanzenbacher has been very consistent in this group of disappointing wide receivers. Devin Hester and Johnny Knox have had their moments, but have struggled too much to be called consistent.

Some of that might have to do with Jay Cutler’s throws, but they need to hang on to balls when they come their way.

Roy Williams, the other known receiver on the roster right now has struggled since his four catch, 55 yard performance in Week One against the Falcons. Williams has dealt with a groin injury and isn’t up to speed with Jay Cutler and the offense.

With Week Four upon us, who do you think is the most dependable receiver for the Bears right now?

I’d have to say Sanzenbacher because he makes the catch when it’s needed. Knox, Hester and Williams have all struggled at hanging on Cutler’s passes. Bennett is the most dependable, but unfortunately he is out with chest injury.

Nine catches, 66 yards and two touchdowns in three weeks is impressive for an undrafted rookie, who is almost as new to the offense as Roy Williams is.

Sanzenbacher was one of 26 undrafted free agents the Bears signed in late July. He was contacted by 25 of the 32 teams in the NFL and chose the Bears because he thought it would be the best opportunity for him. If he can keep playing the way he is, he could make the Bears look a little smarter.

“It’s a league, it’s a business where you have to take advantage of your opportunities when your number is called,” Sanzenbacher said. “They expect you to make the play. The one thing that’s been great about being here and this coaching staff is if they put you on the field they trust you can make those plays. So you can’t really second-guess yourself when you’re out there.

All quotes from ESPNChicago.com

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NFL Network analyst, Joe Theismann is no fan of Bears WR Roy Williams. Theismann talked on NFL Network’s No Huddle last night and discussed Roy Williams struggles with the Bears.

“Roy Williams will never be a quality receiver in the National Football League because he doesn’t have what it takes,” said Theismann.

“And, Roy, if you’re listening, I’m saying it right to you. You have to make a decision that you want to play football as a professional, not as somebody who’s entitled. … The Chicago Bears — the wide receiving corps is non-existent.”

Roy Williams talked after Sunday’s game and he had some complaining to do.

“I’m good to play, it’s just sitting on the sidelines sometimes, especially in the Chicago weather where it’s chilly, not as hot … I just have to keep that thing warm,” Williams said. “That’s why I get on the bike.

“It’s holding me back a little bit. It’s not 100 percent, I mean it’s just Week 3 of this thing. But it’s a lot better than what it was. I’ll be good to go.”

All quotes from ESPNChicago.com

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

The Bears were pretty hurt last week with injuries. They were without both starting safeties, a dependable wide receiver and their starting right tackle.

Good news for this upcoming Sunday is that Major Wright and Chris Harris will be back at safety after fully participated in practice. RB Marion Barber will likely make his Bears debut on Sunday after practicing as well today.

Barber has been dealing with a calf injury that he suffered halfway through the preseason. Harris (hamstring) and Wright (head/neck) were missed sorely last week against Green Bay.

Unfortunately TE Matt Spaeth (calf), Gabe Carimi (knee) and WR Earl Bennett (chest) didn’t practice today. OL Lance Louis was active last Sunday, but it remains to be seen if he moves back into the starting lineup at right guard for this Sunday.

Having Harris, Wright and Barber back will help greatly on Sunday against Carolina. The secondary was beaten too much by Packers tight end Jermichael Finley. With Greg Olsen as the Panthers tight end, the secondary will need to contain him on deep throws.

Barber will help tremendously in the running game and he could take pressure off of Forte with both of them on the field at the same time.

The Bears will look better on both sides of the ball because of these players returning to the field. WR Earl Bennett is clearly needed back though, the Bears miss him because he is the most dependable receiver for Jay Cutler.

For more news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

Here are the Week Four Bears power rankings from various sites around the web:

ESPN: #18 (Last week: #10)

Analysis, “So much for the move to have the Bears run the ball more.”

NFL: #16 (Last week: #10)

Analysis, “How do we feel about those orange jerseys? More importantly, how do we feel about Jay Cutler throwing without his feet set, or off his back foot, or inaccurately? You can’t blame all of Cutler’s imperfections on the offensive line and suspect pass protection. After offensive coordinator Mike Martz fell on the sword for having such a poor run-pass ratio last week, he came back with a 40-pass, nine-run masterpiece vs. the Packers. Mike Martz is who we thought he was.”

Yahoo Sports: #14 (Last week: #9)

Analysis, “After Corey Graham ruined one of the greatest trick plays in NFL history, how tough was it for special teams coach Dave Toub to avoid giving him a tug and a shove?”

SI.com: #17 (Last week: #10)

Analysis, On my camp visit to the Bears, always-confident Chicago offensive coordinator Mike Martz assured me Roy Williams would be in line to catch 80-85 passes for 1,300 yards or so this year in his offense. With only four receptions for 55 yards in the first three games, all in the Bears’ opener, Williams needs to average about six catches and 96 yards per game from here on out to make Martz look prescient. And just imagine if Chicago actually had tried to run the ball the past two weeks instead of throwing it 80 percent of the time.”

Fox Sports: #18 (Last week: #12)

Analysis, “This was a 17-10 game at the half, yet Matt Forte still only had nine carries on the day. It is not all Jay Cutler’s fault, but going 1-5 against the Packers will make Chicagoans anxious.”

CBS Sports: #20 (Last week: #15)

Analysis, “Many of you pegged this as the step-back team in 2011. You just might be right.”

National Football Post: #15 (Last week: #10)

Analysis, “The Bears were outplayed by the Pack at home and Mike Martz needs to make some corrections in a hurry.”

WEEI.com: #16 (Last week: #11)

Analysis, “The defending NFC North champs are already two games behind first place. It comes as no surprise that no quarterback has been sacked more than Jay Cutler this year (14 times). Regardless of what GM Jerry Angelo says, this offensive line has not improved. As a result, the Bears will struggle week after week.”

Pro Football Talk: #15 (Last week: #12)

Analysis, “Losing by 10 points to the Packers still wasn’t as ugly as those orange alternative jerseys the Bears wear.”

Walter Football: #15 (Last week: #7)

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

The Chicago Bears have dropped two straight games and three straight to the rival Packers. But they survived a tough three-game stretch, coming out of it with a 1-2 record.

Many believed the Bears could’ve started the season 0-3 considering they took on three playoff teams from a year ago.

The Falcons, Saints and Packers, the three teams the Bears faced so far this season, combined for 34 wins a year ago, the most by the Bears’ first three opponents in franchise history.

It’s too early in the season to give up completely, but with the Packers and Lions 3-0, the Bears need to get things going. Maybe going back to basics could help them.

The Bears ran the ball 12 times for a miserable 13 yards in this game against the Packers. The 13 yards was the fewest in 59 years. In 1952, against the L.A. Rams, the Bears ran for a whopping one yard.

Running the ball was what led the Bears to a division title a year ago. It makes sense at times when you’re down a good amount to throw the ball, but establishing a running game is key. The offensive line could be to blame, but sometimes, you just got to stick with it. The better teams in the NFL can run and throw.

The Packers were the better team on this day, but they weren’t tremendously better. They won the time of possession battle by over 15 minutes and had more total yards by over 100. They had an effective run game, and they made the big play when they needed it.

The Bears, on the other hand, created turnovers, but made mistakes and didn’t capitalize on all of them. Charles Tillman had an interception taken back after the Bears were called for an offsides penalty.

Brian Urlacher picked off Aaron Rodgers with plenty of time in the fourth quarter for the Bears to come back. The Bears proceeded to go backwards on the drive and ended up having a 3rd-and-33 after a personal foul penalty by Devin Hester.

Not many teams will win games with 10 penalties for 70 yards and 12 rushes for 13 yards. Speaking of penalties, the Packers seemed to be favored at certain parts of the game by the referees.

Devin Hester looked to be interfered with in the third quarter by Charles Woodson, but the referees didn’t call anything. Johnny Knox was interfered with about two minutes left on a fourth down desperation throw by Jay Cutler, but again, there was no call by the referees.

Lastly, CB Corey Graham held the gunner Jarrett Bush on the trick punt return that Johnny Knox returned. It wasn’t that much contact to the fans’ eyes, but Graham fessed up after the game and said he held Bush.

The Bears defense is good enough to keep them in games, that is definitely a fact. The biggest problem on Sunday was Craig Steltz—he was beat multiple times by the athletic tight end, Jermichael Finley. Chris Harris is clearly needed back in this Bears secondary.

Earl Bennett is the most dependable Bears receiver, and he wasn’t able to go today. Cutler needs him out there on those long third downs they forced themselves in constantly.

Roy Williams isn’t up to speed with Jay Cutler, considering both interceptions came on passes to him, but he needs to make those catches in the red zone when it’s right in his hands. No excuses for a dropped pass in the end zone that’s what you get paid for.

The Bears need to find ways to minimize mistakes and make the most of their opportunities. The defense is keeping them in games late. The offensive line might have protected Cutler better this week, only allowing three sacks, but they’re not opening any lanes for Matt Forte in the running game.

Forte could get going next week against a Carolina Panthers defense that is without their two best linebackers. The Bears just simply need to work on discipline this week in practice.

The receivers aren’t helping Cutler out, the running game isn’t there and Cutler just isn’t making the best throws. Practice could fix some of those woes.

Green Bay does have a solid front seven on defense, but the Bears could have attacked them down the middle. The receivers dropped way too many balls, and again, the running game isn’t opening anything up. Defenses aren’t surprised when Cutler snaps the ball, they expect a throw.

Getting back to the run next week is what the Bears need to do, or they could quickly find themselves far behind in the NFC North standings.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

The punt return that Bears fans thought Johnny Knox returned for a touchdown was quickly called back. According to Rules Analyst Mike Pereira at Fox Sports via Twitter, “On Knox punt return, #21 held the gunner and he grabs and pulls him from behind early in the kick, you can only see it in the live shot.”

In the video, you can see about seconds in that Bears cornerback Corey Graham grabs #24 Jarrett Bush’s jersey on the punt.

What a shame. This could have gone down as one of the best plays in Bears history, just shows you the type of day they had.

Photo credit to @Cfaris09, great find.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will meet for the 183rd time ever today. The rivalry between the NFC North foes has been going on for over 90 years.

The Bears lead the all-time series 92-84-6. The Bears went 1-2 against the Packers last season.

The latest loss was in the NFC Championship, the Bears allowed the Packers to beat them at Soldier Field. This will likely be a game of redemption between the two NFC North teams.

Bears coach Lovie Smith is 8-7 all-time against the Packers, while Packers coach Mike McCarthy is 6-5 all-time against the Bears.

Bears QB Jay Cutler is 1-5 all-time against the Packers. In those games Cutler posted a 55.9 completion percentage, 1219 yards, five touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a QB rating of 62.5.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is 5-2 all-time against the Bears. In those games Rodgers posted a, 67 completion percentage, seven touchdowns, five interceptions and 234.4 yards per game. The 234.4 yards per game against the Bears is about 30 yards less than his career average.

The Bears offensive line hasn’t been great so far this season allowing 11 sacks in their first two games. Frank Omiyale is now in for rookie Gabe Carimi at right tackle and Chris Spencer is now in for Lance Louis at right guard. So stability is a big question upfront for the Bears.

The line needs to give Cutler ample time to get the ball off because the best way they could win might be through the air. The Packers are without safety Nick Collins for the rest of the season.

If Jay Cutler has time expect him to look in that spot where Collins was good looks could come for the Bears. The Packers bring blitzes from all over. Corners come from the side, Clay Matthews and other linebackers come up the middle. The Bears need to be aware of all the heat the Packers will bring.

Creating turnovers and running the ball effectively on offense is always the Bears mentality, so if they can do both of those key things they will improve their chances of winning.

RB Marion Barber has been ruled out with his calf injury. Lance Louis (ankle), Chris Harris (hamstring) and Roy Williams (groin) are all questionable. Safety Major Wright (neck) and Gabe Carimi (knee) won’t suit up for the Bears today.

Players Who Must Step Up:

1) Brandon Meriweather- He got his first start as a Bear last week and will get another shot at starting this week, likely opposite Craig Steltz. He will need to be effective on defense today because the Bears secondary is changing as much as the shaky offensive line.

Projections: 7 tackles, one interception.

2) Roy Williams- The Bears need Williams (groin injury) to play well, Devin Hester saw was double covered a lot of the times last week. Look for Williams to potentially have a big day against that weak Packers pass defense.

Projections: Five catches, 64 yards.

3) Lance Briggs- He needs to make some big plays for the Bears, he got beat on a pass in the redzone last week in New Orleans. He won’t be the only Bears defender fired up today.

Projections: Nine tackles, one sack.

Who will win?

Bears 24, Packers 20.

It should be a party cloudy day today at Soldier Field with the temperatures in the low 60′s. Expect another great Bears-Packers game added to the already long book of games. It doesn’t get much better than this.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.

Bears fans are ready to see their team bounce back after a disappointing loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week Two. A visit from the NFC North rival Green Bay Packers will likely provide Soldier Field with an interesting matchup.

NFC North games are always intense, but the Bears-Packers rivalry is one that gets more intense after each meeting.

Last season, the Bears went 1-2 against the Packers, losing the NFC Championship game on their home turf. Revenge will be on their minds on Sunday.

Tickets for Sunday’s 4:15 PM ET affair between the Bears and Packers are the highest-priced in the league this week, according to SeatGeek. The average price on the secondary market is $411, while the Giants-Eagles is the next on the list at $299.

Enjoy arguably the best rivalry in the NFL, Bears-Packers. Tickets aren’t cheap, but the memories will last forever.

For Bears news on Twitter, follow @Bearsbacker.