For decades, the Packers have welcomed interception-prone, stopgap and future-bust quarterbacks to Lambeau Field as the Bears made their annual trip to Green Bay. Most of the time, those passers left town with an L, adding further uncertainty to Chicago's quarterback situation.
This year? The outlook is much brighter for the Bears. The Packers will host former Ohio State Buckeye Justin Fields, who's just returning from a rib injury but flashed a versatile set of running and passing abilities during his first game against Green Bay in October. Still in learning mode - and without a ton of talent around him - Fields has managed to consistently assemble long drives that go for points while limiting rookie mistakes in the process. While far from a finished product, Fields gives Chicago a chance on offense.
But, Fields and the Bears will get the Packers in a fully-rested state as they come off their bye week. Even better: for the first time this season, the Packers could enter a game with health on their side.
On Offense
Prior to the bye week, the Packers offense had turned in two of its best performances of the season, scoring 29-plus points in both contests. The most impressive part? Turning in that type of production largely without running back Aaron Jones. The passing game seems to have found a groove of late with better contributions from receivers not named Davante Adams.
However, the Bears have been particularly stingy versus the pass. Under new D-coordinator Sean Desai, Chicago has allowed the fifth fewest passing yards while generating 33 total sacks (third-highest in the NFL). The O-line got by without both Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins against the Rams, but it has an equally challenging test in Chicago's front seven this week. If Bakhtiari can't go on Sunday, all eyes will be on OL Yosh Nijman to contain the Bears' pass rush and provide a clean pocket for Aaron Rodgers.
On Defense
The Green Bay defense has been nothing short of stellar all season long, but they've been most successful when forcing turnovers. Such will be the strategy that defensive coordinator Joe Barry pursues against the rookie Fields, who has thrown eight interceptions on the season. Look for Barry to employ regular pressure up front and via rising star Rashan Gary to disrupt Fields' rhythm on passing downs.
PackerDay Prediction: Packers 34, Bears 16
Comments