The Green Bay Packers had the bye week. However, there is still a big challenge ahead of them next week. The Packers continue to take ultimate pride in beating the Chicago Bears. Rightfully so, as the rivalry is one of the oldest in the NFL. These are two teams with rich histories and passionate fanbases.
The Packers are coming off a sloppy loss to the Detroit Lions. On Sunday, all three teams that played in the NFC North looked particularly suspect. The Vikings, who had a red-hot offense to start the season, couldn’t capitalize in the red zone. Their only scoring came from four field goals.
Last week, people were crowning the Lions as the best team in the league coming off a dominant performance against the Packers. However, the Lions struggled against the Texans. Jared Goff threw five interceptions, and they looked to be off their rhythm.
Then there is the Chicago Bears, by far the most vulnerable team right now in the NFC North. The offense is confused, and players are frustrated with the coaching. Now is the time for the Packers to make a statement by having a complete performance against their division rival.
Bears Offense Struggles to find Consistency
The Chicago Bears offense is incredibly broken. In the past two games versus the Cardinals and Patriots, they haven’t scored a touchdown. There is zero chemistry, it looks like the players are quitting on the team. The offensive line is horrid, and Caleb Williams is running for his life on every single play.
Somehow, the Bears keep finding themselves in a vicious cycle of drafting a top quarterback and failing them with their coaching. It is clear that Matt Eberflus should have been fired, and the Bears should have put a new coaching staff around a new quarterback. The pieces are there to have a good team, but the offensive game plans are subpar.
Coming off a bye week, the Packers must come out and play with confidence against the Bears. Jeff Hafley needs to trust his defense to pressure, and to keep Caleb confused in the pocket. The goal of this Packers defense should be to exploit the Bears weaknesses. This Bears team is not cohesive at all, and it is a perfect time for the Packers defense to shine.
Predicting Packers vs Bears: Final Score and Players I am Watching
At the beginning of the season, it seemed like this game was going to be a marquee matchup for both teams. Now, the Bears are in a state where they must win this game, or their season with high hopes will look to be over.
There are three players that I think are key to the success of the Packers on Sunday. Jordan Love, being my obvious number one. Can Jordan execute the offense efficiently without turning the ball over? How he leads this team after the bye week will have a direct impact on the rest of the season.
My second player is Edgerrin Cooper. I want to see Cooper get more playing time. He has the most talent and upside potential right now in the linebacker room. However, with him being a rookie, they are easing him into snap counts. I think Cooper has shown enough to be starting. The more they play Cooper, the more this defense can make key plays.
Lastly, my third player(s) are the defensive back room. Jaire not being healthy has truly hurt this team. Nevertheless, there is not much he can do to remedy his situation, as it’s been a result of bad luck. There is a notable difference in the energy of the defense when Jaire is on the field versus when he is not.
While I obviously have concerns about this Packers team coming off the bye week, I am confident in their ability to win. I believe this is when the offense will show major improvement with Jordan Love healthy. The defense can take advantage of the Bears offense as they are struggling to find an identity.
FINAL: PACKERS- 34. BEARS- 14.
