There is always a difference in the air when you play a division rival. However, the sweetest win you can have as a Packers fan is a win against the Bears. Even when everything is sloppy and nothing is clicking, all that matters is finding a way to win.
The Packers win against the Bears make Matt LaFleur a perfect 11-0 versus the Bears in his time as head coach. This win came down to the very last play, as the Bears sent out Cairo Santos to attempt a 46-yard game winner. Karl Brooks came up with the block, and the Packers survive.
Although you will never apologize for winning, I have many concerns about the current state of the Packers. Particularly, the red zone offense inefficiency and lack of a pass rush. There is a big slate of games upcoming, starting with the 49ers, a foe the Packers have not been able to get past in recent years.
Packers Offense is Non-Existent in the Red Zone
This offense is supposed to be considered explosive; you can’t have an explosive offense if you cannot convert in the red zone. Two of the trips to the red zone resulted in an interception by Love, and a turnover on downs. At crucial points in the game, leaving the red zone with zero points is unacceptable. It is especially frustrating after the Packers scored effortlessly on their opening possession.
The offense had many sparks and showed that when you get the ball to Christian Watson good things happen. Christian Watson has been an under-utilized part of this offense all season long. His big play ability and size is something no one else on this team has, at least not at receiver. If Love and Watson continue to work on their connection, similar to the second half of last season, the Packers will be unstoppable.
Jordan Love must eliminate one throw per game that is risky. Last week, one of the things I emphasized was if Love could not throw a critical turnover, he would be putting the Packers in a successful spot. He did not do that, and instead, threw an interception. However, when the Packers needed him most, Love delivered. Love’s final touchdown drive was incredibly gritty and everything you need out of your quarterback one.
With the 49ers coming to town, if Jordan Love eliminates a turnover, you lean on the run game and get the ball to Watson, then you can consider this offense playoff run ready.
Pass Rush, you there?
To say the Packers pass rush has been disappointing this season is an understatement. There is a ton of potential on the roster, and many have been talking about potential for years. However, what is the reality of this defense? It is obvious that the defense has improved from last year. Each week, I feel as if I am left wanting a little more.
The first issue I see is something I covered last week. I do not think the best players are being utilized on the defense. Quay Walker is still playing one hundred percent of snaps. It’s time to see what Ty’Ron Hopper has, it is time to play Edgerrin Cooper on one hundred percent of snaps. The linebackers need a boost, and it is clear it is not going to come from Quay Walker.
Rashan Gary has been starting to make his presence known, which is critical, especially after the trade of Preston Smith. Rashan had five pressures, and a massive sack on Caleb Williams on the final drive of the game. Overall, this game was rough for the defense. However, with Chicago’s change at offensive coordinator, it seems to have thrown the defense off. Next week the defense is going to have to make adjustments to compete against San Francisco.
Do the Packers Have Another Miracle in Them?
When I say the San Francisco 49ers, memories of Colin Kaepernick torching the Packers in the playoffs appear. Then there is last season, Anders Carlson’s missed kick looms over what could have been. In a season when expectations were not high, the thought of an NFC Championship game appearance was so close.
Now, the 49ers are in a situation where they need a win desperately. Coming off a Super Bowl hangover, they find themselves at 5-5, with a 59 percent playoff chance. The team has not been able to stay healthy and has been depleted most of the year. However, I will never look past this team. The Packers have not been able to overcome the 49ers and have developed a reputation of collapsing against them.
This is the Packers chance to finally make a statement against the 49ers. Late November and early December is when the Super Bowl contenders establish themselves. The time to play your best football is now, and the Packers are at the brink of it.
So, do they have another miracle in them? Can they play a clean football game? Can they win the turnover battle? Only time will tell, but they have the chance to give us a pretty clear answer on Sunday.
