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Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears: 5 matchups to watch

By Gage Bridgford

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 and head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers acknowledge Hall of Famer Brett Favre as he is introduced after the NFL Hall of Fame Game against the Indianapolis Colts was cancelled due to poor field conditions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 7, 2016 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CANTON, OH - AUGUST 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 and head coach Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers acknowledge Hall of Famer Brett Favre as he is introduced after the NFL Hall of Fame Game against the Indianapolis Colts was cancelled due to poor field conditions at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 7, 2016 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images /

1. Packers O-line vs Bears D-line

When fully healthy, the Packers are a top 10 unit in the league. However, that qualifier of health has been a major rarity over Rodgers’ entire career. With the addition of Mack, the Bears front makes the argument for a top 5 group. While he won’t play a full workload this week, he still has the chops to get to the passer against some of the top blockers. Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman and Johnathan Bullard aren’t household names, but they are a very stout group.

The last time the Packers matched up against Mack with the Oakland Raiders, they held him to just one sack on a scramble by Rodgers. Bryan Bulaga and David Bakhtiari are an amazing duo on the ends to keep Rodgers upright. Lane Taylor has been a steady fill-in for the departed Josh Sitton. The major question mark will be Justin McCray at right guard. If he plays even average, this offense can be elite, or they could have to make a midseason change.

Hicks’ major issue in his career has been his conditioning late in games. While he has flashed early on, he breaks down as the game goes on. He surely worked on that during the offseason. Goldman is a strong player against the run, while Bullard is another strong run defender. The Packers could abuse the lack of athleticism by passing often unless Mack has a big day. If he does, this game might be closer than expected.

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