Green Bay Packers v. Bears 12 Quick Observations: “I Still Own You”
By Paul Bretl
Chicago tries to exploit Green Bay Packers short-handed secondary
The Chicago Bears came into this game as a run-heavy team that ranked 31st in pass attempts per game and 32nd in passing yards per game. But with the Green Bay Packers without Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, Justin Fields and this Bears’ offense tried to take advantage.
Although running back Khalil Herbert had 19 carries; Fields threw the ball a career-high 27 times against Green Bay–his previous high was 20.
Fields found quite a bit of success on the opening drive picking on Isaac Yiadom, and he was very effective when he could hit the top of his drop and fire at his first read. But ultimately, Fields averaged only 4.4 yards per pass.
Credit to Lucas Patrick
It was just a few months ago that many wanted Lucas Patrick cut in favor of cap savings, but for the second week in a row, we see how valuable it is to have a player of Patrick’s caliber coming off the bench.
Patrick entered the game having allowed no sacks and three pressures in 82 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF ($$), and he put together another solid performance, even looking much better against the run than what he did a week ago.
Every other team would love to have Patrick as a versatile option off the bench that can fill in when needed.
Aaron Jones and the run game
If you follow my work, we have this discussion often, but Sunday’s game against Chicago was just another example of how important Aaron Jones and the run game is to this offense. Just look at the first quarter or really any of Green Bay’s blowout losses during the LaFleur era to see what happens to this offense when Jones and the run game are forgotten about.
As good as Rodgers and Davante Adams are, this offense operates differently and oftentimes more effectively when Jones is featured. On Sunday, Jones finished the game with 76 rushing yards on 13 carries, and he was the second leading receiver with 34 yards on four receptions. He also had two total touchdowns.
Complimenting Jones at the running back position is AJ Dillon, a terrific second punch. He tallied 59 yards on 11 carries with a long of 36 against the Bears. As he gets more opportunities, we are starting to see more of that big-play ability that he has.