Green Bay Packers v. Bears 12 Quick Observations: “I Still Own You”
By Paul Bretl
Dean Lowry and Jonathan Garvin are heating up
This headline isn’t just a result of their performances on Sunday, although both were good once again, but these last few games both players have been finding more and more success.
Since the San Francisco game, Lowry has been generating consistent push, affecting both the run and passing games even if the stat sheet doesn’t always show it. When it comes to Garvin, he had only eight pass-rush snaps against the Bengals but still recorded three pressures.
Another quiet day for Robert Tonyan
Coming off a huge 2020 season that included 12 touchdown receptions, 2021 has been much quieter for the tight end. He entered Sunday’s game with just nine receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. Against the Bears, he would add two more receptions but for only 10 yards.
As we all know, in the LaFleur offense, whether you’re a receiver, a running back, and especially a tight end, blocking is important and is another way for players to leave their marks on games. When it comes to blocking, Tonyan left his mark on Sunday’s game but for the wrong reasons.
While matching up against these Chicago edge rushers is far from an easy task, Tonyan had two blocks in particular that really stood out where he basically whiffed on each attempt and the defender made a play in the backfield.
Among all tight ends this season, Tonyan is graded as the worst pass-blocker, according to PFF. His run-blocking grade is the 18th lowest.
“I still own you!”
Aaron Rodgers does, in fact, still own the Chicago Bears. Including the postseason, he improved to 22-5 all-time against Chicago during his career.
When Rodgers was asked about the rivalry and his experience playing in it over the years, he discussed how much he has enjoyed the battles, and at the end, he added, “I don’t think this is my last one.”
Do with that little nugget what you wish.