3 X-Factors in Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears Matchup
By Paul Bretl
Green Bay Packers X-Factor No. 2: Dean Lowry
Despite only playing in eight games this season, Bears running back David Montgomery has posted 566 rushing yards at 4.2 yards per rush, and he ranks 22nd in carries even though he has played in four fewer games than several backs. So as long as Montgomery is on the field on Sunday, the Packers should expect to see plenty of him.
Montgomery didn’t play the last time these two teams met, but Khalil Herbert was able to find success on the ground, posting 97 rushing yards on over 5.0 yards per rush. This Green Bay Packers run defense hasn’t been dominant this season, by any means, allowing 4.1 yards per carry which ranks 22nd, but they’ve been effective enough. They still are yet to allow a 100-yard rusher, and unlike in years past, opponents have not had those dominant performances on the ground against them.
With Joe Barry often utilizing lightboxes, slowing the run game largely falls on the shoulders of the defensive front. For several years now, many have clamored for Kenny Clark to get more help, which he has received more of this season, especially from Dean Lowry.
When Lowry is playing well and creating a push up the middle, everyone in this defense benefits. This creates more one-on-one opportunities for Kenny Clark and the edge rushers, the linebackers are kept clean, and there is no better way to wreck a play for your secondary than by getting a quick push up the middle.
I expect to see a lot of Montgomery on Sunday, especially with this being Justin Fields’ first game back from a rib injury, and if he’s out, just like in Week 6, we will see our fair share of Herbert then. But either way, another strong outing from Lowry will go a long way in slowing this Bears run game.