6 Big Questions Facing Green Bay Packers v. Bears
By Paul Bretl
Can Green Bay Packers run defense slow David Montgomery?
The first time around, the Green Bay Packers didn’t have to go up against David Montgomery. Instead, it was Khalil Herbert, who was able to find success on the ground, totaling 97 yards at over five yards per carry.
With Montgomery playing on Sunday, we should expect a heavy dose of him. For starters, this is Justin Fields first game back from a rib injury, but I also imagine that Chicago will want to turn this into a slow-paced, low possession game to keep Aaron Rodgers and Co. on the sidelines–and the best way to do that is to find success on the ground.
Despite only playing in eight games this season due to injuries, Montgomery has still tallied 566 rushing yards, which ranks 20th among running backs, and he’s 22nd in rushing attempts, according to PFF ($$). In the Bears’ last two games alone, Montgomery has 38 total carries.
Although the Green Bay run defense has been far from dominant, allowing 4.1 yards per rush this season, which ranks 20th, they’ve held their own, all things considered. In this Joe Barry defense that heavily utilizes lightboxes, slowing the run often falls directly on the shoulders of the defensive front. Green Bay also hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher this season, and teams have not been able to control games on the ground as they did in years past.
Against a Bears offense that has struggled to move the ball through the air this season, I won’t be surprised if Barry plays the run a bit more than what he typically has.