What to Watch for in Green Bay Packers v. Bears
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will face each other on Sunday night under the lights of beautiful Lambeau Field, which will mark the 204th meeting between the two storied franchises, the NFL’s longest rivalry dating back to 1921. The Packers beat Chicago earlier this season, 24-14.
The Packers have taken a slight edge in the head-to-head matchup, leading overall 102-95-6 and, as of late, have entirely “owned” the Bears.
Let’s take a look at three things to watch for on Sunday night when the Green Bay Packers take on the Chicago Bears.
Can this Packers’ offense get out to a fast start following their week off?
This isn’t a secret, but the Packers have struggled mightily recently coming out of their bye weeks.
Dating back to 2015, the Packers are 0-5 following their week off in the regular season. Under head coach Matt LeFleur, the Packers have been embarrassed his past two seasons, dropping to San Francisco 49ers, 37-8 in 2019, and last season to Tampa Bay in their worst loss of the season 38-10.
Can this offense start fast and get this team started in the right direction for a playoff run?
Certainly, this is something to keep an eye on.
Related Story. Packers Will Try to Overcome Post Bye Week Blues v. Bears. light
How will Justin Fields look after missing the last two weeks with a rib injury?
After sustaining three cracked ribs in week 11 against the Baltimore Ravens, quarterback Justin Fields will be making the start under the bright lights of Lambeau Field on Sunday night.
The big question and something to watch for is, how will he look under center come Sunday night?
Will we see more of a pocket passer instead of the read and react type player we have seen from Fields? Will he be hesitant to scramble out of the pocket? Can the Bears’ offensive line keep him upright?
All these questions are something to keep an eye on. The Green Bay Packers did a good job in their week six win against Fields, holding him to 16-27 passing for 174 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Can they do it again?
Can the Packers slow down David Montgomery?
Bears running back David Montgomery is a problem for opposing defenses.
Montgomery missed the week six matchup while recovering from a knee injury, and although he’s banged-up heading into this week, he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Over the past six weeks or so, Montgomery has been the sole focus of this Bears’ offense. Not only can he rush the ball efficiently, but he also presents more problems for a defense with his acute ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and make defenders miss.
Keep an eye on how Joe Barry and this Packers defense approach this game, especially early. Will they stack the box and make Fields beat them?
The Bottom Line
This is a tricky spot for the Packers, in my opinion. On paper, they should be able to roll out the helmets and stomp the Bears. They are the better team with the better coach, quarterback, and defense but coming out of the bye week has undoubtedly hindered this team, especially when quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t practiced in weeks.
Again, the recipe is relatively simple for the Packers to defeat the Bears–protect Rodgers and force rookie quarterback Justin Fields into making a few mistakes.