5 Key matchups to watch in Green Bay Packers vs. Bears

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Darnell Mooney #11 of the Chicago Bears makes a catch in front of Eric Stokes #21 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 24-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 17: Darnell Mooney #11 of the Chicago Bears makes a catch in front of Eric Stokes #21 of the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on October 17, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers defeated the Bears 24-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
Sep 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Justin Fields vs. Green Bay Packers edge rushers

I was a bit surprised to see how efficient the Green Bay Packers were at pressuring quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 1, getting to him 20 times, according to PFF ($$), with an impressive pressure rate of 42%. However, in those key moments before a few big plays, they were just a second or two late.

This week against Justin Fields, it will be important that the Packers’ edge rushers set a strong edge and don’t lose contain. Doing so will help to keep Fields in the pocket where hopefully, the interior pressure can then get to him. Like Cousins, Fields was pressured often in Week 1, and the Green Bay pass rush should have the opportunity to exploit this questionable Bears’ offensive line.

If the Packers are undisciplined and can’t do this consistently, however, Fields will have the opportunity to extend plays, which is where he was at his best against San Francisco. Fields was 5-of-8 passing in the second half for 102 yards and two touchdowns, with again, several key plays coming with him outside of the pocket.

Bears edge rushers vs. Green Bay Packers offensive tackles

We don’t know who the Packers starting offensive tackles will be with both David Bakhtiari and Elgotn Jenkins listed as question once again, but whoever it ends up being will have their hands full.

Coming off the edge for the Bears is Robert Quinn, who recorded three pressures in Week 1, along with 18 sacks a season ago and finished 11th in PFF’s pass-rush win rate metric. There is also Dominique Robinson to contend with, who had three pressures of his own in Week 1, along with Trevis Gipson, who logged four pressures in only 13 pass rush snaps.

As we all know, giving Aaron Rodgers time is the name of the game, and if he has that, he should be able to find success against this Bears defense.