Bears cornerbacks vs. Green Bay Packers rookie receivers
The Green Bay Packers rookie receivers certainly didn’t fill the stat sheet in Week 1 against Minnesota, but in rewatching the game, you can easily see the potential that they have.
Romeo Doubs finished second on the team in receiving yards and first among the receivers, and since joining the Packers, he has been exceptional at creating separation. Watson, meanwhile, has elite speed, and that was evident, even if the ball didn’t come his way.
Even if Allen Lazard does return, I hope that Doubs and Watson continue to see ample playing time. Both add needed elements to this offense with their skill sets. I also hope that Rodgers and Matt LaFleur get them involved early, and we start to see that trust develop a little bit. The best way to shorten that rookie learning curve is to get them involved.
Bears run defense vs. Green Bay Packers rushing offense
Both Rodgers and LaFleur commented on how they need to do a better job of getting Aaron Jones the ball. Rodgers also added that the Packers needed to lean on the run game a little bit more as well.
Despite the lack of rushing attempts in Week 1, the Packers did still average 6.2 yards per carry as a team. This week, they’ll be facing a Bears defense that allowed 4.8 yards per rush to the 49ers, including Deebo Samuel and Elijah Mitchell, both averaging over six yards.
Leaning on the run game will obviously get Jones and AJ Dillon more touches, but the entire offense will benefit from success on the ground. It allows the offensive line to be the aggressor, LaFleur can get more creative with his play calling, it sets up play-action, and doesn’t allow the defensive front to pin their ears back.