Packers Game Balls for Week 1 Victory Over Chicago Bears

The Green Bay Packers launched their 2023 NFL season in style, securing a 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 1 to start with a 1-0 record.

Their performance featured several standout performances, even though there is still room for improvement. This solid start bodes well for the team, especially considering their favorable schedule that allows for a strong beginning.

Despite Chicago’s pre-game chatter, it was the Packers who had the last word. They extended their winning streak against the Bears to nine games, tying for the second-longest run of victories in the rivalry’s history. As we delve deeper into Sunday’s action, it’s time to recognize and award game balls to the Packers’ standout performers.

Let’s hand out game balls to the Green Bay Packers who had standout performances in their Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears.

Anders Carlson

There were plenty of question marks about Anders Carlson throughout the preseason. However, in his NFL debut, he put those doubts to rest with an impressive performance. He was flawless, making all six of his kicks, including five extra points and his lone field goal attempt–a 52-yard bomb that would’ve been good from 70. His strong showing on Sunday was precisely what he needed to build his confidence.

Joe Barry

In his third season as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, Joe Barry finds himself on the hot seat, with a defense that has left much to be desired during his tenure. However, he came into this season with a promise of a revamped unit, and boy, did they deliver! The Packers’ defense was like a whirlwind on that field. They kept Justin Fields on his toes, forcing him to settle for short passes and snagging two crucial turnovers. What’s more, they were relentless in their pursuit of the quarterback all day long.

Barry and his coaching staff cooked up a brilliant gameplan to kick off the season in style. It was a strong statement from a coordinator who knows the heat is on..

Darnell Savage

Darnell Savage wasn’t spectacular on Sunday, but Green Bay doesn’t need him to be. He was assignment sound, kept the ball in front of him and made the plays he was presented with. It resulted in him leading the team with 10 total tackles.

Devonte Wyatt

After a slow start to his career in which the 2022 first-rounder didn’t get really playing time until late in the year, Devonte Wyatt got off to a fast start in 2023. He missed Fields on a couple of pressures in the backfield, but was credited with 1.5 sacks. He flashed throughout the game and was impressive on several pass-rushing snaps.

Jaire Alexander

Jaire Alexander talks the talk, but, most importantly, he walks the walk. He was all over the field on Sunday, shutting down his man wherever he went and even laying the boom on Fields that nearly started a gigantic brawl. He once again showed us why he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.

Aaron Jones

Aaron Jones is the heart and soul of the Packers offense. They stall and struggle to move the ball when Green Bay fails to get him the rock. We saw that again on Sunday when Green Bay scored their lone touchdown of the first half on the first possession when Jones carried five times for 24 yards. He failed to receive a touch the rest of the half and Green Bay’s offense only mustered another field goal as a result.

The good news is LaFleur acknowledged it at halftime and leaned on him to begin the third quarter. Jones led Green Bay to back-to-back touchdown possessions coming out of the half before exiting the game with a hamstring injury. He led the team in both rushing yards (41) and receiving (86).

Jordan Love

Jordan Love did what he needed to lead his team to victory in his second career start. He wasn’t spectacular, completing only 15 of 27 passes, but threw for 245 yards and three touchdowns. He didn’t make any major mistakes and built a solid foundation to build from throughout the rest of the season.

Offensive Line

Green Bay dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, but their offensive line was impressive. Love was only sacked once and typically had all day to find the open receiver. David Bakhtiari was spectacular as the rest of the unit excelled in pass protection.