NFL
By: Kristy Love
The NFL’s oldest rivalry is set to take place this Sunday in Chicago for their 207th meeting. The Aaron Rodger-less Greenbay Packers are coming to Soldier Field to take on Justin Field and the new offense the Bears have set around Fields.
The Chicago Bears finished the 2022 NFL season 3-14, with countless injuries and a lack of effort the team was putting into these wins. Conversely, the Bears were “tanking” to get the number one draft pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They succeeded and ended up trading it away to the Carolina Panthers to get top WR DJ Moore. While the NFC North is anybody division, The Bears are ready to get back their title as Monsters of the Midway. Here are a few key points to start the season off at 1-0.
First Key: Stop the Packers run game
With Jordon Love being the new Quarterback for the Greenbay Packers, it is not 100% certain how well he will do this season. So, it’s expected the Packers will rely heavily on running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillion. During the preseason, Aaron Jones had got 15 carries, 132 running yards, and a touchdown. A.J. Dillion added 18 carries, 92 rushing yards, and a touchdown in a previous preseason game. If the Bears can stop the Packer’s run, they will have an honest shot to win this game.
The Bears defense line may still be up in the air as it’s the weakest part of the team; however, the Bears expect Yannick Ngakoue to lead the defensive line in sacks and put pressure on the quarterback. Alongside, the linebackers will assist in stopping the run.
For a full breakdown of the complete defense and their stats, check out my 2023 Bears depth chart article.
Second Key: Limit the turnovers.
The last time the Bears played the Packers, Fields was 20/25, with 254 passing yards, 0 TD, and 2 INT. In the first matchup in the 2022 season, Fields only had 7-11, 70 yards, 0 TDs and, 1 INT. The numbers could be better for both games; however, Fields didn’t have great talent surrounding him. The number one receiver was Equanimeous St. Brown, who had three RECs, 85 yards, and 0 touchdowns. If the Bears want to take the NFC North this year, turnovers must be very limited come Sunday. The offensive line is healthy, minus Teven Jenkins. They will have rookie Darnell Wright, Braxton Jones, and the new offensive line, who will protect fields in and out of the pocket. If Fields wants to play at an MVP caliper, protection and blocking from the line is a must.
Third Key: Bears passing
Last season, the Greenbay Packers ranked 17th overall in defense, sixth against the pass, and 26th against the run. The Packers defense was solid last season. However, with newly added offensive pieces around Fields, everyone will look at the passing regime and how Fields will connect with Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and the tight ends. The league knows how quickly and effectively Fields can get out of the pocket and use his legs to make plays, but now all eyes will be on his arm. If we can get great passing yards and great protecting from the line, that will make a statement in the league.
The Bears only have two injured players on the team. Teven Jenkins is out with a leg injury. He is on the injured reserve list and is anticipated to be week to week. Dylan Cole is battling a hamstring injury and is questionable come Sunday.
The Packers may be without their top wide receivers, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. They’re both questionable with a hamstring injury.
Kickoff is set at 3:25 Central Standard Time in Chicago at Solider Field.
You can follow me on X (Twitter) @IamkristyLove
