It’s hard to understand where the sudden rush of confidence comes from for Chicago Bears fans at times. Especially in regards to the Green Bay Packers. Here’s a rival they’ve beaten three times since 2010. In case you need a greater explanation, that’s a record of 3-13. It’s little wonder people have become spooked every time the Bears play them.
So again where is all this bravado coming from? The idea that Chicago will handle their business at Soldier Field next Sunday and dismiss Green Bay. Smart money says it has everything to do with the fact Aaron Rodgers won’t play. Most have seen him as the sole reason the Packers have owned the rivalry to such an extent for almost a decade.
Truth be told it’s not that simple. Sure Rodgers is a key part of it but have people forgotten how ineffective the Bears have been against the Packers defense over that span? Here’s another stat for you. In the 16 games the Bears have played against them since 2010, they’ve turned it over 33 times. They’ve also scored 20 or more points just six times.
CLAYMAKER!! Sack de Matthews y Glennon regando el tepache. pic.twitter.com/bfvLPdvBld
— Refrigerador NFL (@RefrigeradorNFL) September 29, 2017
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears futility tied to their lack of discipline
How’s this for a further twist on the stats? Since 2000 the Bears are 11-25 against the Packers. People like to say that has everything to do with the quarterback advantages Green Bay enjoys. However, here’s something most people don’t know. Over that same span Chicago is a perfect 4-0 against them when they don’t turn the ball over. In truth it’s been the Packers defense deciding outcomes as often as Rodgers or Favre have.
This is why it’s puzzling. Yes Rodgers is out but this is still the Packers defense and still their good coaching staff. Need people be reminded that John Fox is 0-2 coming out of the bye week so far in his time with the Bears? Or perhaps the fact they haven’t beaten the Packers in Chicago for seven years?
It’s okay to think the Bears have a good chance to win. Yet to assume they already have it locked up? That is not wise. This offense is still ranked dead last throwing the football. Their coaching staff still shows an appalling inability to keep players from making critical mistakes. The kinds of mistakes teams used to winning know how to exploit.
Yes the Bears defense is playing better. Yes they can run the ball well. Problem is it takes more than that to conquer Green Bay, even when they’re wounded. Don’t forget the last time they played the Packers without Aaron Rodgers. Josh McCown had to throw for 272 yards and two touchdowns. Green Bay ran the ball for 190 yards in that game.
That team finds a way to stay competitive. Chicago best remember that. Hubris has gotten them in trouble before.
