As Aaron Rodgers pointed out many times late in his time with Green Bay, the Packers have owned the Bears. Since 2000, Green Bay has defeated Chicago 24 times. On opening day this year, Green Bay tore the hearts out of the Chicago fan base with a lopsided victory at Soldier Field. Simply put, the Packers have made a mockery of this rivalry with their domination ever since Brett Favre defeated Chicago for the first time.
That game back in September feels like it was years ago. So much has changed with both teams. Jordan Love has been decent of late but has had some shaky outings. After their lopsided win in week one, only an 18-point outburst in the 4th quarter of their game against New Orleans kept the Packers from a 6-game losing streak. Fans were screaming for a new quarterback. After 30 years of Hall of Fame QB play, fans tired quickly with Love’s inconsistent play.
Since week one, Chicago and Green Bay have identical 7-8 records. Although Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention last week, there is much to play for. Here are things to look for in the last game of the season.
The last time Green Bay played at Lambeau Field, Baker Mayfield tore up the Packers’ secondary. Mayfield became the first QB in history to have a perfect QB rating of 158.3, throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns as Tampa embarrassed Green Bay 34-20. The following week, the Packers barely escaped Carolina with a last-minute field goal for a 33-30 victory over a Panthers team that had won only two games all season. Four of the Packers’ five home wins were one-score affairs.
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Keys to the game
Jordan Love will face a defense he did not see earlier this year. After a slow start, the Bears lead the NFL with 22 interceptions. Green Bay, with just seven INTs, rank 31st. The Bears must win the turnover battle.
In Week One the Chicago defense played a tentative soft zone, and Jordan Love took advantage. The Bears must put pressure on Love with their front four and allow the secondary to play tight man coverage. Jordan Love has shown a tendency to misfire when he is under pressure.
Earlier this season, the Bears offense struggled to find their identity. OC Luke Getsy was under fire for conservative game plans, and the offensive line was shuffling healthy players into the lineup. No Bears QB has played behind the same starting five on the OL all season.
The offense has played well recently, and they have regained their ability to run the ball. With nothing to lose this week, the offense needs to throw caution to the wind and force the ball downfield, taking advantage of their speed.
Prediction
Chicago has avenged losses to Minnesota and Detroit with victories in their second games. The Bears defense will have three more interceptions. Fields will throw two TDs and run for another score, and Chicago ends the Packers playoff hopes with a resounding 31-14 win.
News and Notes
Congratulations to Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson. Both were named to the Pro Bowl on Thursday.
DJ Moore needs 8 receptions to reach 100 on the year.
Green Bay has been outscored 150-138 at Lambeau Field this season.
Bears fans: Remember to visit the Packers’ Twitter final score tweet after the Bears win, so that we can give back what we took after the Packers won the opening game.
Does everyone here think Tom Waddle is a Packer fan trolling this website? What a clown.
Hopefully they keep their nerves under control and don’t make mistakes. Like I said, it’s just another game… until we beat those bastards!!!
…and Velus Jones only needs 96 receptions to reach 100 on the year.
I got your back, Michael.
The Pack will come out very confident. We need to be extremely physical and punch them in the mouth. Destroy their will to win and get them nervous and scared. I hope Getsy is up to the challenge. He’s really the only one I’m worried about.