The rematch is set.
Huge implications for the playoffs, the division and this rivalry are at stake.
Outside of Illinois and Wisconsin, the rivalry hasn’t really resonated with a lot of football fans due
to neither team being good at the same time as the other.
But this meeting has a chance to reignite this rivalry and put it back in its rightful place as a marquee match-up between winning teams.
The Chicago Bears are looking to avenge their loss from just two weeks ago. And if we’ve learned anything about Ben Johnson, it’s that he’s going to make sure his team is prepared and knows what’s on the line.
The Bears have brought an all-business approach for the last few games and I don’t think this one has been far from the minds of players after what happened in Green Bay two weeks ago.
Our guys weigh in on what it will take for the Bears to come out victorious on Saturday.
Sam: The Bears need to start fast this time. Use the running game to keep the clock on their side. Without Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, the downfield attack will look different. Get DJ Moore and Colston Loveland involved.
On defense, get after Jordan Love more than you did two weeks ago. And cover those inside routes. Don’t get beat deep this time. Easier said than done against the Packers’ receiving corps.
Jack R Salo: The winner of this will most likely win the division, so it’s time to pull out all the stops. To be that team, the Bears have to generate explosive plays. They’ve paced the league in that category this year, but in round 1, the Packers were the ones to take the top off things. With the major injuries Green Bay is dealing with, the Bears should be able to get production over the middle of the field, so the name of the game is YAC. Then, as always, score touchdowns, hold Green Bay to field goals, and the Bears could very well clinch a playoff spot by the end of the weekend.
Bryan: Run. The. Ball. Swift, Monangai, Brittain Brown, doesn’t matter. Ben Johnson needs to have a heavy dose of pancakes in his diet this week and against the Pack. From there, the playaction should open up much like it did last week and Caleb can do his thing. On D, slow down Josh Jacobs and get after Love. Without a run game, Love tends to play hero ball, which will play right into our hands. Pun intended.
Mongo Peanut: Mongo Peanut: Get to Jordan Love without blitzing. Whether Zach Tom is available or not, the Bears have to make him uncomfortable. Christian Watson’s availability will matter, but players like Doubs, Reed, and Wicks can all hurt you. If Love gets too comfortable, things could go south.
Lester: The last time these two teams played, the Bears had the Packers’ defense gassed and on the ropes. So on Saturday, start the body blows earlier and play power football from the start. Pound the rock in the running game, but also use plenty of misdirection to get the Packers defenders chasing.
Josh: The Bears need to run the ball, and Caleb needs to take the layups. The defense needs to rattle Love early and often, which in his case involves taking away the run game and making throws hard by contesting catches.
TJ: The Bears get credit for making an extremely competitive game out of the first matchup between these two teams, but they came out of the gate looking outclassed for a half. To flip the result this time around, it starts with correcting the start of the game and not allowing Green Bay to take control early. This Chicago team is at its best when it can grind the ball on the ground, opening up bigger plays through the air, and getting off to a hot start (ideally taking at least a touchdown lead into the 2nd quarter) will help do that. Playing with a lead will also get the best out of an opportunistic defense, that Dennis Allen will need to continue to optimize to limit explosive plays from the Packers.
What do you think the key to a Chicago Bears win over Green Bay is?
