The Chicago Bears take on the Green Bay Packers and try to end multiple losing streaks. Here is a preview and prediction for the game.
The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers renew one of the oldest rivalries in professional sports. After losing to them in Week 2 at Lambeau Field, they host the Cheeseheads.
The Bears are trying to end multiple losing streaks. They currently own a five-game losing streak overall this season (and eight out of their last nine). In addition, they have a seven-game losing streak (and 12 of the last 13) against Green Bay.
The Packers aren’t the same offensive juggernaut that we are used to seeing. In fact, the Bears’ offense is ranked higher than Green Bay’s (19th compared to 23rd in points scored).
It would be nice to see the Bears beat the Packers and end their spell over them. However, that is a tall task. The Bears are a walking hospital at the moment.
Quarterback Justin Fields, who had an incredible run for about six weeks, separated his shoulder and missed last week’s game. His condition improved but his status for this week is up in the air.
The Bears’ second-leading rusher, Khalil Herbert, is on injured reserve and will miss his third game missed. Additionally, wide receiver Darnell Mooney and safety Eddie Jackson suffered season-ending injuries.
On top of that, cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker both missed last week with concussions. Their status for this week is also in question.
Let’s not forget that offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Larry Borom both left last week’s game with injuries as well.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
An already bad season just got worse with all these injuries.
As a result, the Bears could be just what the Packers need to get better. They themselves are dealing with injuries. They had 11 players on their injury report list this week. That includes quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers is dealing with a broken thumb. In addition, he also suffered an oblique injury last week that knocked him out of the game. He said, however, that he’ll be ready to go this week.
You’d think that having a slowed-down Rodgers helps the Chicago Bears. You’d be wrong, though. In order for Rodgers to be in danger the Bears need to get to him. That is something the Bears defensive front cannot do, however.
The Bears rank last in sacks and quarterback knockdowns, and 26th in quarterback pressure. They just cannot get to the quarterback. If they can’t get to Rodgers, it will be another long and frustrating game for Chicago.
Rodgers does such a great job of torching the Chicago Bears’ secondary. If the Bears allow him all the time in the world to find an open receiver, he’ll continue his dominance.
Rodgers and his receivers haven’t been on the same page very much this season. The Bears’ secondary played well this season, but with the injuries piling up and an absence of a pass rush, that might not be a problem for the Packers.
If Fields can play, he could thrive. The Packers have trouble against the run. They rank 31st in rushing yards allowed, 29th in yards per rush allowed, and 20th in rushing touchdowns allowed.
The Packers are especially vulnerable to athletic quarterbacks who can run. Before Fields’ injury, he was on a historic run (pun intended). In his last six games, he rushed for 640 yards, averaging 8 yards per run. That also includes a record-setting game in which he rushed for 178 yards, the most ever by a quarterback in a regular-season game. He also had 6 touchdowns.
Even if he does play, do the Bears call as many run plays for FIelds?
If Fields is unable to go, there is still a question with his backup, Trevor Siemian. He hurt his oblique during warmups last week. He hasn’t practiced this week so it doesn’t look good. Nathan Peterman is the next man up and the Bears signed Tim Boyle from the Detroit Lions practice squad. They also have running back David Montgomery as the emergency quarterback if it gets worse.
This looks to be another frustrating game for the Chicago Bears. Rodgers should have plenty of time to make big plays and likely finishes relatively clean. It should be another double-digit victory for Green Bay. The Bears will solidify their number two spot in next year’s draft.
We’ll have to continue to hear that he still owns the Chicago Bears, at least for one more season.