(Photo: WFRV)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 16
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Packers (9-4-1):
They were on a nice winning streak after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles on November 10th. Prior to the Week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos, I felt the Packers had the edge solely because of their offense and the uncertainty of which version of Bo Nix would show up. I have to give this team credit, because Denver isn’t an easy place to play, and Green Bay hung around until they eventually ran out of gas. The four-game winning streak was snapped, but they unfortunately lost someone even bigger in the process. I’m referring to Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL and will miss the remainder of the season. While he wasn’t having his strongest year statistically, his impact spoke volumes across the entire defense. Because of Micah, everyone on that unit felt like they could get home to the quarterback. This just shows how one player can come in and completely change a defense from a positive standpoint. That said, I did notice the Packers were actually getting to the quarterback a bit more after Micah exited the game due to injury. The one thing that could prevent this team from making the postseason run they’re hoping for is Jordan Love, because you truly never know which version of him you’re going to get. He looked great in Week 14, but last week in Denver he threw one touchdown pass with two interceptions. That tells the story: when he’s on, this is a very tough offense to defend—but the inconsistency remains. Tonight, the Packers look to bounce back at Soldier Field.
Bears (10-4):
They are the perfect example of why coaching truly matters. I said this a few weeks ago when discussing this team, and I’m repeating it again. The Bears are one of the most improved teams in the league, and Ben Johnson needs to be near the top of the list for Coach of the Year. If he leads this team to an NFC North title and potentially the top seed in the NFC playoffs, he deserves serious consideration. I also want to highlight the maturation of Caleb Williams. Having an offensive-minded coach makes all the difference, and it’s becoming clear that Matt Eberflus struggled to properly develop him. Credit also goes to the fans for trusting the process and understanding that development takes time. When you’re patient, the production eventually follows. This is the best the Chicago Bears have looked since 2018, when they last won the NFC North. If I’m being honest, I’d take this team over that 2018 group because they’re far better at the most important position—quarterback. The Bears can run the football, the offensive line has improved, the defense is flying to the ball and creating takeaways, and most importantly, Ben Johnson is coaching to win games. That’s been the recipe for their success. It’s rivalry night in Chicago, and the Cheeseheads are in town.
Packers X-Factor: Rashan Gary
I remember playing and having a coach who used to say, “Alright, young fella, it’s your time.” I’m applying that same message to Rashan Gary tonight. With Micah Parsons sidelined for the rest of the year, Gary becomes the Packers’ top pass rusher by default. Rashan is a scrapper who uses strength and power to get where he wants, and now he’ll command more attention and double teams. If he’s able to generate pressure and force Caleb Williams to get the ball out quicker than usual, the Bears’ offense becomes far less efficient. Rashan is the next man up in this moment.
Bears X-Factor: Colston Loveland
Week in and week out, Loveland continues to become a bigger part of the passing attack. I remember telling someone that Ben Johnson has essentially replicated what he did with the Lions offense, now with the Bears. They have two running backs, solid perimeter weapons, and this time around, two tight ends to work with. Colston has the size and athleticism to create problems for Green Bay’s linebackers and safeties, especially over the middle of the field. If he can move the chains, it keeps drives alive for Chicago and limits Packers possessions. I expect Loveland to make his mark tonight.
Final Thoughts:
These two teams met at Lambeau Field on December 7th, and it was a great game. The Packers’ offense was clicking on all cylinders, and Jordan Love spread the ball all over the field. Credit to the Bears for fighting back, but turnovers ultimately sealed the victory for Green Bay. Two weeks later, here we are again, with first place in the division on the line. Both teams still control their own destiny. For the Packers, the biggest key to victory is Rashan Gary winning up front. He must generate pressure without blitz help; if he disrupts early downs, the Bears’ offense will stall. Jordan Love also needs to protect the football against a defense that thrives on takeaways, and Green Bay must win on third down by completing short, efficient passes to move the chains. The Bears will be without Rome Odunze once again, so others must step up—starting with Colston Loveland, which is exactly why he’s my X-factor. D’Andre Swift needs his touches, because running the football controls tempo and keeps Green Bay’s offense on the sideline. Finishing drives is also critical; settling for field goals plays directly into the Packers’ hands. This is the biggest game in this rivalry in quite some time, and I’m glad I was able to preview it once again.
