The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears have been facing off since the 1921 season. In their first matchup, the then-Chicago Staleys dominated the Packers, 20 to nothing. Since then this matchup has evolved as one of the most intense rivalries in the NFL. 

The Bears and Packers have faced each other a total of 213 times. Green Bay has won 109 times, Chicago has won 98 games and six contests have finished in a tie. The most points scored by either team was 61 by the Bears in 1980. It was also the Bears’ largest victory, 61-7.

Green Bay has a bone to pick with the Bears this upcoming 2026 NFL season. Chicago eliminated the Packers in the Wild Card Playoffs.

Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers renew their rivalry

The two storied ball clubs have an impressive history between them. They have a combined 22 NFL championships, 13 for Green Bay and 9 for Chicago. They also have a total of 67 playoff and seven Super Bowl appearances combined.

In their 2022 season matchup, the Packers defeated the Bears for their 787th win. Green Bay surpassed the Bears as the NFL team with the most wins in league history. As of this writing, the Packers are still leading with 811 victories. While Chicago is still in second place with 798 wins. 

In a recent article, Fox Sports revealed the Top 10 most intense rivalries in North America. The Bears-Packers rivalry ranks No. 3. This offseason development has the Bears and the Packers surpassing major rivalries such as the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Boston Celtics.

“Since they haven’t often been good at the same time,” the article mentioned, “the big matchups tend to be an even bigger deal—like when they faced off in the wild-card round last season (a 31-27 Bears win).”

This references Chicago’s win last season that advanced them to the Divisional Playoffs, which they lost to the Los Angeles Rams.

“But it’s the history and personality that make this great,” the article added. “Two cold, northern cities with games played in outdoor stadiums. Two tough, hardened, blue-collar fan bases.”

The Packers and the Bears really do share a rich history. On top of their wins, championships and fans, both clubs have 61 players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bears head coach Ben Johnson has their games against the Packers circled on his calendar. Which is why it’s a must-see football, especially for their ever-loyal fans.

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The Green Bay Packers are looking for a backup quarterback this offseason after Malik Willis showed his heroics against the Chicago Bears when Jordan Love suffered a concussion on Dec. 20.

More News: Bears-Raiders Maxx Crosby trade could happen soon

The Bears won the game, but Willis would lead the Packers to two wins in December before Love returned.

Willis is set to become a starter with a new team in free agency, and Green Bay could look to add a former first-round pick by its rival, the Bears.

The Bears traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 before they drafted Caleb Williams at No. 1. Fields lost the starting quarterback job to Russell Wilson.

In 2025, Fields started nine games for the New York Jets after signing a two-year contract. However, he’s expected to be released for free agency this offseason after throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception last season.

Could former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields join the Packers?

Former Packers offensive lineman Mark Tauscher urged Green Bay to sign Fields in free agency as a backup to Love.

“There is a quarterback that is as down on his luck and is beaten into the turf more than any quarterback in the league, probably as much as Malik Willis,” Tauscher said on ESPN Milwaukee. “And you don’t have to even give up a seventh for this young man who is a great athlete… He’s a one-read guy right now.

“That’s why he got in trouble with Chicago, and why he got in trouble everywhere else he’s been. But it will be a minimal cost, and I think it will solve your backup quarterback issues, and for him, it will be a boom. I want the Green Bay Packers to aggressively go and get Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback. That’s what I want.”

“I want the Green Bay #Packers to AGGRESSIVELY go and get Justin Fields to be their backup quarterback.” #GoPackGo | @MarkTauscher65 pic.twitter.com/RVQNRL9gG5

— ESPN Milwaukee (@ESPNMilwaukee) March 2, 2026

Fields struggled throwing with the Jets last season. New York benched him last season, opting to let Tyrod Taylor give the coaching staff a chance to better evaluate their wide receivers before the offseason.

However, Fields is still a threat with his legs. He rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns last season.

Fields could do some damage for Green Bay if they used him for certain packages. Still, it’s unclear if he’d be a threat as a starter if Love suffered an injury.

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has taken his rivalry with the Green Bay Packers more serious than any other Bears coach in a very long time.

More news: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles breaks silence on DJ Moore trade rumors

The Bears’ coach began his career as head coach with a direct shot to Packers head coach Matt LeFleur, saying that he “enjoys beating LeFleur twice a year” during his opening press conference.

Since then, Johnson has not held back on his hatred for the Packers. This continued in an interview on Tuesday with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.

The Chicago Bears coach has taken another hilarious shot at the Green Bay Packers

More news: NFL Draft 2026: Chicago Bears optimistic about major position of need

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Florio asked Johnson “What’s the deal with the Packers?” Johnson then responded with just one hilarious line, asking Florio, “Who likes the Packers?”

Via Clay Harbor on X:

Mike Florio: what’s the deal with the Packers?

Ben Johnson: Who likes the Packers?

The Bears packers beef is real and that’s how it should be. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/IwaNxjD72z

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) February 24, 2026

Despite Packers fans crying and complaining about Johnson’s comments, it’s a good thing to see such a classic rivalry get restored. It’s the Bears vs the Packers, both teams are supposed to hate each other.

It really is refreshing to see a Bears head coach not hold back and truly hate the team’s biggest rival.

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It’s safe to say that there is no love lost between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers these days.

Not only did the Bears win two of three matchups against the bitter rivals, including eliminating the Packers from the NFC Playoffs, in comeback fashion, but quarterback Caleb Williams’ celebration ruffled Green Bay All-Pro Micah Parsons’ feathers after a regular season comeback victory at Soldier Field, and Ben Johnson’s handshake with Matt LaFleur following the postseason victory was as icy as it gets.

The Packers, though, are turning to a former Bears assistant coach to help elevate quarterback Jordan Love’s development.

Packers hire former Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Luke Getsy

According to NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero, the Packers are hiring former Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy as Green Bay’s next quarterbacks coach.

Getsy, 41, served as the Bears’ offensive coordinator from 2022 though the 2023 season.

The Bears’ offense never gained much traction under Getsy, finishing 28th in total offense in 2022, only to finish the following season ranked 20th. A return to Lambeau Field is familiar stomping grounds for Getsy.

First joining the Packers as an offensive quality control coach back in 2014, Getsy has spent nine seasons in Green Bay, including spending the 2025 campaign as a senior offensive assistant to head coach Matt LaFleur.

Prior to his Green Bay return, and after the Bears fired Getsy in 2024, he spent one season as the offensive coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders.

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The Chicago Bears and rising star quarterback Caleb Williams are set for the future following the 2025 NFL season.

After entering the year expected to take a step in the right direction, the Bears started the season off slowly. Fans were calling for Williams to be benched and had already given up on the season. However, Williams and company had other plans.

When all was said and done, Chicago ended up winning the NFC North division and entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the conference. Williams finished the season as a rising superstar quarterback.

It has been a long time since the future looked so bright for the Bears. They look like a team who could very well be a yearly contender moving forward. With another aggressive offseason, Chicago could find itself making a Super Bowl run during the 2026 NFL season.

That being said, Williams will have to battle with a difficult NFC North. Keeping that in mind, Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love took some time to speak out about Williams and the leap that he made in his second season.

Jordan Love Speaks Out About Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams

Looking into the future, Love and Williams are going to have plenty of epic battles between them. That is something that Love opened up about during an interview before the upcoming Super Bowl.

“I think Caleb’s done some incredible things. For him going into Year 2, I think he made a great jump this year and played some pretty cool ball. He’s always been a splash player,” Love said.

“He makes some pretty amazing plays all over the field. We played him three times this year. He’s a guy that, you never know, he can change the game in an instant. He makes some of the best off-schedule plays I’ve seen. For him, just keep improving, keep doing what he does. We’ll have some great battles going forward. He’ll be in Chicago for a long time. Shoutout to him, he’s a great player.”

Those words coming from a rival quarterback show exactly what Williams has been able to accomplish in just two seasons. He has gained a lot of respect since being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams has also just started scratching the surface of his total potential.

It’s going to be fun to watch the Bears and Packers rivalry flourish with both franchises having star quarterbacks. This season, all three matchups between the two teams were must-watch football entertainment. Fans should expect to see more of the same moving forward into the future.

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It looks like Matt LeFleur and the Green Bay Packers are trying to find a new way to get revenge on Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears.

More news: Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson confused DJ Moore on interception: Report

The Packers are currently searching for a new defensive coordinator due to Jeff Hafley leaving to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

And according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, LeFleur might be trying to poach one of the Bears’ top assistant coaches.

The Green Bay Packers are interviewing a top Chicago Bears assistant coach

According to ESPN’s top NFL insider, the Packers interviewed Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris on Wednesday, for their opening at defensive coordinator.

Packers interviewed defensive backs coach Al Harris today for their defensive coordinator job.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2026

Harris was a key factor to the Bears’ success during their magical 2025 season. The Bears’ secondary led the NFL in takeaways. Safety Kevin Byard led the NFL with 7 interceptions under Harris.

Nashon Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon all contributed to the Bears’ success thanks to Harris’ coaching.

It has been widely speculated that Harris would have a good chance at leaving the Bears for a defensive coordinator job, it looks like that it’s one step closer to happening.

Harris leaving Johnson’s staff for the NFC North rival Packers would be a massive blow to the Bears. However, him leaving for the Packers does make sense as he played for the them for multiple seasons during his playing career.

Harris was a two time pro bowl defensive back during his career and was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame as well.

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The Chicago Bears, after disappointing in the first three quarters of Saturday’s Wild Card matchup with the Green Bay Packers, broke out their comeback magic once again and scored 25 points against the Packers’ six in the fourth quarter to advance to the Divisional Round.

More News: Chicago Bears receive backlash for controversial uniform choice against Packers

Splitting the two head-to-head matchups they had during the regular season, the Bears ultimately got the last laugh when they won when it mattered the most, in the playoffs. Head coach Ben Johnson said after the game about the win, “This one meant something to us.”

“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear, players and coaches alike,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said to NFL.com’s Michael Baca. “This one meant something to us.”

The Bears completed the largest playoff comeback in franchise history with their win (18 points) and will advance to their first Divisional Round game for the first time since 2010, where they beat the Seattle Seahawks 35-24.

Ben Johnson lives up to his promise of beating the Packers twice a year by celebrating in front of Matt LeFleur

Before getting emotional at the podium, Johnson made sure to show how excited he was living up to his promise to beat Matt LeFleur and the Packers twice a year, quickly shaking his hand and immediately running to embrace his players.

Time to celebrate Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/oVP58kcXEM

— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) January 11, 2026

The Chicago Bears will need to be on their game for the Divisional Round when they play either the Eagles or the Rams

Despite their fourth-quarter magic, the Bears will need to try to win the game against either the Eagles or the 49ers in the first three quarters. The Bears won their game against the Eagles in the regular season, going to Philadelphia in Week 13 and winning 24-15, while they didn’t play the Rams this season.

The Bears will face either leading MVP candidate quarterback Matthew Stafford (4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns) or one of the best defenses in the Eagles (13th, 314.2 yards), which could cause problems if they can’t game-plan well enough to counter the strengths of either team. With the Eagles and 49ers set to play Sunday at 4:25, the Bears will know soon who their next opponent will be.

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On Saturday night, the Chicago Bears are looking for their first postseason victory against the Green Bay Packers since Dec. 14, 1941.

More News: Bears receive bad news on stadium project in Illinois

The NFC North champion Bears have not played in the postseason since the 2020 season and have not hosted a playoff game since 2018. The last time Chicago won a playoff game was in the 2010 playoffs, with a 35-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The next week, the Packers beat the Bears 21-14 in the NFC championship.

Chicago is going for a bold look against Green Bay on Saturday night. On Saturday afternoon, the Bears posted their uniform combination against the Packers. The hosting Bears will wear blue tops and blue pants.

Wild Card threads pic.twitter.com/BTGoBVf0QJ

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 10, 2026

Chicago Bears fans have reservations on the wild-card-uni

More News: Former Bears GM Ryan Pace could become next Falcons GM

The Bears have an ugly history against Green Bay with the all-blue look, losing four contests against their NFC North rival since the early 2000s. The Packers most recently beat the Bears 35-14 on Sept. 28, 2017 on “Thursday Night Football” wearing the color rush combination.

Chicago fans on X voiced their worry about the look, fearing the team is inviting a curse against Green Bay in the wild-card round.

“The moment is already big enough. You don’t have to do anything to make it ‘special’,” wrote a fan.

“Are those blue pants?? You have got to be kidding me,” posted another.

“Noooooooooo! Navy on white always,” argued a fan.

“Regular season is over. They have honored Virginias request of no alternates  it’s a new season now bring on the possibilities,” wrote another.

“No don’t do it. Smarten up. You still have time to do that before game starts,” suggested a poster.

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The weather could play a major role in the wild-card round this year, and might delay Chicago Bears fans from being able to watch their team begin play in its first postseason game since the 2020 season.

More News: Bears GM appears to be making move to gain 2 draft picks

While the conditions for Saturday night’s game at Soldier Field between the Bears and Green Bay Packers are expected to be chilly with rain or snow, the weather in Charlotte, North Carolina could have devastating effects for NFL fans on Saturday.

Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there is a “threat” of thunderstorms during the timeframe of the Carolina Panthers’ contest against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, set to start at 4:30 p.m. EST on FOX.

Chicago Bears fans could miss start of wild-card game

More News: Bears rule out 3 against Packers

If the game has a lightning delay, the league says they can only delay the game at Soldier Field by 10 minutes, set to begin at 8 p.m. EST on Amazon Prime and FOX on local networks in Wisconsin and Chicago.

“So there’s a chance of two playoff games going on at once, depending on whether and to what extent Rams-Panthers is delayed by Mother Nature,” Florio wrote. “Which could prompt some to utter a different phrase that begins with ‘muther.’

“Especially in Chicago and Milwaukee, where the Packers-Bears game is due to be televised on the Fox affiliate that will be broadcasting Rams-Panthers.”

Local Bears fans in Chicago without an Amazon Prime subscription could be out of luck to watch the beginning of the Bears-Packers game while the Panthers-Rams game finishes up.

The good news for Chicago fans is that the Panthers-Rams game should finish up well before the end of the contest. The fourth quarter tends to be when the “cardiac Bears” come to life anyways.

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Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bears are set for a massive showdown against the arch-rival Green Bay Packers on Saturday night in the NFC Wild Card round of the playoffs.

After pulling off a shocking comeback victory just a few short weeks ago at Soldier Field, the Bears are hoping to send the Packers home for the season. However, the reality of the situation is that Green Bay beat Chicago in the first regular season meeting and should have defeated the Bears again in the second regular season matchup. Chicago will need to play much better this time around.

That being said, the Bears have made an impressive run this season. They enter the playoffs as the NFC North champions and the No. 2 seed in the conference playoff picture.

However, there are some concerns surrounding how Chicago is entering this matchup. Talk about the Super Bowl has already begun. That isn’t something that analysts are super pleased about regarding the young Bears team.

Former NFL head coach Eric Mangini did not like hearing the Super Bowl talk. He spoke out with some criticism for Chicago leading up to facing the Packers.

“It’s terrible and it’s flawed. The most important thing is what’s in front of you,” Mangini said. “It’s that meeting, it’s that practice, it’s that game. It’s not 5 weeks from now. That’s what kills teams.”

Mangini makes a very good point. If the Bears are going to make a run to the Super Bowl, attention to detail and focus are the most important things. The playoffs are a different beast and Chicago already has a lack of postseason experience going against them.

Should the Bears find a way to come through with a statement win over Green Bay, the belief will start rising even more. However, in the playoffs, anything can happen. At the end of the day, regular season success means absolutely nothing when playoff time arrives.

It will be interesting to see how the young Chicago roster fares this weekend. The Packers are going to want revenge after blowing what was a clear-cut victory at Soldier Field in their last meeting with the Bears. Chicago will need to come out strong from the jump to avoid a depressing Wild Card loss to its bitter rival.

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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams should be on high alert for Saturday night’s game against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson warned players about priorities during playoffs

Things got chippy the last time the Bears played the Packers. Chicago won the game 22-16 in overtime, but that came after Green Bay quarterback Joran Love exited the contest in the first half with a concussion.

Defensive end Austin Booker was fined twice for his two hits on Love during the game. The hit that caused the concussion came when Love lowered his helmet to absorb a blow from Booker.

Love hasn’t played since the Week 16 contest, but he’s expected to lead Green Bay on Saturday night.

The Chicago Bears need to be on high alert

More News: Bears receive bad news on stadium project in Illinois

Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Packers running back Josh Jacobs sent a veiled threat to the Bears, and ostensibly, Williams. He suggested Green Bay wouldn’t play “dirty” during the rematch, but claimed the team hadn’t forgotten about Booker’s hit and plan to respond at Soldier Field this weekend.

“I know a lot of guys took that hit that he took a little personal,” Jacobs said. “So I’m not saying we gon’ go out there and play dirty or nothing like that, but we definitely gonna defend our brother.”

Josh Jacobs on Jordan Love's Week 16 concussion in Chicago:

"I know a lot of guys took that hit that he took a little personal. So I'm not saying we gon' go out there and play dirty or nothing like that, but we definitely gonna defend our brother."

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 7, 2026

After Jacobs’ comments, the Bears offensive line needs to be ready for some shenanigan from Green Bay. Williams might need to take extra precautions if defenders are closing on him.

The Bears weren’t the only team trading blows in Week 16. Green Bay defensive back Keisean Nixon took a cheap shot at wide receiver DJ Moore. Nixon wasn’t fined or penalized for the hit.

It’s Packers-Bears. Fireworks are always expected for the rivalry game. With the game coming in the postseason, some extra activity should be expected on the field.

Chicago needs to be smart to not take the Packers bait. Personal foul penalties are too costly. At the same time, the Bears need to protect their quarterback.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Bears are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs this Saturday, and while a playoff run is definitely the top priority for the Bears, they are almost certainly monitoring potential offseason moves, as well.

Chicago definitely has some holes to address this coming spring, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox feels the Bears could pilfer an NFC North rival to fill one of them.

In a recent piece where Knox listed the top 50 free agents slated to be available in March, he ranked Packers offensive tackle Rasheed Walker sixth and then tabbed Chicago as a potential destination for the 25-year-old.

“This past season, Walker was responsible for five sacks allowed, according to Pro Football Focus. That’s a far cry from the 12 sacks [Dan] Moore allowed in 2024 before getting his payday from the Tennessee Titans,” Knox wrote. “Set to turn 26 in February, Walker should be the top target of any team seeking a long-term left tackle in free agency.”

Knox is projecting Walker to land a four-year, $85 million contract.

The question is, do the Bears actually need Walker?

Chicago Bears may already have their franchise left tackle

Last April, Chicago selected Ozzy Trapilo in the second round of the NFL Draft with the intention of him possibly replacing Braxton Jones down the line.

Midway through the 2025 campaign, Trapilo did just that, supplanting Jones as the Bears’ starting left tackle. While he wasn’t exactly dominant, he was good enough to display that he could be Chicago’s left tackle of the future, managing a 70.0 overall grade at Pro Football Focus.

The Bears’ offensive line has been terrific as a whole this season, so with Chicago not having the most enviable salary cap situation heading into the offseason, it may not want to splurge so heavily on a tackle like Walker, who isn’t even a Pro Bowler.

Walker joined the Packers as a seventh-round pick back in 2022 and has certainly been solid, but how about this for a kicker: he registered a 64.6 overall grade at PFF in 2025, which was considerably worse than Jones. He also tallied a 55.4 run-blocking grade, which ranked 71st out of 89 qualifying offensive tackles.

Perhaps spending $85 million on Walker would not be the wisest move for the Bears.

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After a disappointing loss (19-16) to the Detroit Lions to wrap up the regular season, the Chicago Bears enter their playoff week losers of two straight and have an uneasy feeling heading into their third matchup with divisional opponent, the Green Bay Packers.

More News: The Cowboys make their decision on Matt Eberflus after showing his incompetence

After the loss to the Lions, Bears head coach Ben Johnson issued a challenge to his second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams, to respond to one of the better defenses in the league (12th, 311.8 yards), saying, “We’re going to need him at his best.” In response to his head coach’s challenge, William stated, “I think I’m built for these moments.”

“I think I am built for these moments mentality wise how I’ve worked,” Williams said via the team transcript. “I’ve been in a bunch of big games before and a bunch of big rival games. In those moments and in these moments, I think I can provide a spark for the team. I think I can do whatever my team needs me to do. Whether that’s stay in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it. Whatever it takes is where I’m at and where I’m going to be at for these next couple weeks hopefully.”

The Chicago Bears need Caleb Williams to continue to impress in their matchup with the Packers

Splitting their regular-season matchups with the Packers, the Bears will need Williams to continue to shine and show his clutch factor for them to get a win. In their two meetings this season, Williams threw for a total of 436 yards (38-69) and four touchdowns, while throwing just one interception.

The worst part of the Packers’ defense is their rushing attack (18th, 117.7 yards), which could nullify running backs D’Andre Swift (1,087 yards) and rookie standout Kyle Monangai (783). The Packers are likely to force Johnson to place the ball in Williams’ hands to see if his fourth-quarter magic can come out in the other three quarters of the game. In the last two minutes of the game/half, Williams has thrown for 563 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

If Williams can take what he has done well in the last couple of minutes of the game or the half, the Bears could be walking out of their house with a victory.

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The Chicago Bears are getting prepared for their playoff matchup against the Green Bay Packers. This is the third time that these teams will play this season, as they have split the two games during the regular season. There is a lot of discussion surrounding this clash of NFC North foes, but one Bears legend made it known he is rolling with his former team. Let’s take a closer look at what he said.

Matt Forte is ready for the Chicago Bears to defeat the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs

While appearing on the Up & Adams Show on Tuesday, Bears legend Matt Forte discussed his expectations for the NFC Wild Card matchup between the Bears and the Packers. Unsurprisingly, he believes in his former team to be ready to roll with the punches and walk out victorious.

“I think the Packers are lackluster in their preparation for the Bears coming up. I think they’re a little overconfident in who they are. I think they are a little overconfident in that fact that they’re relying on the past to be predictors of the future. Every game is a new game, every opportunity is new. I don’t need to say anything disrespectful… I’m just going to speak the truth. That’s what I see.. they’re restnig on some of the previous notions of who he (LeRoy Butler) thinks the Packers are, and I think that come Saturday they’re going to find out.”

Forte definitely has Chicago in his blood, spending eight of his 10 seasons with the Bears. The Bears and the Packers played two extremely close games during the regular season, with each team winning once. This playoff game, being the rubber matchup, is going to be very intriguing to see which team is set up for greatness going forward.

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The Chicago Bears are preparing to face the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs on Saturday night, and as if this being a postseason game isn’t dramatic enough, the fact that it features arguably the greatest rivalry in the sport only adds fuel to the fire.

The Bears and Packers split their regular-season meetings, but Chicago ended up finishing atop the NFC North division, and that was thanks much in part to its fourth-quarter rally against Green Bay at Soldier Field late last month.

The Bears are aiming to win their fist playoff game since January 2011, but legendary Packers safety LeRoy Butler seems to believe Chicago is out luck.

In fact, the Hall of Famer provided some pretty serious bulletin-board material to the Bears before the matchup.

“I really think the Chicago Bears are a tired team, they’re just worn out,” Butler said. “… Packers will win 28-14.”

Are the Chicago Bears really worn out?

Butler’s reasoning for saying the Bears are a “worn out” team is because of the fact that they had to expend so much energy with their fourth-quarter comebacks.

He may have a point there, but Chicago is a young ballclub that shouldn’t be too weary heading into the postseason. If anything, the Bears’ lack of experience could end up being a significant factor, as Caleb Williams is in just his second NFL season and went just 5-12 during his rookie campaign in 2024.

On the other side of the coin, though, Chicago has displayed the ability to win in high-leverage situations, so that should absolutely help them in January.

The Bears and Packers are both banged up, so injuries may play a role here, too. But Chicago may be getting back wide receiver Rome Odunze for the first time in over a month, and defensive back Kyler Gordon was just designated to return from injured reserve.

We’ll see if Butler’s comments ultimately prove correct. He certainly isn’t the only person picking Green Bay to win this game.

“There’s no answer for Jayden Reed and Christian Watson,” Butler added.

The Bears can definitely pin these comments on their bulletin board this week.

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The Chicago Bears are stumbling into the playoffs with a two-game losing streak.

More News: Bears’ Caleb Williams criticizes defense after loss to Lions

The Bears suffered a 19-16 loss to the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday, one week after the San Francisco 49ers beat them 42-38 on “Sunday Night Football.”

The Bears’ opponent, the Green Bay Packers, lost its final four games of the regular season, including a 22-16 loss in overtime to Chicago in Week 16. The Packers have not been the same since blowing a lead in Week 15 to the Denver Broncos when Micah Parsons suffered a season-ending ACL tear.

Per DraftKings, the Bears are a 1.5-point favorite over Green Bay.

However, ESPN doesn’t think Chicago will beat its NFC North rival.

ESPN thinks the Packers will beat the Chicago Bears

More News: Bears HC Ben Johnson rips into offense after loss to Lions

ESPN analytics give the Bears a 45.3-percent chance to win on Saturday night. The Packers have a 54.7-percent chance of moving on to the divisional round.

ESPN gives the Bears 22-1 odds of winning the Super Bowl. Their Football Power Index chance to make the Super Bowl is 7.7-percent.

Despite being the No. 7 seed and needing to win all three NFC playoff games on the road, ESPN’s FPI gives Green Bay a 10.1-percent chance of making the Super Bowl. ESPN is giving the Packers 22-1 odds of winning the Super Bowl, the same as the Bears.

Chicago enters the playoffs with the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but the national media does not believe the team is a serious contender. The Bears beat the No. 3 seed and defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles 24-15 on Black Friday.

While the Bears deserve more respect after winning 11 games in head coach Ben Johnson’s first season with the team, it’s clear Chicago will need to win its first postseason game since 2010 before it finds more believers.

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The post Chicago Bears: ESPN makes clear prediction on Packers wild-card matchup appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears officially ended the 2025 NFL regular season with an 11-6 record. That record won them the NFC North division title and ended up giving them the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoff picture.

Next up for the Bears will be a huge showdown in the Wild Card round of the playoffs at home against the arch-rival Green Bay Packers.

After two hard-fought regular season games that saw the two teams split the season series, Chicago knows that playing the Packers in the Wild Card will be no easy task. Green Bay should have defeated the Bears in the second game of the regular season at Soldier Field. The Packers ended up making a huge mistake on an onside kick that kept Chicago in the game.

Despite the difficult matchup ahead, the Bears are feeling very confident in their ability. A win over Green Bay would be a strong statement that Chicago is a legitimate contender in the NFC.

Following the Bears’ regular season finale loss against the Detroit Lions, head coach Ben Johnson spoke out with a subtle shot at the Packers. Chicago played its starters against the Lions, while Green Bay sat its key players against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson made sure to call attention to that fact.

“Some teams, they rest their starters. We don’t. We play football,” he said.

Johnson has been very vocal about the rivalry with the Packers. It is clear that he is doing his best to will the Bears back into the rivalry and take control of it. A playoff win would go a long way towards that goal.

Chicago has all of the talent it needs to beat Green Bay and go on a deep playoff run. However, the Bears are a very young football team. Defeating the Packers would instill a lot of confidence into the young players on the roster and give Chicago a lot of momentum moving forward.

It will be interesting to see how the game ends up going. One thing is for sure, which is the fact that these two teams hate each other with a passion.

The Bears and Green Bay are scheduled to kick off on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

The post Bears HC Ben Johnson takes subtle shot at Packers before playoff matchup appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are entering their regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions as the No. 2 seed in the NFC thanks to their tiebreaker over the Philadelphia Eagles, who they beat on Black Friday last month.

The Bears have already clinched the NFC North division title and are merely awaiting their Wild Card Round opponent, and now, it looks like that may have been decided.

Why? Because the Eagles are expected to rest quarterback Jalen Hurts and other starters during their Week 18 matchup with the Washington Commanders, which sets the stage for a Philadelphia loss this Sunday, via Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Meanwhile, Chicago appears dead set on playing all of its starters.

If the Bears do in fact maintain the No. 2 seed, they will face none other than the Green Bay Packers in their playoff opener.

Could the Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers twice in a few weeks?

Chicago just beat the Packers back on Dec. 20, rallying from a late 10-point deficit to win an overtime thriller.

Green Bay has thoroughly owned the Bears for quite some time, although Chicago has now pulled off wins against the Packers in back-to-back campaigns. But can the Bears actually defeat Green Bay again during Wild Card weekend?

The Packers are banged up, most notably without star edge rusher Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL. That being said, Chicago isn’t exactly the healthiest team in the league right now, either. The Bears are particularly hurting in their receiving corps, as Rome Odunze is nursing a stress fracture in his foot and Luther Burden III just suffered a hamstring injury.

Chicago will have the advantage of playing at home, and there is no question that the Bears have been playing far superior football to the Packers in recent weeks.

But in a clash of these two hated NFC North rivals, anything can happen.

The post Bears’ playoff opponent may have just been decided, and it’s a doozy appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are set to face off against the Green Bay Packers tonight in a massive NFC North rivalry showdown at Soldier Field.

Entering tonight’s game, the Bears hold the top spot in the NFC North division race. However, a loss to the Packers would flip the two teams in the standings once again.

Not only would Chicago lose the lead in the NFC North division, Green Bay would also hold the head-to-head tiebreaker with a season sweep. Of course, the Bears came up short to the Packers just two short week ago at Lambeau Field by a final score of 28-21.

Ahead of tonight’s game, the playing status of Green Bay star running back Josh Jacobs has been a major talking point. Jacobs has been dealing with a knee injury this week and his availability has been unknown all week long.

Now, a final verdict has been reached about whether or not Jacobs will play.

According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Jacobs will indeed play tonight. Even though there were reports about the Packers’ medical team not wanting him to play, the star running back is going to give it a go in what is the game of the year for both teams.

“Packers RB Josh Jacobs will be active tonight against the Bears, per sources,” Pelissero wrote on X. “Jacobs continues to battle a knee injury. He was on crutches Monday. He didn’t practice all week. But with the division potentially on the line, he’s going.”

In the matchup between these two teams two weeks ago, Jacobs carried the football 20 times for 86 yards and a touchdown. He was a huge factor in Green Bay pulling out a hard-fought win.

Hopefully, the Chicago defense will be ready to defend against him tonight. He’s not going to be at 100 percent, which the Bears need to take full advantage of as they look to take a stranglehold on the NFC North race.

The post Bears Receive Final Verdict on Packers Star Josh Jacobs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears are making their final preparations for a huge Week 16 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday Night Football.

After losing to the Packers just two short weeks ago at Lambeau Field, the Bears have a lot to play for this week. Right now, they hold a lead in the NFC North division, but if they lose to Green Bay on Saturday evening, they lose that lead.

Not only would Chicago lose the NFC North division lead with a loss, the team would also be behind the Packers in a head-to-head tiebreaker.

Obviously, there is a lot on the line for the Bears this week. Hopefully, Caleb Williams and company are ready to play and can pull off a massive statement win.

With that being said, ESPN Green Bay reporter Rob Demovsky has issued a blunt reality check to Chicago.

“There is a TON OF PRESSURE on the Bears,” he said.

Demovsky is not wrong. A loss would seriously hurt the Bears’ chances of winning the division and could impact their ability to get into the playoffs. It would certainly start making Ben Johnson and the rest of the team feel pressure heading into the final two weeks of the season.

After playing the Packers this week, Chicago will finish out the season with matchups a road game against the San Francisco 49ers and a home matchup against the Detroit Lions. Both of those games will be difficult to win.

With that being said, the stage has been set for the Bears and Green Bay to face off on Saturday. Both teams badly need a win with the NFC North division title on the line. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.

The game is scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Saturday night and fans will be able to watch it on Fox.

The post Bears given blunt reality check ahead of Packers showdown appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears will be facing the Green Bay Packers in a rematch on Saturday, and Caleb Williams is certainly hoping to put forth a better performance than he did at Lambeau Field a couple of weeks ago.

However, given the circumstances, that might be difficult.

The Bears could be without two of their top wide receivers this weekend, as both Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III (ankle) could be sidelined. Neither practiced on Tuesday, and Odunze could ultimately be out for the remainder of the regular season.

That leaves Williams with D.J. Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus and not much else at the position. That will obviously make life exceedingly more challenging for the second-year quarterback who has been up and down as it is in 2025.

Can Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams overcome the obstacles?

This is the biggest game of Williams’ NFL career to date. The NFC North is very much on the line here. If the Bears win, they will improve to 11-4 and take a rather commanding lead over the Packers, who would fall to 9-5-1 with a loss.

However, if Green Bay beats Chicago, the Packers will not only leapfrog the Bears in the standings, but they will complete the season sweep and own the tiebreaker.

To be fair, Chicago wasn’t supposed to be this good, this fast. Not after that 5-12 debacle last year. But the fact of the matter is that the Bears are here, and fans in the Windy City are starving for any modicum of success. Remember: this is a franchise that has not won a playoff game since January 2011 and has only made two trips to the postseason since.

Couple all of that with the fact that Williams is down his No. 1 and 3 receivers, and you should be able to grasp the immense amount of pressure he is facing.

Williams went just 19-for-35 with 186 yards against Green Bay in Week 14, and while Odunze was sidelined for that game, too, he at least had Burden, who had vaulted himself over Zaccheaus on the depth chart by that point.

It will either be a statement or a nightmare

On the positive side, Williams has the chance to deliver a massive statement here. The former No. 1 overall pick has a large faction of doubters, and based on his rather spotty production over his first couple of seasons, the criticism is warranted.

But Williams can flip the script with a strong outing that leads to a pivotal divisional victory.

It should also be mentioned that while the Bears could be without both Odunze and Burden, the Packers will be sans Micah Parsons (who is now out for the year with a torn ACL) and are dealing with a plethora of other injury issues up and down their roster.

So, generally speaking, this Packers team will not be the same one Chicago saw in Green Bay two Sundays ago. This is absolutely a weaker iteration of that squad, and this time, the Bears are playing host.

However, if Williams lays another egg with all of the adversity surrounding him? You can bet the naysayers will be back out in full force, and even head coach Ben Johnson — who has expressed frustration with Williams throughout the season — may be agitated.

We’ll see if Williams can announce his arrival this Saturday.

The post Caleb Williams’ worst nightmare could be unfolding for Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

On Sunday afternoon, the Chicago Bears returned to the win column with a dominant 31-3 home victory over the Cleveland Browns. Coupled with the Green Bay Packers’ loss to the Denver Broncos, the Bears surged back into first place in the NFC North with only three weeks left in the season.

The Bears will take on the Packers in a rematch after falling just short in Wisconsin two weeks ago. Green Bay will be without their star pass rusher Micah Parsons, who tore his ACL in the loss to the Broncos, giving Chicago a potential edge.

On Tuesday, Bears head coach Ben Johnson discussed the effect Parsons’ injury might have on the team’s strategy for this weekend’s clash with the Packers.

Ben Johnson on Micah Parsons and the Packers

“We look at everything and that’s where being in the division last year certainly helps because you see all that tape from Hafley’s defense a year ago…There’s elements of that you take into account but at this point of the season, it’s a really good football team. Really good defense,” Ben Johnson remarked via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.

Overall, the Packers are undeniably stronger on defense with Parsons in the lineup, but they still have enough talent to create challenges even with him sidelined.

“I know you kind of lock in one player because he does garner a lot of your attention when you go against that defense and yet they have some high caliber players throughout on the defensive line, linebacking core and on the back end. Just because one player goes down, doesn’t mean this is going to change a whole lot for them,” continued the Bears head coach.

Regardless, the Bears and Packers are set to face off Saturday evening at 8:20 pm ET at Soldier Field.

The post Ben Johnson and the Bears ready to exploit the Micah Parsons-less Packers defense appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears had a massive opportunity to take a chokehold on the NFC North division on Sunday afternoon against the Green Bay Packers.

Heading into the game, the Bears were leading the NFC North and held the best record in the NFC overall. Unfortunately, they were unable to take advantage of the opportunity they had, losing to the Packers at Lambeau Field by a final score of 28-21.

With the loss, Chicago has now fallen behind Green Bay in the division race. The Bears still have an opportunity to bounce back and beat the Packers in two weeks, but the Week 14 loss will sting quite a bit.

Following the game, Johnson spoke out with some brutally honest thoughts about coming up short against Green Bay.

“So it was really close at the end, but give a lot of credit to Green Bay,” Johnson said. “They made a couple more plays than us. Their offense was explosive. They found some big plays that resulted in touchdowns on us. Fortunately there in the second half our offense was able to find its footing a little bit both in the run game and the passing game. It felt like we had a bit of rhythm. We made it a game, but fell short at the end of the day.”

Despite losing the game, the Bears should be encourage by the way they played. A few differences in the game could have easily resulted in Chicago coming through with another statement win.

It’s clear following the loss that Chicago is a team to watch in the NFC. Are the Bears a serious Super Bowl contender? That remains to be seen, but they can play with anyone.

With the team still being extremely young and missing key pieces like Rome Odunze and Kyler Gordon, there are many ways the Bears could improve before taking on the Packers in Week 16. That matchup, a home game on Saturday Night Football, will bring an insane energy to the stadium.

Chicago may not have made enough plays to win this week, but the team played well enough to give it confidence moving forward. The Bears will look to get back in the win column in Week 15 when they play host to Shedeur Sanders, Myles Garrett, and the Cleveland Browns.

The post Bears HC Ben Johnson gets brutally honest about loss to Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers will meet in Week 14 on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The winner between the 9-3 Bears and 8-3-1 Packers will take hold the No. 1 spot in the NFC North.

The NFL flexed the matchup between the two NFC North rivals, and this should be one of the best games of the weekend.

WHAT: Chicago Bears (9-3) AT Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 7, 3:25 CST
WHERE: Lambeau Field in Green Bay
BROADCAST: Fox
RADIO: ESPN 1000
LINE: Packers -6.5
ALL-TIME SERIES: Packers lead 108-96-6
LAST MEETING: Bears beat the Packers 24-22 on 1/5/2025
WEATHER: 20, windy, sunny

The post Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers Live blog, score updates, highlights for Week 14 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The day has arrived for the Chicago Bears to face off against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field once again.

In Week 14, the Bears currently hold the No. 1 seed in the NFC. While it has been a long time since they were viewed as a potential Super Bowl contender, it’s clear that the team is starting to make people believe. A win over the Packers on the road would help towards that goal.

Today’s game is a big one for both teams. Should Green Bay defeat Chicago, the Packers would re-take the lead in the NFC North. On the other hand, the Bears can take a stranglehold on the division with a win over Green Bay.

With that being said, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden is excited about the matchup. He took to social media to share his prediction for today’s game.

Unfortunately, Chicago fans are not going to like the prediction that he made. Gruden believes that it will be the Packers who come out on top this time around.

“They’re making believers out of a lot of people including me,” Gruden said. “But this week, I’m going with the Packers. I just think the injuries at linebacker are really tough on Chicago. I think the Packers, at home, are on a roll. And I think they’re going win this game 27-24.”

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson will have something to say about that prediction. If the offense can keep Williams upright against the elite Green Bay pass rush featuring Micah Parsons, they’ll have a chance to do some damage. The defense will have to play one of its best games as well.

This is the first of two meetings late in the season between these two teams. They will match up once again in Week 16 in Chicago.

Make sure to tune in to see if the Bears can prove Gruden wrong and defeat the Packers. Fans can watch the game on Fox at 4:25 p.m. ET.

The post Jon Gruden Drops Final Prediction for Bears-Packers Showdown appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears and head coach Ben Johnson are making their final preparations for tomorrow’s showdown on the road against the Green Bay Packers.

Heading into this week’s game, there is a lot on the line for both teams. Currently, the Bears lead the NFC North division and are the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. As for the Packers, they’re just behind Chicago in the division and appear to be a Super Bowl contender as well.

Should Green Bay be able to pull off a win over the Bears, things would change dramatically. The Packers would re-take the lead in the NFC North.

With that being said, Chicago has a huge opportunity this week. A win would be a massive statement to the rest of the NFL and Green Bay itself. The Bears are looking to prove that they are for real and should be taken seriously as a legitimate contender this season.

Ahead of tomorrow’s matchup, ESPN has weighed in with their final prediction for the game.

According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, the Packers are being given a great chance to defeat Chicago. Right now, Green Bay is being favored at 69.1 percent to win the game. As for the Bears, they’re being given just a 30.7 percent chance.

Obviously, that isn’t going to make Chicago happy, but no one should expect different. The Bears are still not taken seriously by many. Even after defeating the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles last week on Black Friday, the national media isn’t quite buying that Chicago is one of the best teams in the NFL.

No one should be upset by that. In fact, it should be viewed as a good thing.

Using the doubt as motivation would be wise. If the Bears can head into Lambeau Field and knock off the Packers, the national media would have no choice but to start talking about Chicago as a Super Bowl contender.

All of that being said, Sunday’s game will kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET. Fans can tune in to watch the massive rivalry game on Fox.

The post ESPN Reveals Final Prediction for Bears-Packers Week 14 Showdown appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are currently the best team in the NFC and are leading the NFC North division race ever so slightly over the Green Bay Packers.

That is what makes this week’s showdown with the Packers at Lambeau Field extremely important. With a win, the Bears would stretch their lead over Green Bay and take a huge step in the right direction towards winning the division. A loss would see the Packers jump Chicago and re-take the lead in the NFC North.

Not only is it a big game from a standings perspective, the Bears have a huge opportunity. After beating the Philadelphia Eagles last week on the road, Chicago can make a huge statement with a road win in Green Bay. It can prove that it is a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Of course, playing against the Packers is not an easy thing to do. Green Bay is 8-3-1 entering this week’s matchup and has an elite defense. Jordan Love has been playing at a high level so far this season and the Packers’ offense has been extremely dangerous.

However, the Bears may have caught a break heading into Sunday’s game.

As shared by Matt Schneidman, a reporter covering Green Bay for The Athletic, Green Bay safety Javon Bullard was downgraded on the team’s injury report on Thursday. He did not participate at all. Bullard has been a key part of the Packers’ defense this season.

Bullard has played in 12 games so far this season, racking up 59 total tackles to go along with a fumble recovery and two defended passes.

For a Chicago offense that has struggled with consistency at times, having a key piece of the Green Bay secondary miss the game would be a huge plus. The Packers already have had struggles in the defensive secondary. If Bullard is forced to miss the game, that could turn into a major weakness for Green Bay.

He hasn’t been ruled out just yet. Being downgraded to “did not participate” on a Thursday is usually not a good sign, but no official word has been given. More updates on Bullard’s status are sure to come in the very near future.

All of that being said, the Bears and Packers are scheduled to kick things off on Sunday afternoon at 4:25 p.m. ET. Fans will be able to watch the game on Fox.

The post Bears could catch major break in showdown against Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

It’s been a long time since the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers met in December in a game that had significant impact on the NFC North. At 9-3, the Bears enter this game leading the division and are the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Meanwhile, Green Bay is 8-3-1 and a win would move them ahead in the division. It’s also the first meeting of two in a three-week span, so these two teams will get real familiar with each other. That includes star pass rusher Micah Parsons who will play in his first Bears-Packers game this weekend.

Parsons has been fantastic for the Packers this season, recording 12.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He’s done his best work in the fourth quarter for Green Bay. While he will get his first taste of this rivalry, Parsons already feels disrespected.

Micah Parsons is ‘disrespected’ by the Bears

Parsons is having another fantastic season. He has played up to his star pass rush standards, making the trade to Green Bay worth it. But on Thursday, Parsons spoke to the media about playing Chicago and apparently he has a bone to pick with the Bears?

“Rivarlies are for the people. It’s for the fans,” Micah Parsons said, per Ryan Wood of USA Today. For me, it’s just going out there and just dominating. I just don’t like them because I just see like the disrespect… I play for respect. You know how to earn someone’s respect is beating the s**t out of them.”

I just have a question. Where is the disrespect that Parsons is coming from? Is he talking about Ben Johnson calling out Matt LaFleur when he introduced him back in January? Parsons was still a member of the Cowboys.

The Bears haven’t said anything recently either. And if any team is being disrespected, it certainly feels like people are disrespecting the Bears.

Here is Parsons response to the disrespect.

“Respect is something that’s earned, and these people want to come here, and they want to beat us at our house,” Parsons said. “We eventually got to go there. If someone comes s**t on your lawn, what would you say? It’s a respect thing, especially losing a couple of games at home, and the way we lost them. We have to come together as a defense to get our respect back.”

Maybe this is a Michael Jordan-like tactic to work up some motivation for Parsons to have a big game. The task is now on Chicago to slow down Parsons and make a statement of their own.

The post Micah Parsons feels ‘disrespected’ by the Chicago Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears are in full stride, having won five games in a row. Their most notable victory came on the road, a 24-15 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Defeating the defending Super Bowl champions this early in the season sends a major message. The rest of the league will have to take the Bears seriously moving forward, but the biggest takeaway may be the confidence the team now has in its own abilities.

Johnson will have his first opportunity to face Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers in his new role when the Bears visit Lambeau Field this Sunday. To earn his first win against the Packers’ head coach, Johnson will need a strategy to take on what he called “might be the best defense we’ve seen all year.”

The Bears bracing for the Packers defense

The Bears cleared a significant hurdle against the Eagles and now turn their attention to their long-time rivals, the Green Bay Packers, with two matchups scheduled over the next three weeks. Chicago (9-3) holds a half-game lead over Green Bay (8-3-1), and these contests will play a major role in determining the NFC North race for first place as well as playoff seeding in the NFC.

“They are matchup issues for your backs and pass pro, you can tell they bring it,” Johnson made those remarks during his Tuesday press conference, highlighting Micah Parsons, Rashan Gary, Quay Walker, and Edgerrin Cooper as players who have excelled under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.

“Fast players sideline to sideline. I think the safeties are probably the two best safeties that we’ve seen all year long. They’re extremely active in the run game. They’re all over the field and, so, we’ve got a tall task here at hand. When you combine it with the scheme, I think Hafley does a great job of making it simple for them,” the Bears coach continued.

Will the Packers elite defense hold up against the Bears

Green Bay ranks fifth in points allowed per game at 18.8, fourth in total yards allowed at 284.8, eighth in rushing yards allowed at 98.3, and sixth in passing yards allowed per game.

On offense the Packers rank 13th in total yards per game, averaging 340.6, sit 13th in passing yards, 16th in rushing, and are 10th in scoring with 24.5 points per game.

As for the Bears, they sit sixth in total yards per game at 374.3, 15th in passing with 220.4 yards, second in rushing at 153.8 yards, and eighth in scoring, averaging 26.1 points per game.

The Packers recently lost defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt to a season-ending ankle injury, giving the Bears a possible area to attack after they rushed for 249 yards in Friday’s win over the Eagles.

With the NFC North race tightening, this Sunday’s matchup against the Packers could define the Bears’ momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The post “Might be the best defense we’ve seen all year”: Bears’ Ben Johnson praises the Packers defense appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears rolled to an impressive win last week. From the other sideline, Green Bay Packers defensive back Xavier McKinney acknowledged how much Chicago’s offense has changed, saying Johnson has completely revamped the group.

“They’re creative. The play calling is a lot more creative than what they’ve done in the past,” McKinney said via Ryan Wood. “Obviously, they’ve got playmakers on their team, and then you add Ben Johnson as their HC calling the plays, it seems to me that the play book is really open.”

Currently holding the NFC’s top seed, the Bears have blown past expectations in Johnson’s first season. Chicago owns the league’s sixth-ranked offense at 373.4 yards per game, sits second in rushing at 153.8, and ranks eighth in scoring with 26.1 points per outing.

Ben Johnson’s revamped Bears

It appears Johnson is applying the same offensive magic that helped elevate the Lions, guiding Chicago to one of the league’s most productive attacks even as Caleb Williams works through accuracy issues.

Johnson pushed the rookie to reach a 70 percent completion mark, but Williams hasn’t approached that target, a concern the coach openly addressed during his Monday press conference.

“We gotta fundamentally be correct. The primary receiver, when he’s open, we’ve got to make sure we hit him. And then, all of our pass catchers, we just harped on it today, we need to be more disciplined in our route detail,” said the Bears head coach during his media availability.

The Bears have still generated the eighth-most points in the league this season, and Williams has kept his turnover rate in check with only five interceptions on 396 pass attempts.

Ben Johnson and the Bears, now 9-3, head into Week 14 with a high-stakes showdown against Xavier McKinney and the 8-3-1 Packers, squaring off for the NFC North lead on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET in Green Bay.

The post Packers’ Xavier McKinney highlights Ben Johnson’s impact on the Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears hold sole possession of the top spot in the NFC North standings (9-3) and are hoping to win the division for the first time since 2018.

More News: Ben Johnson drops telling quote regarding Chicago Bears remaining schedule

When asked about how he feels about being in first place for the first time in nearly a decade, Johnson said, “It doesn’t mean anything.”

“It doesn’t mean anything,” Johnson said, via the team’s official transcript. “There are five games left, so we’ve got a long ways to go, and we have not been guaranteed a spot in the tournament yet. We have to earn that. And the only way you can earn that right is by finding a way to win the next game. So that’s where our sole focus is.”

Winners of five straight, the Bears play their divisional opponent, the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1), in Week 14, which Johnson described as “a big week.”

“It’s a big week. We know how important this rivalry is,” Johnson said to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “…Two of the most winning franchises in the NFL, and I think that continues to be the case. So, it’s a big one.”

The Chicago Bears have a chance to stun the Packers and continue their winning streak

The Bears have one of the best offenses in the NFL (sixth, 374.3 yards per game) and have had a dominant running game this season between their two backs, D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The Bears rank second in rushing (153.8 yards per game) behind the Buffalo Bills (155.7).

Facing the eighth-ranked rushing defense in the Packers (98.3 yards), the Bears will likely game plan to utilize Swift and Monangai once again, as they combined for 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns in their Black Friday matchup against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.

With their defense allowing less than 30 points in their last four out of five games, their running game firing on all cylinders, and quarterback Caleb Williams throwing for 1,086 yards and eight touchdowns with one interception during this winning streak, the Bears have a good chance to pull out a victory over the Packers.

The post Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson knows Week 14 is a ‘big week’ for his team appeared first on ChiCitySports.

With the Chicago Bears having a 7-3 record and sitting on top of the NFC north, the NFL will likely take advantage of their success.

More news: Ben Johnson says rising Chicago Bears wide receiver has “earned” his playing time

Considering how well the Bears are doing, it looks like the NFL will want to put them in the national spotlight more.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero, a very crucial December matchup for the Bears will be flexed.

The Chicago Bears’ week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers will be moved

More news: Chicago Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard has officially become a superstar

In a post on X, it has been confirmed that the huge game will be flexed. The game will now move from noon to 3:25 on Fox.

This move will give the game a more national spotlight. The late afternoon game is considered the national game of the week. That means a bigger audience will be watching.

Flex! The Week 14 Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers game will be played at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 7 on FOX, the NFL announced today. The Cincinnati Bengals-Buffalo Bills game will be played at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 20, 2025

With both the Bears and Packers being right in the middle of the NFC playoff race, it’s no surprise that the NFL and Fox would want to flex the oldest rivalry in football to a better time slot.

The Bears currently hold a one game lead ahead of the Packers in the NFC North. This game will be a very pivotal game as it’s likely the Bears could see the return of defensive stars Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon as well.

The Bears are about to begin their toughest stretch of the season. If the team can continue to pull off wins, it wouldn’t be surprising if at least one more game gets flexed to primetime as well.

The post Crucial Chicago Bears divisional matchup to be flexed appeared first on ChiCitySports.

While the 2024 season was disastrous for the Chicago Bears, they ended the year on a high note by defeating the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. As training camp rages on, the Packers still haven’t forgotten about the loss.

The game does come with a bit of an asterisk, as the Packers had already qualified for the playoffs. Many of their starters didn’t play the entire game. But in the Chicago vs. Green bay rivalry, every win matters. The Bears’ 24-22 victory gave the team some personal bragging rights entering the offseason.

Now preparing for the 2025 campaign, the Packers have kept their Week 17 outcome in mind. During Tuesday’s practice, head coach Matt LaFleur had his team run through the same exact scenario that cost them the win, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that one of the scenarios they worked on yesterday in practice was the play with 15 seconds left in the Bears game here when they got into FG range to win the game.

This time, Malik Willis got the first down to set up a FG. pic.twitter.com/xYQWMmT39S

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 6, 2025

Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers rivalry 

With 15 seconds left on the clock, Caleb Williams found DJ Moore for an 18-yard pash that put the team in field goal range. Cairo Santos’ 51-yard kick sealed the victory. But before that win, the Packers had been dominating the longstanding rivalry.

Green Bay had won the team’s previous 11 matchups. Going back even further, Chicago has only won three of their 20 most recent face offs. Overall, the Packers hold a 108-96-6 advantage over the Bears in their all-time series.

Perhaps most telling over the franchise’s rivalry in recent history is how often each team has made the playoffs. Outside of the 2022 season, the Packers have made the playoffs every season since 2019. On the flip side, the Bears haven’t been to the postseason since 2020 and haven’t won a playoff game since 2010.

Chicago will get their first opportunity to re-write the narrative in Week 14, when they’ll travel to Lambeau Field. Williams is technically undefeated at the the venue, but a win against Green Bay at full strength would make him look much stronger. Come Week 16, the Bears will then welcome the Packers to Soldier Field. If everything works out how both teams are hoping, the game could come with major playoff implications.

The Packers won’t be taking the Bears lightly and haven’t forgotten what went wrong last time. Conversely, Chicago wants to prove they are little brother no more. The rivalry is only heating up and the NFC North title could be hanging in the balance.

The post Green Bay Packers still have Chicago Bears loss at front of mind in training camp appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As Caleb Williams prepares for his second season with the Chicago Bears, the franchise’s bitter rivalry against the Green Bay Packers has reignited to its fullest. Gas was only thrown on the fire after Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker’s latest comments. Bears safety Jaquan Brisker didn’t take too kindly to that.

Walker said that the Bears, “got lucky,” in their Week 17 win. Furthermore, he put Williams on red alert, saying that the Packers won’t soon forget what the quarterback said. While all matchups between both sides are testy, emotions are running hot in the NFC North before an official 2025 snap is even played.

Brisker became the latest to jump on the dog pile. After seeing Walker’s comments, Brisker barked back, clowning Walker in his own way.

“Awwwww, it’ll be okay,” Brisker wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “I have a nice Bear for yall, so yall can sleep tight at night ! It’s a gift from me.”

Awwwww it’ll be okay.. I have a nice Bear for yall, so yall can sleep tight at night ! It’s a gift from me https://t.co/FoorAQPiGY

— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) July 15, 2025

Jaquan Brisker heats up Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rivalry

While the Bears may hold the last laugh, the Packers have owned the heated rivalry. Heading into that Week 17 battle, Green Bay had won their previous 11 matchups. Furthermore, the Packers own an overall 108-96-6 series advantage over the Bears.

In their most recent game, Green Bay had already secured their spot in the playoffs, choosing to bench many of their starters midgame. It was the fifth time in the last six seasons that the Packers qualified for the postseason.

On the flip side, the Bears haven’t been to the playoffs since 2020. Even worse, they haven’t won a playoff game since 2010. So while Brisker can talk the talk, Chicago as a whole needs to prove their turnaround is legit this time.

Still, things will be plenty different when the Bears and Packers faceoff in 2025. With Ben Johnson stepping in as head coach, Chicago should be much more explosive on offense. Furthermore, the return of Brisker couple with defensive additions such as Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett should make it much tougher on Jordan Love and company. At the same time though, Green Bay’s roster is set up for playoff success, and they aren’t trying to give up their spot anytime soon.

The Packers will have an opportunity to throw the first punch in Week 14 when they travel to Soldier Field. Then, Williams will look to keep his undefeated Lambeau streak alive in Week 16. Both matchups could come with some major playoff implications and will undoubtedly feature plenty of rising emotions.

The post Jaquan Brisker slams Green Bay Packers lineman after Chicago Bears call out appeared first on ChiCitySports.

While the Chicago Bears’ 2024 season was an utter disaster, they ended things on a high note by taking down the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Quarterback Caleb Williams has had no problem reminding the Bears’ bitter rivals that he is undefeated on their home turf.

Williams took it a bit further, simply saying that the Packers ‘suck’ while reminiscing on his Lambeau win at Fanatics Fest. It shows that the quarterback is taking the rivalry seriously and already has bad blood for the Packers. But at the same time, Green Bay has a bit more bulletin board material for their next matchup.

Packers offensive lineman Rasheed Walker was among the many who head Williams’ taunt. He nor his teammates are looking for revenge on the quarterback in 2025, via Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football.

“They got lucky,” Walker said. “We’re going to see them again this year, and we’re going to remember he said that.”

“They got lucky. We’re gonna remember he said that.”

Packers OT Rasheed Walker on Caleb Williams saying “1-0 at Lambeau.” pic.twitter.com/HzrzUDxqCM

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) July 15, 2025

Caleb Williams throws gas on Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rivalry

The context surrounding that Week 17 matchup is important. With the Packers already having clinched their spot in the playoffs, many of their starters, including quarterback Jordan Love didn’t play the entire game. Still, any win in the storied Bears-Packers rivalry is a crucial one. For Williams, it gave him his first taste of success against Chicago’s biggest rival.

In the win, Williams completed 21-of-29 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. While he didn’t take over the game, the quarterback was able to control the offense and not turn the ball over. The fact he was able to orchestrate a six-play, 47 yard drive in just 54 seconds to set up the Bears’ game-winning kick is telling of the caliber of quarterback Williams can be.

The first meet up between both squads was just as chaotic. Green Bay came away with a 20-19 victory after blocking a last-second field goal. It’s important to note that Love did play that entire game. Furthermore, Williams completed 23-of-31 passes for 231 yards.

During the 2025 season, the Bears will first host the Packers in Week 14. Then they’ll travel to Lambeau Field in  Week 16. If everything goes how head coach Ben Johnson is planning, both matchups should come with serious playoff implications.

Each game will undoubtedly come with high emotions. Williams is trying to prove his dominance over the Packers, while Green Bay is trying to keep their NFC North advantage over Chicago.

The post Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams blasted by Green Bay Packers lineman after Lambeau taunt appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears have gone through plenty of changes as an organization throughout the offseason. But one thing remains the same, the Green Bay Packers are enemy number one.

Chicago got the last laugh when both franchises faced off last, coming away with a 24-22 victory in Week 17 of the 2024 season. After the game, quarterback Caleb Williams wanted to celebrate with a famous Lambeau Leap. However, Packers fans did everything in their power to stop it.

Williams was quick to call all Packers fans out, relishing in the fact that he is undefeated at Lambeau Field, via Cllct.

“I mean, they suck,” Williams said of the Packers.

“After we won at Lambeau, obviously tried to do the Lambeau Leap and we tried to jump in the crowd where our fans were,” Williams said. “[Packers fans] started throwing everything at you, they push you off. The Lambeau Leap is a real leap, it’s not a little baby jump, you have to high jump basically. They’re pushing you, mushing your face.”

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams talks through having his Lambeau Leap rejected at Green Bay.

His thoughts on the Packers: “i mean, they suck.” pic.twitter.com/OYrw9tb2aA

— cllct (@cllctMedia) June 20, 2025

Chicago Bears earn Week 17 victory 

The Bears came away winners in Week 17, but the context behind it tells a different story. Chicago was on a 10-game losing streak before taking down Green Bay, and that in itself is impressive. But the Packers had already clinched their spot in the playoffs, resting many of their starters.

Still, both teams remained in a neck-and-neck battle with the Bears holding a 14-13 lead going into halftime. They went scoreless throughout the third before trading blows in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, Williams found DJ Moore for a 32-yard touchdown pass to start the fourth. While the Packers scored a touchdown of their own and hit the two-point conversion, the Bears won the game on a 51-yard Cairo Santos field goal.

Williams completed 21-of-29 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown. The Bears held Packers backup Malik Willis to 136 scoreless passing yards, but Green Bay still outgained Chicago 367-224.

The quarterback isn’t going to apologize for earning a win. Especially on the road, it’s an impressive feat for the rookie. But when both sides face off in 2025, the Bears are hopeful it comes with much higher stakes on the line.

Packers hold upper hand, for now 

While the Bears won the battle, the Packers have been winning the rivalry war for the last decade. In their overall history, Green Bay holds a 108-96-6 series lead. Furthermore, they had won the previous 11 matchups prior to Week 17.

Outside of the 2022 season, the Packers have made the playoffs every season since 2019. They’re finding their stride with Jordan Love as their starting quarterback. In turn, the Bears haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. Even worse, they haven’t won a playoff game since 2010.

But at least Chicago has found their quarterback in Caleb Williams; or at least the franchise believes they have. His rookie season didn’t live up to his No. 1 pick expectations. However, the team spent their entire offseason building the team around him and putting Williams in a place to succeed.

Furthermore, new head coach Ben Johnson has brought an entirely different aura to the Windy City. He hasn’t been afraid to send some shots at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur either. Green Bay might be ahead in their forever rivalry, but Chicago is ready to rise up and get back into the fight.

The post Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams goes scorched earth on Packers with 4-word message appeared first on ChiCitySports.

As the Chicago Bears look for a pass rush boost, trading for Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson has been a major point of discussion throughout the offseason. However, the Bears aren’t the only team that has been connected to Hendrickson.

Which makes sense based off of the Bengals star’s most recent performances. Hendrickson has recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons and has been named to the Pro Bowl in four straight. The 2024 season marked his first All-Pro nomination as he led the league in sacks.

Until the Bengals reach a resolution with Hendrickson, his status will be up in the air. But if the Bears aren’t trading for him, the worst case scenario is a member of the NFC North landing him. While the trade deadline isn’t on any franchise’s mind just yet, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report is predicting the Green Bay Packers will ultimately swing a deal for Hendrickson.

“The most realistic scenario involves several NFC pass rush-needy contenders pursuing Hendrickson, as Cincinnati would probably want to avoid dealing him within the conference,” Gagnon said. “It works out well that the Commanders, Packers and Lions are probably the teams that best fit the need profile here.”

“The Packers have more of a need here than the Lions and more cap room than the Commanders,” he continued. “Ergo, they win these sweepstakes.”

Trey Hendrickson joins Green Bay Packers 

If Hendrickson were to get traded to any team in the NFC North it would be devastating for the Bears. But going to their biggest rival in the Packers would throw some extra salt in the wound. Still, it’s clear to see why the Packers would be involved with Hendrickson.

Rashan Gary led the team with 7.5 sacks in 2024. Devonte Wyatt was the only other player with at least five. The Packers have intriguing pieces like Kingsley Enagbare, Brenton Cox and Lukas Van Ness, but none of them are proven options at this stage of their career.

Adding Hendrickson gives the Packers an edge rusher to build around and an imposing tandem with Gary. Then, Green Bay’s depth would become a serious problem for opposing teams, as they’d have numerous options to get to the quarterback. But with Hendrickson’s imposing figure, the offensive line would always be on their toes.

Hendrickson would make any team in the league better, including the Packers. The Bears would have to alter their gameplan significantly should they have to face the All-Pro twice a year.

Chicago Bears fading in Hendrickson sweepstakes 

While the Bears have been linked to Hendrickson, it seems more like a pipe dream than tried and true interest. There’s always a chance general manager Ryan Poles shocks the NFL. But there are numerous hurdles Chicago would need to get over to actually acquire Hendrickson.

The reason he is in limbo is due to his contract demands. Despite leading the league in sacks, the Bengals haven’t given him a long-term contract. Any team acquiring Hendrickson would also need to pay him, and that doesn’t come cheap.

Chicago already has Montez Sweat on a $98 million contract and just signed Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal. The idea of Sweat and Hendrickson on the outside is tantalizing, but the Bears have invested a good chunk of their cap space into their pass rushers.

To acquire Hendrickson, it’s going to cost valuable draft capital. Ben Johnson’s arrival has brought plenty of hype, but the team is still building their foundation. The Bears may be uncomfortable mortgaging the future as they continue to build the roster in his vision.

If Chicago is clearly in the playoff hunt come trade deadline, perhaps they choose to go all-in. But all the pieces would need to align perfectly first. And they’d need to fend off the pesky Packers.

The post Chicago Bears rival predicted to steal All-Pro at trade deadline appeared first on ChiCitySports.

While the Chicago Bears’ 2024 season was disastrous, they ended on a high note by defeating their rival Green Bay Packers to end the regular season. As Ben Johnson steps in as head coach, he’s hoping to keep Chicago’s winning streak over Green Bay alive.

Despite the rivalry being bitter, it’s hard to ignore what the Bears have done during the offseason. After hiring Johnson, Chicago bolstered both their offensive and defensive lines while adding a pair of potent pass catchers in the draft. All in all, this Bears team looks much different than 2024’s 5-12 version.

Insiders around the NFL have begun to take notice, including Packers beat reporter Rob Demovsky of ESPN. In a recent NFC North roundtable, Demovsky voted in favor of Chicago’s front office having the best offseason. Though it did come with a bit of a caveat.

“It has to be the Bears, but then again, it feels like they’ve won offseasons before and it hasn’t meant much,” Demovsky wrote. “But not only did the Bears land the hottest coaching candidate on the market, they did so while weakening a division rival by stripping the Lions of their hot-shot offensive coordinator.”

Chicago Bears win offseason championship, again 

For all the hype Chicago has gotten over the offseason, Bears fans have seen this song and dance before. But whether it was a head coach not panning out or a quarterback not living up to their potential, the franchise hasn’t gotten any closer to competing. Which is why fans and analysts want to see the Bears actually win before saying they’re ready to compete.

Still, Chicago has done everything in their power during the offseason to put the franchise in a place to succeed. The hiring of Johnson gives the Bears one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. He’ll now have three new offensive linemen and a lethal receiving room to work with. If Johnson’s plan comes to fruition, the Bears will look much different on offense in 2025 for all the right reasons.

The team didn’t forget about defense either. Veteran Dennis Allen has now been instilled as defensive coordinator. Linemen Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo give him some extra juice to work with. And that’s not to mention a secondary that was arguably Chicago’s biggest strength in 2024.

Both the present and future look mighty bright in the Windy City. But it’ll be up to Johnson and the Bears to prove their revival is legit.

Unheralded no more 

Demovsky’s praise of the Bears didn’t stop there. When asked for an unheralded unit that’ll impact the NFC North race, the insider responded with Chicago’s new-look offensive line.

“Chicago had to do something to help Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times last season,” Demovsky wrote. “The Bears should have three new starters on the line with the addition of Thuney, Jackson and Dalman. This could give Williams the chance to show why he was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft.”

Strong offensive line play was crucial during Johnson’s tenure with the Detroit Lions. And if Caleb Williams is going to reach his No. 1 pick ceiling, he needs to upright in the pocket. New guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, alongside free agent center Drew Dalman should do exactly that. While left tackle is still being figured out, Darnell Wright is an imposing figure on the right.

Throughout training camp, Johnson will tinker with the offensive line until he finds the perfect mix. But whoever is out there in Week 1, Williams’ blocking scheme should be much more stout in 2025.

The post Even Packers insiders believe in Chicago Bears’ revival appeared first on ChiCitySports.

cago BThe entire NFL world has their eyes glued to the 2025 draft’s first-round. And in the opening moments of the spectacle, the Chicago Bears found themselves getting clowned.

Longtime Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews addressed the crowd, since the event is taking place in Green Bay. He immediately took an opportunity to take a shot at the Packers’ biggest rival in the Bears. Matthews claimed he received a call from President Donald Trump, reminding Bears fans where they stand, via Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

“My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck,” Matthews proclaimed.

Clay Matthews to Green Bay, Wisconsin

“The Bears still suck!!” pic.twitter.com/iH6a4KG1xj

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) April 25, 2025

General manager Ryan Poles and company are busy contemplating what to do with the No. 10 overall pick. However, the Bears’ social media team had time to clap back at Matthews. They didn’t use any words, just a picture, reminding the Packers what happened last time they were on the field.

pic.twitter.com/OkG0GZqegC

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2025

Chicago’s response had social media buzzing.

LMFAOOOOOO WE OWN THE PACKERS

— . (@FieldsSzn69) April 25, 2025

Ratio them king

— SleeperBears (@SleeperBears) April 25, 2025

We live rent free in their heads pic.twitter.com/672AEwhWSc

— Nick (@ChiNick66) April 25, 2025

Last Chicago Bears-Packers matchup

The Bears and Packers faced off in the final week of the regular season. They were on two different trajectories, as Chicago was on a 10-game losing streak while Green Bay was playoff bound. However, the Week 17 matchup told a different story.

The Bears took a one-point lead into halftime before a scoreless third quarter. Both sides exchanged blows until Chicago dealt the final nail in the coffin. As time expired off the clock, Cairo Santos hit a 51-yard game-winning field goal, stealing the victory.

While Green Bay had backup quarterback Malik Willis in for most of the game, it doesn’t matter. Every matchup in the Bears-Packers rivalry is a big one, and Chicago got the last laugh.

The 2025 NFL Draft didn’t start as the Bears hoped, with the organization getting blasted in front of every fan of the sport. However, Matthews’ quip won’t matter much if Chicago comes away with a premier 2025 draft class.

The post Chicago Bears get last laugh after Clay Matthews call out appeared first on ChiCitySports.

When it comes to the Chicago Bears’ No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arguably no player has been connected to the team more than running back Ashton Jeanty. By now, Jeanty has certainly pictured what his NFL life would be like in the Windy City.

If Jeanty were to join the Bears, he would be fully entangled in their longstanding rivalry with the Green Bay Packers. After signing Josh Jacobs, the Packers proved to be a dominant team in the run game. The Bears are hoping Jeanty could do the same for them.

With the draft taking place in Green Bay, Jeanty has had an opportunity to scope out the Chicago rival’s city. His first impression is sure to get a smile out of all Bears fans, via CHGO Bears.

“Calm place. Not much to do here,” Jeanty said. “Nice big football stadium right by the suburbs.”

Ashton Jeanty on Green Bay:

“Not much to do here.” pic.twitter.com/QebjlOo5aD

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 23, 2025

Ashton Jeanty enters Chicago Bears-Packers rivalry

The team ended their 2024 campaign – and a 10-game losing streak – by taking down the Packers 24-222 in the regular season finale. So, Jeanty would be entering the rivalry with momentum on his side. However, in terms of true success, recent history favors the Packers.

Prior to that win, the Bears had lost their previous 11 meetings against the Packers. Furthermore, Green Bay holds a 108-96-6 advantage in the series. The Packers most recently won the Super Bowl in 2011 while the Bears have been waiting for a championship since 1986. To take it to more modern times, Green Bay has made the playoffs every year except 2022 since 2019. Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs since 2020 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010.

While they got flack for it at the time, the Packers have found their quarterback in Jordan Love. Adding Jacobs in the backfield only made Green Bay more explosive. And Matt LaFleur has proven to be the perfect fit for their franchise at head coach.

Chicago is looking for much of the same from their organization. Caleb Williams is expected to be the franchise leader for the foreseeable future. If not Jeanty, then some running back in the draft will revitalize the run game. And Ben Johnson was one of the most coveted head coaches available during the cycle. Simply put, there is a bit more energy behind the rivalry entering 2025.

Adding Jeanty to the mix would only make Johnson’s new offense more dangerous. After making his feelings known about Green Bay, the Packers will surely take notice. But if Jeanty is donning Bears on his jersey, he won’t care, as he’ll be looking to write his name in the rivalry’s history books.

The post Possible Chicago Bears draft pick takes shot at rival appeared first on ChiCitySports.

George McCaskey did something this week that might surprise Chicago Bears fans when he agreed to a proposal that the Green Bay Packers put forth at the annual league meeting at The Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Florida.

Since taking over as Chairman of the Bears in 2011, McCaskey has watched the Packers go 24-4 against Chicago in a lopsided rivalry of recent years.

While the rivalry beween the Packers and Bears has been heated since they first started playing in 1921, McCaskey chose to put his feelings about Green Bay aside for the health and safety of players in the league.

Chicago Bears chairman sides with the Packers

McCaskey told reporters why he voted for the Packers’ proposal to ban the “tush push” play. McCaskey admitted that the Bears were one of the 16 teams that voted in favor of the ban for health and safety reasons.

Via video from CHGO Sports:

“We don’t have sufficient injury data on it, but to us, it appears to be an inherently unsafe plate,” McCaskey said as to why the Bears took an unscientific approach to agree with his rival. “I had the opportunity during committee meetings here earlier in the month to sit in the back of the room for the health and safety committee meeting and both Dr. Alan Sills (NFL’s Chief Medical Officer) and Dr. John York (Chairman of the NFL Owner’s Health and Safety Advisor) expressed concerns about the safety of everybody involved in that play.

“And you know, for decades, there was a rule on the books making it illegal to push the runner, and it went away in 2004 and I always wondered why that happened. And Rich McKay, the chairman of the competition committee, explained to us yesterday that the officials said that it was too difficult when there was like a moving scrum down the field to determine whether an offensive lineman was blocking or pushing the runner.

“So they took it out, which led to the push play. From what I understand yesterday, the discussion about the push play is going to lead to a broader examination of whether that general rule should be brought back and again, we think it would be an enhancement to the game to make it safer for the players.”

George McCaskey voted to ban the “Tush Push”

“To us it appears to be an inherently unsafe play” pic.twitter.com/tWpUy1ZI1x

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) April 2, 2025

The NFC North was known as a black-and-blue division. It’s growing soft.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.

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The Chicago Bears have been heralded for nearly all of their early offseason moves. But at least one free agency decision has now come with some scrutiny.

Chicago signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to a four-year, $48 million contract. Only 25-years-old, the Bears are expecting to him to only grow further as he comes to the Windy City. Furthermore, Odeyingbo’s arrival forms an explosive connection with edge mate Montez Sweat.

In terms of production however, Brent Sobleski doesn’t think Odeyingbo’s contract was worth the squeeze. He is questioning the defender’s fit with the Bears entering the 2025 season.

“Dayo Odeyingbo signing with the Chicago Bears makes a ton of sense financially for the player, but the fit doesn’t, Sobleski wrote.

“Odeyingbo came into the league as a developmental defensive lineman with immense physical upside. He’s a 6’6″, 286-pound base end, who often reduces inside as part of defensive sub-packages.”

“The 25-year-old veteran doesn’t bring much different than what DeMarcus Walker did to the Bears lineup. Coincidentally, both finished last season with fewer than four sacks,” Sobleski continued.

“Two seasons ago, Odeyingbo produced a career-high eight sacks. He managed 8.5 through his other three campaigns,” Sobleski concluded. “Does that warrant a three-year, $48 million free-agent contract? Probably not. But the upside of the defensive lineman’s game remains tantalizing.

Even worse, Packers get in the mix 

Not only does Sobleski argue that Odeyingbo is a bad fit for the Bears, he makes the point that the Green Bay Packers should’ve added him. Talk about insult to injury. Odeyingbo would go from helping Chicago craft their new defense to doing everything in Green Bay’s power to shut them down.

“Instead, the Green Bay Packers were reportedly interested,” Sobleski wrote.

“The Packers also have a young, talented core, with a history of developing raw pass-rushers, as the organization did with Rashan Gary. Unlike Ben Johnson, Matt LaFleur is proven coach, with five playoff appearances in his six seasons at the helm,” Sobleski continued. “If Green Bay really did prioritize Odeyingbo at the start of free agency, the decision should have been more difficult than the free agent made it out to be.”

Green Bay finished the 2024 campaign ranked eighth in the league with 45 sacks. Rashan Gary led the way with 7.5 while eight players had at least three sacks. Adding Odeyingbo to the mix would give the Packers another explosive option off the edge and would overall just make their defense scarier.

But alas, that will remain a pipe dream for at least the next four years. Odeyingbo is locked in with the Bears are ready to take part in their rivalry against the Packers.

What Dayo Odeyingbo offers Chicago Bears

Odeyingbo spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, appearing in 61 games and starting 19. The defensive end made 106 tackles, 46 quarterback hits and 16.5 sacks. His final two seasons in Indianapolis saw him record 17 QB hits apiece.

During the 2024 campaign, Odeyingbo registered his 31 tackles, seven being for a loss and three sacks to go alongside his QB hits. While his numbers may not jump off the page, Odeyingbo put up eight sacks in 2023. And still being a growing player in the NFL, there will be room for improvement.

Alongside his own personal growth, Odeyingbo will be tasked with making things a bit easier on Sweat. The latter led Chicago in sacks in 2024, but he put up just 5.5 With a lack of true pressure on the offensive line, teams were able to focus on Sweat. If Odeyingbo is creating havoc, Sweat will have an easier lane to the quarterback.

Ultimately, Odeyingbo will need to prove he was worth every dollar as he makes his way to the Bears. But Chicago is confident he’ll be the perfect fit for Dennis Allen’s new defense. And the Packers are now forced to look elsewhere.

The post Chicago Bears defender gets Packers revelation after $48 million deal appeared first on ChiCitySports.

After being unable to find a trade partner, the Los Angeles Rams decided to release star receiver Cooper Kupp. And before the dust can even settle on the transaction, rumors of Kupp hitting the Chicago Bears division have already begun swirling.

While injuries have slowed Kupp down, he is still a respected pass catcher in the NFL. Any team looking to make a serious playoff push will be looking to acquire him. And after being released due to contractual purposes, Kupp will be looking to prove he has more than enough gas left in the tank.

As he enters free agency, the Green Bay Packers have already been revealed as a team who has interest in Kupp, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.

The #Packers are among several teams who have been eying Cooper Kupp, waiting for him to be released. https://t.co/k8kWhHFWSF

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 12, 2025

Cooper Kupp enters free agency for the first time 

Cooper Kupp has been a member of the Los Angeles Rams since he was a third-round pick in 2017. He went on to appear in 104 games for the team, starting 89 of them. Kupp caught 634 passes for 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns during his time with the Rams.

His peak came in 2021, when Kupp was named to the Pro Bowler and an All-Pro for the first and only time of his career. Kupp won the triple crown, leading the league in receptions (145), yardage (1,947) and touchdowns (16). The wide receiver was named the Offensive Player of the Year. Making sure his trophy case is fully rounded out, Kupp also won a Super Bowl with the Rams and was named the MVP.

In 2024, the wide receiver appeared in 12 games as injuries reared their ugly head again. Still, he managed to catch 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns. While he may not be a number one option anymore, Kupp will still be a valued resource in whichever passing offense he’s in.

Because of it, Cooper Kupp is arguably the hottest name available in free agency. He will have his pick or where he wants to take his talents.

Imagining Kupp on the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers finished the 2024 season ranked fifth in passing offense, averaging 370.8 yards per game. While Jordan Love has struggled at times, he has also shown flashes of immense brilliance. Overall, the Packers have found their quarterback of the present and future.

When it comes to wide receiver, Green Bay hasn’t been as lucky. No player had more than 55 receptions in 2024. Jayden Reed led the way with 857 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Dontayvion Wicks had 415 yards and six touchdowns while Romeo Doubs grabbed 46 passes for 601 yards and four scores. Surprisingly, Christian Watson had just 29 grabs for 620 yards and two scores.

So while they definitely have talent in their wide receiver room, the Packers are lacking a true number one. It’s fair to wonder how Kupp would match up with the other WR1s in the NFC North, but he would at least give Green Bay a pass catcher they can trust.

As the Packers try to text the next step, they are looking to give as many options to Love as they can. He needs both play makers, but also a direct gameplan when things get tricky. Kupp would be the ultimate safety blanket, helping Love in the short game while opening up the long game. Overall, adding Kupp would only make the Packers a much scarier opponent whenever they face the Bears.

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Chicago Bears’ new defensive tackle Grady Jarrett is ready to get after it with his new team. On Monday, Jarrett agreed to a three-year, $43.5 million deal with the Bears.

The All-Pro is coming to Chicago after spending his first 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, the team that selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. He’s recorded 36.5 sacks and 496 tackles during his time with the Falcons.

New Chicago Bears DT has a history with the Packers

He also has a history with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love.

Jarrett had a run-in with Love during a Falcons game against the Packers when the six-foot, 290-pound interior defensive lineman chased down the quarterback to make a tackle. He told Love to “pipe down” after the play.

Grady Jarrett went OFF on Jordan Love calling him out with some serious trash talk Later, he vowed to give Love a "little hug" after the game… but don't expect any actual "love" . pic.twitter.com/qiOvaWOf8a

— Chicago Sport (@chicago_sport_p) March 11, 2025

Grady Jarrett crosses some lines

During his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Jarrett talked about his beef with Love.

“When you playing ball, you cross some lines,” Jarrett said via the Bears X account. You got to be able to go in that dark place. And sometimes, what happened in that dark place, it get a little crazy, you know what I’m saying, and just being a competitor…

“Obviously, Jordan Love is a good quarterback, but my thing is, so if you already can’t hit the quarterback so many different ways and see, first of all,  I chased him down the field over 50 yards. I went and caught him. So I got that speed on me too. That was two years ago, so I’m only getting faster. So then to walk away from me talking mess. I mean, what we doing?”

Jarrett said he’s ready for the challenge of getting to play Love and the Packers twice a season.

“I’m excited to get to go against them two times a year now and you know, just try to, you know, help this organization get some wins over that other team,” Jarrett said.

Hopefully, Jarrett crosses some lines and wins a few games for the Bears over the Packers.

For More Chicago Sports:

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During his introductory press conference last week, new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson took a shot at the Green Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur. Johnson said he enjoyed beating LaFleur twice a year with the Lions.

The Detroit Lions have won six of their last meetings with the Packers, including both matchups in 2024. Five of those wins came with Johnson as their offensive coordinator.

Packers safety Xavier McKinney hasn’t defeated the Lions as a member of the Packers, as the All-Pro joined Green Bay in free agency in the offseason. He has a 1-3 record against the Bears and Johnson as a defender on the Packers. Had the Bears not had their walk-off field goal blocked on Nov. 17 at Soldier Field, he’d be 0-4 against the Lions and Bears in a gold and green uni.

Green Bay Packers defender is worried about the Bears offense

During an appearance on NFL Spotlight with Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, McKinney talked about how challenging the NFC North is. McKinney is concerned about playing the Bears in 2025 with Johnson as the head coach.

“It’s a tough division,” McKinney said of the NFC North. “Now you got four teams, you have the OC from the Lions, Ben Johnson, he just went to the Bears. You’ve got four teams that are playoff-contending teams and Super Bowl-contending teams really.

“I think the Bears are going to have a really good team, especially with (Johnson). So, it’s going to be tough, but we accept the challenge.”

#Packers S Xavier McKinney on the NFC North: We got four teams that are Super Bowl contending teams. I think the Bears are gonna have a really good team now with Ben Johnson. It's gonna be tough, but we accept the challenge.

Full episode: https://t.co/QhvNdrUHT7 https://t.co/MucRCyqjin pic.twitter.com/7VWQ2pcnDp

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 28, 2025

In Week 18, the Bears earned their first win over the Packers since Dec. 16, 2018. Chicago is expected to be more of a contender in the rivalry with Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams.

McKinney is going to have his hands full trying to defend the duo.

For More Chicago Sports:

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Ben Johnson knows a thing or two about beating the Green Bay Packers, and the new Chicago Bears head coach wasted little time reminding Matt LaFleur of that fact.

Johnson had a clear message for LaFleur during his introductory press conference on Wednesday.

“I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson told reporters.

This past season, when Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Detroit swept the Packers by a combined score of 58-44 against the bitter NFC North rivals.

Ben Johnson arrives as Bears head coach with plenty of familiarity with the NFC North

It was evident immediately, with Johnson’s one-liner aimed squarely at LaFleur and the Packers that Johnson understands the mentality and the rivalries in the NFC North.

And, given the reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer this week that the Bears have been Johnson’s preferred destination dating back to 2023, he’s looking forward to continue his domination over the Packers.

Dating back to the 2022 campaign, the Lions own a 6-1 record over the Packers, and Johnson seems intent on instilling confidence in his new team that they can replicate that success.

By contrast, removing Chicago’s Week 18 win over Green Bay in which the Packers were without quarterback Jordan Love for most of the contest, the Bears have managed just one win over Green Bay dating back to the 2016 season.

If Johnson is able to quickly turn the Bears around, and maximize quarterback Caleb Williams in an offense loaded with dynamic playmakers, perhaps Chicago will flip the script on the Packers pretty quickly.

The post Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson fires early salvo at Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Chicago Bears to be without Jaquan Brisker yet again Sunday

This Sunday will mark six weeks since Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker sustained a concussion while delivering a violent hit to Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble in Week 5. While Tremble seemed to be unconscious before even hitting the ground, it was Brisker who has felt the effects long afterward.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus announced Wednesday morning that Brisker will not play in this week’s game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field, marking the fifth consecutive game he will miss.

“They’re still working through the concussion protocol and working through with the trainers. We’ll see where that goes in terms of week to week,” said Eberflus.

Prayers for Tommy Tremble, who looked to be knocked unconscious.

pic.twitter.com/BMMhyBV8FD

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 6, 2024

Brisker, 25, has now had three diagnosed concussions in his brief NFL career, which is only in its third year. The fact that he is still displaying concussion symptoms six weeks after the fact is more than mildly concerning. In fact, in a six-year time frame (2015-2020), NFL players who sustained a concussion missed a median of nine days, according to data obtained from the National Library of Medicine. Brisker will eclipse 40 days by this Sunday’s matchup with the Packers.

Brisker came into the league with a reputation for being a hard-hitter who flew around the football, and he has certainly lived up to that. Unfortunately, his reckless style of play has led to concussions in three consecutive seasons. With each passing week of Brisker failing to clear concussion protocol, fear grows for the young safety’s health beyond the football field. Though he is considered week-to-week, the longer he sits out signifies just how severe the concussion seems to be.

Other notable Bears injuries

Eberflus also stated that defensive back Tarvarius Moore would not practice Wednesday and is also in concussion protocol. Moore sustained his head injury in this past Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots and had to leave the game.

#Bears Wednesday Injury Report pic.twitter.com/gyfG9NjSoo

— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) November 13, 2024

Three other Bears players who didn’t practice Wednesday were offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, defensive end Montez Sweat, and swing tackle Kiran Amegadjie. Oft-injured Jenkins left last week’s contest with an ankle injury, while Sweat has also been dealing with an ankle injury himself. Meanwhile, Amegadjie has been dealing with a calf injury and is in danger of missing his third consecutive game this Sunday.

The post Jaquan Brisker OUT vs Packers only adds to Bears’ worst fears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Justin Fields responds to Aaron Rodgers’ comments with a brutal roast of his own

Justin Fields continues to make himself a fan favorite in Chicago. His play late this season inspired the Soldier Field crowd to chant, “We want Fields,” last Sunday during a win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Now Justin Fields has taken to roasting Green Bay and its fans. This is something every Bears fan can appreciate, especially after Aaron Rodgers fired shots at the Bears earlier this week.

Justin Fields Joakim Noah

Hating on their rivals city. pic.twitter.com/6jftYxmKaD

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) January 3, 2024

Another Heated Bears vs Packers dual is on the way

The Bears and Packers have always been at each others throats. The Players fire insults and roasts back and forth, the games are always chippy. Fans from each side can expect to see a few fights in this matchup on a yearly basis. This year should be no different.

The Packers need a win over the Bears in week 18 to keep their playoff hopes alive. And just like the Lions last year, the Bears can play spoiler. The Bears can eliminate the Packers from playoff contention with a win.

A win over the Packers would be the best way to end what has been a disappointing season for the Bears.

The Bears have significantly improved in the second half of the 2023 season, especially on defense. Justin Fields has looked like a better passer at times this season, primarily with his deep ball accuracy. There is still much to be desired, but there has been significant improvement over last years abysmal 3-14 season.

The Bears were also able to secure the rights to the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. A win in Green Bay would be the icing on the cake to the 2023 season, and a great start to 2024 for the Bears.

Bears vs Packers kick-off is set for 3:25 pm this upcoming Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The post Justin Fields savagely slams Packers in response to Aaron Rodgers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears defeated the Atlanta Falcons on New Year’s Eve to stay in the playoff hunt. The ending of the Green Bay Packers game finished the Bears’ postseason hopes with minutes to go before the year 2024 starts in the US.

The Bears had an outside shot to make the playoffs coming into Week 17. Per 670 The Score, their easiest path was for a four-game parlay to hit. Unfortunately, the New York Giants lost to the Los Angeles Rams on a game-ending missed field goal.

Soooo, you're saying there's a chance?

With an assist from @PSchrags, THIS is how the Bears can still make the playoffs this year pic.twitter.com/yElHtsA4eR

— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) December 29, 2023

By Sunday night, the Bears needed the Packers game against the Minnesota Vikings to end in a tie.

The ONLY outcome of the #Packers vs. #Vikings game that can keep the #Bears in playoff contention…is a TIE.

(h/t @NFLonCBS) pic.twitter.com/3teAWqHyk0

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 1, 2024

The Chicago Bears are eliminated from the playoff hunt

That didn’t happen.

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson said Chicago would be on the Packers “ass” in Week 18. They still can be, but the Bears can only play spoiler after the outcome of the Sunday Night Football game.

The Bears must use Week 18 as a gauge before a critical offseason. The Bears will have the number one pick in the 2024 NFL draft after the Carolina Panthers lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

How the Bears play against the Packers could determine the fate of Justin Fields and Matt Eberfus for the 2024 season. But that tandem didn’t win enough games early in the season to make the contest against the Packers meaningful in any other way.

For More Chicago Sports:

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The post BREAKING: Chicago Bears eliminated from playoff hunt by Green Bay Packers before Week 18 matchup appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Packers fans have seemingly already had enough of the Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur era

After being spoiled by back-to-back hall of fame, Superbowl-winning, MVP quarterbacks, Packers fans have already had enough of the Love and LaFleur era after a 2-4 start.

The Packers have quickly emerged as one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. They have struggled massively on offense, especially in the first half of games. Outside of week 1 vs the Bears, the Packers offense has been completely pedestrian.

Green Bay fans take to Twitter to voice their irritation

Many fans are completely fed up with Matt LaFleur and are calling for him to be fired as soon as possible.

Should this man have a job on Monday? pic.twitter.com/0fbwl7z4wo

— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) October 22, 2023

It’s pretty insane how good the Packers were able to be with Mike McCarthy and Matt Lafleur

Aaron Rodgers really is the GOAT

— Paschke’s Burner (@NotJimPaschke) October 22, 2023

Proof, with pics and video, that Jordan Love in’t the answer.

On 3rd down, he throws into double coverage for an int that ends the game. But look at AJ Dillon. He was wide open. At least would have gotten into field goal range. That’s a decision a good QB doesn’t mess up. pic.twitter.com/Yl93gpwAwp

— Fire Joe Barry (@firejoebarrynow) October 23, 2023

One fan suggests that Jordan Love’s struggles might be related to him following Matt Lafleur’s orders.

Even with Jordan Love’s poor play in all of Green Bay’s losses, LaFleur seems to be the ultimate fall guy for the fans.

The Green Bay packers themselves claim they still have complete confidence in Jordan Love.

Jordan Love is only going to do what MLF wants him to do. How many plays has he made outside of structure? He’s trusting his coach. #Packers https://t.co/7F7Lo1Hb15 pic.twitter.com/NJQM60kDR2

— Extend (@JustusMcKing) October 23, 2023

Like this tweet if you think Matt LaFleur is in over his head.

— Wisconsin Family (@Wisconsin_fam) October 22, 2023

With the Packers being a community owned team, it could be likely that there are changes made relatively quickly. Pressure from the shareholding fans could force team president Mark Murphy to make a change fast. Especially if the Packers continue to lose in more embarrassing ways under Matt LaFleur.

7 games into the post Aaron Rodgers era and Packers fans have already had enough. Experiencing about 30 years of winning seasons has left them with an inability to handle losing at all.

And while the Bears may have their own struggles going on right now, it is nice to know that the other team up North has some struggles of their own. Let’s see how this plays out over the next few weeks for the Packers as they currently sit with just two wins on the 2023 NFL season.

The post Packers fans already losing patience with Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NFC North woes continued as every team lost in Week 2

The Bears may be 0-2 to start the young season but it has not been a joy for the other teams in the division. The Vikings, Packers, and Lions all lost this past weekend leaving the NFC North wide open.

The Minnesota Vikings fell to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night 34-28. Kirk Cousins threw for 364 yards and 4 touchdowns but is now 0-2.

The Packers blew a 24-12 lead in the 4th quarter to add a tally to the loss column as they sit at 1-1. Jordan Love threw for 151 yards and 3 scores on the day.

The Lions lost an overtime heart breaker against the Seattle Seahawks 37-31. This game was as back and forth as it gets but, in the end, Geno Smith found Tyler Lockett for 6-yard touchdown to give the Seahawks their first win of the season.

The Bears woes continued as they fell to the Buccaneers 27-17, Justin Fields threw 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown, he also scampered in for a rushing touchdown. The Bears now fall to 0-2 and need to make significant changes if they want to turn the season around.

The entire NFC North took L’s in week-2 pic.twitter.com/BtDH7jchVK

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) September 17, 2023

With the struggles from the rest of the division does this still give the Bears a shot to win the NFC North? Some may say it is the worst division in football this season, can the Bears turn it around?

The post NFC North Struggles in Week 2 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Lack of “Offensive Minds” on the Staff dampers Justin Fields’ Impact on the Gridiron

It’s mid-week, and while the Chicago Cubs have players making spectacular plays left and right in the pursuit of a playoff berth, those in & around the Chicago Bears are still wondering what happened Sunday.

.@justnfields hits @Darnell_M1 for 6

: #GBvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/Cii1xYTRxh

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 10, 2023

Despite Justin Fields having 275 total yards from scrimmage, the Bears were embarrassed at home by the new-look Green Bay Packers to begin the season. With fans and sports pundits delivering their takes on what went wrong and where to go from here, the Bears look to be in for a long season after Week 1. From head coach Matt Eberflus taking criticism for his gaffe behind the podium to WR Chase Claypool being called out for giving up, no one’s immune to taking heat.

Now, a prominent national radio host is taking aim at the Bears for leaving Justin Fields out to dry on offense. He also compares the situation with the Bears to the current state of the Packers, noting a big difference, in his opinion.

Colin Cowherd says Justin Fields is “On His Own” in the Bears Offense

Justin Fields struggles in season opening loss to Green Bay…

"It's calculus. It's always easier with a tutor." — @ColinCowherd pic.twitter.com/qrlhakffOg

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 11, 2023

Offering his opinion on the changing of the guard in both Green Bay and Chicago, sports radio host Colin Cowherd had this to say on his show The Herd when talking about the Packers and Jordan Love:

“It is such an advantage if you’re a young, inexperienced quarterback, to have an offensive coach over a defensive coach. And God, wasn’t this another example? Jordan Love I don’t think is great. But he scored on his first drive, his first drive of the second half, the second possession of the second half… Between the O-line and the run game, and the offensive coaching and sensibility, Jordan Love felt comfortable. He didn’t feel rushed, they had a game plan, he had support.”

In comparison, here’s what Cowherd had to say about the Bears and Justin Fields:

“Every time I watch the Bears, it’s like ‘Hey Justin, go save us! Go make a great play!’ Frenetic, out of control, very reliant on running around… NFL Football for a quarterback is calculus, and calculus is easier for a young student if he has a great tutor, and Jordan Love has a great tutor… Justin Fields doesn’t, and he’s on his own, and that’s what the Bears offense looks like.”

Though Cowherd was complementary of Fields’ athletic ability, suggesting he’s more of a natural athlete than Love, the issues with him and the Bears ultimately fall on the identity the team has had historically.

“They’ve never had a great quarterback. They’ve never had an all-time great receiver. They’re still bragging about the ’85 Bears. That’s the toughness, the city, we work hard, we kick butt, and I love that… Justin Fields never looks comfortable, and I believe Justin Fields has more natural ability. I think he’s got a better arm. I think he’s a better athlete. But it’s calculus man. It’s always easier with a tutor.”

-Colin Cowherd

At least Fields and the Bears have 16 more games to figure out the team’s issues, or 2023 will be another frustrating season in a long line of them.

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The Green Bay Packers are set to move on from a former Chicago Bears player in a surprising cut

With the NFL’s roster deadline on Tuesday, teams are starting to make moves to get down to the 53-player limit. That includes both the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

On Monday, the Packers made a bit of a surprising move with a special teamer and former Bears standout.

The Packers have moved on from punter Pat O’Donnell, cutting him from the roster and going with Daniel Whelan in the punting competition.

Packers released veteran punter Pat O’Donnell.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2023

O’Donnell spent just one year with the Green Bay Packers after he was not brought back by the Bears in the 2022 offseason. Prior to that, he spent eight years with the Bears after the franchise selected him out of Miami in the 2014 NFL draft.

How this impacts Green Bay Packers special teams

With the Bears and Packers meeting in Week 1, this move could have an impact in the third phase of the game — special teams. Not only is Whelan a first-year pro who came from the XFL, but he will be the main holder for rookie kicker Anders Carlson:

First surprise of cuts in Green Bay: Punter Pat O’Donnell is out. Looks like they’re going with Daniel Whelan. This impacts rookie K Anders Carlson, too, given that O’Donnell was the more accomplished holder.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) August 28, 2023

Not only will they have just two weeks to work together but the Packers punting game will look a little different as well. Whelan did win the competition for a reason, having hang times of 4.5 seconds or higher several times on punts in the preseason.

Also check Chicago Bears: Video surfaces of Indianapolis Colts defender taking cheap shot at Justin Fields and Chicago Bears to part ways with offensive lineman after strong preseason.

The post Green Bay Packers release former Chicago Bears standout appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Green Bay Packers fans were despondent on social media after reports that they lost out on Marcedes Lewis to the Chicago Bears. The Bears have now signed both of their former starting tight ends from the 2022 season, as they signed Robert Tonyan Jr. earlier this spring.

Many Packers fans were holding out hope they could re-sign Lewis before the regular season. Reports from training camp have not been kind about their rookie tight ends struggling to block in practice. However, the Packers appear to be moving on from the veteran core that surrounded Aaron Rodgers before his trade to the New York Jets in April.

Green Bay Packers fans are upset by Marcedes Lewis joining the Bears

Some Packers fans aren’t taking this transition well. Packers fans reacted to the news of Lewis signing poorly on social media Friday morning. Here are the best takes of Packers fans admitting they need some copium after Lewis signed with the Bears.

https://t.co/AqoFYDzNI3 pic.twitter.com/AYO4Ed1aZZ

— Pack Daddy | Packernet Podcast (@Pack_Daddy) August 4, 2023

Hmm. That sucks. The Bears finally nabbed a guy besides Lucas Patrick that I actually dislike seeing in Chicago. https://t.co/QEdHuJohIx

— J.J. Lahey Packers Talk (@JJLahey) August 4, 2023

https://t.co/uUxQGe6LQ0 pic.twitter.com/RZttNNYtjj

— 𝐽𝐸𝑁 𝑀𝐴𝐶𝐾 (@BigMack_4) August 4, 2023

okay now this one makes me sad https://t.co/000r0f8pw7

— erin alyce (@herooine) August 4, 2023

https://t.co/yxa0cZ7NFN pic.twitter.com/ehfSX9YHKm

— CheeseheadTV (@cheeseheadtv) August 4, 2023

My heart cannot take any more of this off-season man

— sam weddle (@Sam_Weddle05) August 4, 2023

Oh come on. https://t.co/7TQskmN6yp

— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 4, 2023

https://t.co/6qifS02tEi pic.twitter.com/THM8ibMAs4

— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) August 4, 2023

I’m actually sick. This is disgusting. What in the actual hell https://t.co/R3n7sUGqqv

— 𝔅𝔯𝔲𝔠𝔢 (@PrimeCobb) August 4, 2023

For More Chicago Sports:

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The post Green Bay Packers fans fuming after Chicago Bears steal their 2nd tight end this offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears joined the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets as teams that like to sign former Green Bay Packers players in bunches, and fans got in on the joke Friday morning. The Colts signed Amari Rodgers this week, giving them five former Packers. The New York Jets added several former colleagues of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, including two starting wide receivers, in anticipation of the Rodgers trade.

The Bears added a pair of Packers starting tight ends from the 2022 season. Robert Tonyan Jr. joined the team this spring. Marcedes Lewis, a premium blocking tight end, will rejoin Tonyan in the locker room this season after signing a one-year deal with the Bears Friday.

The Packers decided to forgo bringing Lewis and Tonyan back this season in favor of restarting their offense through the daft. The decision not to re-sign Lewis is one many Packers fans are nervous about, with reports from training camp indicating their rookie tight ends are struggling to block.

Chicago Bears fans react to Marcedes Lewis’ signing

Bears fans are loving the newest addition to the Bears locker room. Here are the best takes on Twitter of the Bears signing Lewis.

getsy just said “your TE’s suck i’m bringing 2 of my old ones with me” and i’m kinda here for it https://t.co/p9UaGM0nBL

— Dylan (@NotCease) August 4, 2023

Poles cooked a late dinner…

Now he’s cooking breakfast!
#Dabears https://t.co/llFEHJhqay pic.twitter.com/m94BiV0VF1

— VILLE- 3 POINT STANS POD BEARS/BULLS/CUBS (@3PointStansPod) August 4, 2023

Poles is doing WORK. This TE room is gonna be a powerhouse.

Love this vet presence for the young guys https://t.co/W0vrlYje7Y

— Austin F (@PodGuyFuges) August 4, 2023

#Bears are dead set on protecting Justin Fields and pounding the run game. Love it! https://t.co/bxM9bLWdkB

— Jason DiRienzo (@allpurposescout) August 4, 2023

“HOLD ON WAIT A MINUTE, Y’ALL THOUGHT I WAS FINISHED” – Ryan Poles & Meek Mill https://t.co/fKgMChMwUG https://t.co/yQjF7hGXsK

— Drunk Ryan Poles (@DrunkRyanPoles) August 4, 2023

DON’T LET RYAN POLES GET HOT https://t.co/BwuYZpGxPn

— Harrison Graham (@HGrahamNFL) August 4, 2023

Hahahahah the bears now know every single secret the packers tried to hide in their TE room! https://t.co/VSLCKMMIXZ

— Bob Dobrowski (@BobDobrowski) August 4, 2023

I know Jamal Liggins happy as hell Cedes going to camp. He said he wanted to workout every day https://t.co/8kdUVdSygo

— Elite Developmental Training (@EliteDTraining) August 4, 2023

All you need to know about me is that I got more excited about the 39-year-old blocking tight end than the 28-year-old pass rusher. https://t.co/zWkaQuPpBo

— Robert Mays (@robertmays) August 4, 2023

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.

The post Chicago Bears fans give hilarious responses after signing 2 former Packers tight ends appeared first on ChiCitySports.

If a viral video coming out of Green Bay Packers practice on Thursday indicates how their whole training camp will go, their offense might not be any good for their Week 1 matches against the Chicago Bears. But they’ll be the most conditioned offense in the league.

Quarterback Jordan Love couldn’t hit the broad sign of a barn in Wednesday’s practice. His rookie tight end couldn’t block. Head coach Matt LaFleur had the Packers’ offense do push-ups after practice as punishment for their poor play.

The Green Bay Packers offense was punished again Thursday

Love and the Packers’ offense followed that up Thursday by losing their second straight competitive period against the defense. (By the way, losing to the defense was a trend during OTAs.) According to a video from Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, the offense was punished Thursday by doing up-downs after practice.

Offensive coaches and players doing up-downs after losing the competition period for second consecutive day.

Jaire Alexander standing over them making sure the form is right. pic.twitter.com/HZ3M5am0os

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 27, 2023

The Packers’ offense looks like a disaster struck after their former starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, paid $35 million for a one-way ticket out of Green Bay. The Bears’ defense needs to be licking its chops for their Week 1 matchup against the Packers.

For More Chicago Sports:

Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks.

The post WATCH: Green Bay Packers offense disciplined 2 days in a row for poor performance appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love tried to troll the Chicago Bears on Father’s Day. Instead, he caught himself in a self-own situation. Bears safety Jaquan Brisker commented on it.

Jordan Love disses himself when trying to troll the Chicago Bears

Love wished a “Happy Father’s Day to all the Bears fans out there.”

Video – Jordan Love: "Happy Father's day to all the Bears fans out there."https://t.co/z6IRJcLikX

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 18, 2023

Oops. That made it sound like the Bears fans are, in fact, Love’s daddy.

Love’s comments follow a week of back-and-forth banter between Packers and Bears players. Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones made snarky comments about Packers fans this week. Jones wished the true Bears daddy, Aaron Rodgers, was back in Green Bay so he and his teammates could get revenge on the Packers in Week 1 this season.

Love took the shot and missed Sunday. Bears fans on Twitter called him out on it. Brisker followed up with a statement on Twitter questioning if Love even believed the troll he was attempting to put on Sunday.

He doesn’t even believe what he just said… we going see. https://t.co/yXJkDHnK0b

— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) June 18, 2023

Oh man, we’re going to have a long couple of months before these two teams get to battle it out on the field. The Bears-Packers rivalry will enter a new era this season with Rodgers departing to the New York Jets. We’ll see if Love can step into the role Rodgers dominated for years. Right now, he’s struggling not to throw interceptions at the end of practice.

Chicago Bears fans, and it appears the players, believe they can turn the corner in this rivalry. I hope so too, but I want to see action on the field, not talk on Twitter and in press conferences.

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The clutch gene has not been strong with Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love in OTAs. Chicago Bears fans love it. Aaron Rodgers’ successor has had a history of struggling to finish practice this offseason. That trend continued Wednesday, the Packers’ final day of mandatory minicamp practice. (Head coach Matt LaFleur canceled Thursday’s practice in favor of a team bonding activity.)

According to Andy Herman with Packer Report, Love threw his final pass of the spring to cornerback Jaire Alexander. Rookie quarterback Sean Clifford threw an interception in the drill too. Backup Danny Etling failed to win his drive after missing a wide-open wide receiver for a sure touchdown.

Love’s two minute drill ends with a ball right to Jaire Alexander. Not sure what he saw on the play but that’s about the easiest pick Jaire will ever get.

— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) June 14, 2023

Interceptions happen in practice. Bears quarterback Justin Fields threw one in a less important seven-on-seven drill Wednesday. However, Love has now finished multiple practices in OTAs, throwing picks in the two-minute drill. He’s struggling with high-pressure situations in practice.

Chicago Bears fans taunt Jordan Love for his INTs

Bears fans reading the reports were somewhat relieved the Packers have a human at quarterback again. Aaron Rodgers was one of the better quarterbacks to run a two-minute offense, at least in the regular season. Here are the best takes from Bears fans on Love throwing yet another costly interception.

Idk who that guy is but it sounds bad https://t.co/45gmOdiqkX pic.twitter.com/YcrVvujTrg

— Let Ryan Poles Eat (@POLESPLSEAT) June 14, 2023

https://t.co/CQzW8rFsce pic.twitter.com/Cus7FYEsge

— Kev (@2KEVlN) June 14, 2023

cry lil sis https://t.co/lB76EZ7Crg

— BriskerStan (@xBearDownx) June 14, 2023

pic.twitter.com/mm14Y84fOs

— The Brown Bear Podcast (@TheBrownBearPod) June 14, 2023

https://t.co/ztFUga2vtb pic.twitter.com/rhrl9pOqPo

— Nick Johnson (@Nick_Flair_33) June 14, 2023

https://t.co/Q0ck5UVsDW pic.twitter.com/SF4a3eVqLM

— MachinegunnNick (@MachinegunnNick) June 14, 2023

Been saying it since he was drafted, this is Green Bay’s Mitch Trubisky Hope y’all enjoyed the Rodgers era because it’s about to get bad https://t.co/NgG89PuEGS

— Pete (@Pete_Martuneac) June 14, 2023

this guy has done nothing but play the packers defense his whole career, he should be able to piece them up https://t.co/2xUziaU06x

— Cameron (@cpalmiter03) June 14, 2023

bro’s already seeing ghosts. https://t.co/XIlkL89Wgs

— Chris Johnson (@ChrisIsJohnson) June 14, 2023

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Chicago Bears DT Justin Jones explains his true feelings about Aaron Rodgers and the fans of the Green Bay Packers

Chicago Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones has never been afraid to make a bold claim or two. He’s always been very outspoken, as even just last year he took shots at the New England Patriots after the Chicago Bears victory early on in the season.

Today, he let the world know about his extreme displeasure with the Green Bay Packers, specifically their fans and former QB Aaron Rodgers. Get your popcorn ready.

#Bears DT Justin Jones said he wished Aaron Rodgers was still with the #Packers. He laments the loss at Lambeau Field last season and says "their fans are pretty shitty. Half of them don't even know football."

Oh boy.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) June 13, 2023

Sheesh! That’s some fire right off the bat. I’m sure he’s just vocalizing what most of the Chicago Bears fanbase thinks internally. But wow, what a way to kick off the off-season workouts. You know that’s some bulletin board material right there.

Jones will look to build off what was an impressive first season with the Bears, where he racked up three sacks and 52 total tackles over the course of 17 games. He may be a catalyst this year on the defensive side of the ball, where the Bears need to desperately improve.

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Jordan Love has a steep learning curve this offseason in his fourth year in the NFL. The Green Bay Packers have given him the role as the full-time starting quarterback after trading long-time signal caller Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets this offseason. Love isn’t anywhere near Rodgers’ level yet, and it should give Chicago Bears fans some hope before their Week 1 matchup against the Packers.

Jordan Love had a slow start

The Packers held their second voluntary practice of OTAs Tuesday. The practice was the first that was open to the media. Per multiple reports, Love struggled to throw the ball Tuesday. According to Rob Demovsky with ESPN, Love had a “slow start.” He went just 6 of 16 in passing attempts, with defenders getting their hands on multiple throws. Love performed better when they inched him up into the red zone.

After a slow start, Jordan Love was effective in the short red zone (from the 10 and in) with 3 TDs. Overall in the first open OTA (and second of the week), he was 6-for-16. Had three tipped or batted down, one dropped and one nearly picked off.

We’ll hear from him soon.

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) May 23, 2023

Ryan Wood with USA Today and Matt Schneidman with The Athletic gave a few explicit examples of Love missing badly on throws during the practice.

Jordan Love badly missed Samori Toure in the left corner of the end zone. Toure was open after breaking his route to the sideline vs. Keisean Nixon, but Love’s pass sailed wide out of bounds.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 23, 2023

Jordan Love’s first deep ball of the day is incomplete. Tried to hit Christian Watson downfield in triple coverage. Kiondre Thomas knocked away the pass.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 23, 2023

Love’s first bomb is to Christian Watson down the middle. A little wobbly and underthrown, falls incomplete with three defenders in the vicinity.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) May 23, 2023

The Green Bay Packers aren’t coddling Love

According to Zachary Jacobson with Packer Report, head coach Matt LaFleur said after the practice that Love did some things well but needed to “clean” things up. The head coach, that has been telling the locker room and fans to temper their expectations for a quarterback the front office wouldn’t put their faith in with a fifth-year option, said the team wouldn’t be “coddling” Love during practice:

“I think you gotta be mindful and aware of where you are but at the same time, you can put them in those situations — it’s not like he’s a true rookie. He’s seen a decent amount, especially being able to get the majority of the snaps this time of year the last couple of years,” said LaFleur.

“We’re not necessarily coddling him in any sense of the word. We’re installing our plays and whatever the defense presents, I mean, he’s gotta react. If it gets out of had one way or another then you can adjust, but I think he’s done a pretty good job up to this point.”

Chicago Bears fans have seen this show recently

Many Bears fans are familiar with these reports in practice. Quarterback Justin Fields and the Bears’ offense struggled in OTAs last offseason when they installed the scheme in Luke Getsy’s first year as the offensive coordinator. It took months into the regular season before they saw progress with their second-year quarterback. Right now, it looks like Love is well behind his quarterback class. And yes, Packers fans are worried about it.

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The NFL announced some terrible news to most NFL fans. Green Bay will host the 2025 NFL Draft. The city has never hosted a draft before, and this will give many NFL fans a chance to visit a historic football site. However, many Bears fans weren’t impressed with their rival getting to host the draft.

There are multiple reasons beyond bad blood for Bears fans not to want the draft on the Packers’ turf. Wisconsin is still pretty cold around the time the draft is held. It’s also a super small city with a population of 107,395 residents. As former Packers Davante Adams has noted, flying to and from the city is a logistical nightmare. Traveling to Wisconsin in April to go to a cramped event with three times the local population sounds like a bad time. It’s like throwing a college party in a dorm room closet.

Chicago Bears fans react to Green Bay hosting the draft

Bears fans reacted to Wisconsin hosting the draft not long after the news dropped. Here are the best takes on Green Bay hosting the draft. (Most NFL fans agreed with Bears fans on the location being a disaster, by the way.)

pic.twitter.com/HzXaJGOVfv

— daburquebear (@zakkjjames_) May 22, 2023

There's no place big enough in GB to hold the draft, unless it's in the stadium. SMH.

— Kevin T. Brown (@KevTBrown) May 22, 2023

Thought they were only hosting these in "fun" cities.

— Brad (@TheOneTrueBrad) May 22, 2023

Massive L by the #NFL https://t.co/Duvb7a9WOv

— Drunk Ryan Poles (@DrunkRyanPoles) May 22, 2023

https://t.co/QHuHu5k1vd pic.twitter.com/LozI91YMOD

— shelby (@parqrat420) May 22, 2023

Super fun cities to host…well, nothing. Like Joakim talking about Cleveland. https://t.co/aWmfn3Bx6j

— Lou Hempen (@LouHemp) May 22, 2023

pic.twitter.com/I9TePf7fBM

— captaintenpin (@captaintenpin) May 22, 2023

Wtf!?!? https://t.co/u1LeNPxfgv

— TommyT (@tgtatro) May 22, 2023

— Manuel De La Cruz Jr (@m9delacruz) May 22, 2023

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Aaron Rodgers‘ newest venture with the New York Jets is attracting a lot of buzz from veteran players, including a retired former Chicago Bears All-Pro wide receiver. The Green Bay Packers traded Rodgers to the Jets this offseason for draft capital. His former Green Bay teammates, Allen Lazard, and Randall Cobb, have since signed with the team.

The Jets have tried to sign other veteran wide receivers interested in teaming up with Rodgers, including Odell Beckham Jr. However, Beckham’s price was too high for the Jets this season, and he signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

A former Chicago Bears wide receiver wants to join Aaron Rodgers

Brandon Marshall was speaking on the I Am Athlete podcast recently. The Bears All-Pro said he’d be willing to unretire to pay for the Jets this season at a new position, tight end. Marshall said he wants to join the Jets because he believes he can win a Super Bowl this season. He claims he can still play at a high level. Marshall made a mock audition tape for what he’d tell the Jets front office in an interview:

“We’re going to win a Super Bowl,” Marshall said. “I’m going to be able to contribute at a high level, and this is what I’m going to be able to give you: 45 catches throughout the year, 20-to-30 plays a game. I’m going to give you eight touchdowns scoring.”

Dear @NYJets,

Brandon Marshall is willing to come out of retirement and play TE for Aaron Rodgers.

We’ve provided a short video detailing what he’ll contribute

Talk soon,

– I Am Athlete Management

Subscribe & watch the full #PaperRoute convo → https://t.co/foD6j8PgyA pic.twitter.com/8pMBhOcRcG

— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) May 11, 2023

The 39-year-old athlete probably won’t get that chance. Marshall reasoned on the podcast that his body would have difficulty taking physical blows this season. Not to mention, the Jets have two solid options at tight end with C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin. One thing in Marshall’s favor, he has ties to the Jets as he played there for the 2015-16 seasons.

Marshall, who seems to hold a grudge against Bears management, played against Rodgers during his three seasons in Chicago as a part of the Packers rivalry. The Bears went 1-5 against the Packers when Marshall was in Chicago, so it’s no wonder he has enormous respect for Rodgers.

For More Chicago Sports:

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The Chicago Bears had three games worth watching last season–if you’re a fair-weather fan. Now that the schedule has been released, we’ll look at the five games Bears fans should look forward to this season.

The Bears will look to improve on their 3-14 record for the 2023 season. The Bears have added a few upgrades on the defensive side of the ball. With the offseason additions of wide receiver D.J. Moore, offensive guard Nate Davis, and offensive tackle Darnell Wright, the offense should be the best unit for the Bears and will need to carry this team.

It’s time for Justin Fields to put the Chicago Bears on his back

It’s quarterback Justin Fields make-or-break season in year three. He has the talent around him to score points in Chicago. While the overall roster is still a year or two away from a deep playoff run, the Bears should be much more competitive this season. They should be in the hunt late this season for a Wild Card spot if all goes well with injuries and Fields takes the next step. Here are the five games Bears fans should mark on their calendar for the 2023 season.

5. Denver Broncos, Week 4

This should be a winnable game for the Bears. The Broncos will come into Chicago led by former Bears quarterback Sean Payton as their head coach. The Broncos traded for Payton in a last-ditch effort to salvage the Russell Wilson trade from the 2022 offseason. And that’s what makes this game interesting.

The Bears drafted Justin Fields as their quarterback in the same offseason general manager Ryan Pace attempted to trade for Wilson and failed. Fields vs. Wilson is another battle of what could have been for the Bears, though not as painful as the Mitch Trubisky vs. Pat Mahomes contest in 2019. Hopefully, Fields provides some relief that the Bears couldn’t trade for a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback.

The post Chicago Bears: 5 must-watch games for the 2023 season appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The 2023 Green Bay Packers are getting a facelift this offseason, and it’s causing some friction between players and the fans. The Packers are running their new offense with a genuine youth movement, as seven of the eight primary skilled players on offense will be 24 years of age or less. Left tackle David Bakhtiari hinted the Packers would “suck” this season.

The Packers didn’t bring in any exciting free agents this offseason as the team moves on to the Jordan Love era at quarterback. They added to their needed positions in the draft. The Packers’ latest decision on the roster, deciding to forgo re-signing veteran tight end Marcedes Lewis, appears to have caused some panic in Green Bay.

Green Bay Packers return specialist Keisean Nixon refuted a comment made by writer and podcaster Andy Herman. Herman hinted at a Packers’ rebuild, and Nixon, who seemed unhappy about the Lewis news, made a few comments in response.

No It’s About 2023 What You Talking About!!!! https://t.co/60VrsrwGNv

— K9 (@keiseannixon) May 8, 2023

Keep That Rebuild Shit Off My TL This Ain’t That… #K9

— K9 (@keiseannixon) May 8, 2023

Green Bay Packers fans debate the rebuild on Twitter

Not long after the interaction between Nixon and Herman, a debate broke out on social media about the Packers’ predicament this offseason. Some fans want to hope, even against the betting odds, it’s a reload from a team that got rid of aging pieces.

Others understand that getting rid of bloated veteran contracts with limited cap space, from a roster that missed the playoffs is…a rebuild. Chicago Bears fans saw that last season and took to Twitter to poke fun at the misery of their rival this offseason.

Here are the best takes on Twitter on the Packers’ rebuild.

Denial. It's so fun watching Packers fans be on denial. https://t.co/3vGB0UiAIq

— Sports/Whiskey/Smokes (@OsoBear70) May 8, 2023

Desperate for content in the off-season

Starting 3 WRs are all 2nd year guys
Starting 2 tight ends are all rookies
Starting Qb has 1 career start

“Not a rebuild” https://t.co/ahVeUyUHiz pic.twitter.com/SEfiN7uos9

— Shaun (@osha3264) May 8, 2023

Reed, Lowry and Amos were not good last year and they just used a first-round pick on Wyatt.

Cobb was on a Rodgers buddy deal, and Lazard got more money than they would have paid.

They didn't do anything weird.

If they can win the division, it's not a rebuild. https://t.co/hx6Kf2Iw1r

— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) May 8, 2023

Rebuilding idc what packers Twitter says this team is rebuilding. They are not Super Bowl contenders and I don’t see them winning more then 6 games next year. https://t.co/TeMI5sanmm

— Cody Larsen (@cody_larsen_) May 8, 2023

Transitioning https://t.co/rFoXNDRYmh

— Brandon Carwile (@PackerScribe) May 8, 2023

Rebuilding. A portion of the fan base can get over themselves.

— Matt Kuhnen (@mattkuhnen) May 8, 2023

Peter, give it up. It’s very obviously a rebuild. It was always going g to be a rebuild the moment they moved on from Rodgers. This is a weird hill to die on.

— wiguyinmn (@WIguyinMN) May 8, 2023

There's a weird discourse around the r-word. "Rebuild" doesn't have to mean "bad." A team that is shedding veterans and former core players and going with youth and inexperience is rebuilding, I'm not sure how else you'd describe it. Doesn't mean the expectations are minimal. https://t.co/0zNZ6PK1A6

— Tim Backes (@timbackes) May 8, 2023

I guess I see it as less of a true rebuild because they still restructured a number of vets to keep them (Smith, Jones, Bak) – premium guys at premium positions. Frankly, none of the guys they lost (other than 12) really move the needle. Most are guys you likely let walk anyways.

— Fred Bean (@beanfm) May 8, 2023

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Aaron Rodgers is no longer around to taunt the Chicago Bears. The Green Bay Packers traded Rodgers to the New York Jets last week for a haul of picks. The team is ready to hand over Rodgers’ job to Jordan Love. But their general manager, Brian Gutekunst, made shocking comments about the future at quarterback. It could be good news for Bears fans who want revenge on their rival this season.

Gutekunst had been singing Love’s praises this offseason as the Packers were negotiating a deal to send Rodgers packing from Green Bay. Now that the bill appears due in a few days for Love’s fifth-year option, Gutekunst seems unsure if it’s in the best interest to pay that sum of money to the inexperienced former first-round pick.

The Green Bay Packers aren’t sold on Jordan Love

According to Rob Demovsky with ESPN, Gutekunst was asked Saturday in his post-draft press conference if the Packers would give Love a fifth-year option. Gutekunst said the Packers needed time to figure that out, and offered an answer that calls into question how much confidence the front office has in Love:

Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on Jordan Love’s 5th-year option: “Got to figure that out by Tuesday.”

When asked if there’s a reason not to pick it up, he said: “It’s a lot of money for a guy who hasn’t played, but at the same time we’re moving forward with him [as the starter].” pic.twitter.com/9iG2N3EqZs

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 29, 2023

Gutekunst reiterated Love’s lack of experience when he was asked if the team plans to sign a veteran quarterback this offseason. He said Love and the quarterback they drafted this weekend, Sean Clifford, need to show the front office reps in OTAs before Gutekunst decides to spend money on a veteran quarterback.

“I like that room right now. All those guys need reps. I think we’ll probably see how those guys do before we’d bring in a veteran.”

Gutekunst on adding a veteran QB after drafting Sean Clifford (R5): "We'll see how that goes, but we really like what he brings to the table.

"I like that room right now. All those guys need reps. I think we'll probably see how those guys do before we'd bring in a veteran."

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) April 30, 2023

It appears Gutekunst is skeptical of Love’s prospects as the Packers’ franchise quarterback. Of course, that makes sense, as Love has only started one game in his first three seasons in the NFL. However, Gutekunst’s comments Saturday contrast the message he and head coach Matt LaFleur have been putting out this offseason when they turned over the keys to the 24-year-old quarterback.

For More Chicago Sports:

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The Green Bay Packers went with an Illinois native when they made their selection at backup quarterback for Jordan Love. The Packers drafted Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Clifford is from Barrington, Illinois, and appears to have favored the Chicago Bears in his youth.

The Green Bay Packers lose!

An old Tweet surfaced not long after the Packers drafted Clifford Saturday. Clifford was excited when the Packers lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card Playoffs on January 5, 2014. Clifford Tweeted “Packers lose! #dabears”

The Tweet has now been deleted by the newest Packers quarterback. Things have certainly changed for Clifford since 2014. Now that he’s been drafted by the Packers, it’ll be his job to try and beat the Bears. However, Clifford’s statement proclaiming his allegiance for the Bears will live forever.

A Chicago Bears QB did something similar

The Bears had a similar issue with quarterback Mitch Trubisky after they drafted him in 2017. A tweet surfaced of Trubisky Tweeting a go Packers post.

For More Chicago Sports:

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Fans in Chicago know about rebuilding pain. The Chicago Bears spent their 2022 season tearing down their roster and laying the foundation for the new regime of general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. The Bears NFC North rival, the Green Bay Packers, appear to be in the same position heading into 2023. A starter on the team recently made shocking comments about where he thinks the Packers will be at next season.

The Packers are in talks with the New York Jets to trade quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The Packers had an aging roster last season with bloated contracts for several veterans and Rodgers. With the lack of salary cap funds hitting the Packers this offseason as the championship window hangover starts, the team has had to watch players sign with new teams in free agency. The Bears benefited from that by signing tight end Robert Tonyan in March.

A Green Bay Packers offensive lineman hints at teams prospects

All-Pro Green Bay Packers left tackle, and notable beer guzzler, David Bakhtiari, will be the best player left on the team’s roster when the Rodgers trade is finalized. He was recently a guest on Barstool Sports Bussin With the Boys Podcast. Bakhtiari admitted the Packers weren’t going to be good in 2023 when he explained the front office’s position on potentially not trading Rodgers to the Jets if New York doesn’t provide proper compensation. Bakhtiari hinted the Packers would “suck” next season:

“Or, option three, and again I’m not being a homer, the Packers are rebuilding, whether you think so or not. Could they be good? I don’t know. Could they be bad? Probably, if you’re betting, more people are going to think they’re going to be bad than good, right?

So then they’re gonna be like, ‘We’re going to suck anyways, we want what we want and we’re not going to bend [to] anyone, so we’ll just eat it. [Rodgers] can stay un-retired. We’ll pay you. We don’t care because if we’re going to do it our way, it’s going to be on our terms. If not, what are we gonna be Super Bowl contenders anyways? So we’ll eat it. [Rodgers] can hang on the side, we’ll pay you your money and then we’ll suck anyways, get the picks.’”

The Bears need to take advantage of the Packers’ slump

The Bears have been beaten by the Packers eight consecutive times. In their previous 20 matchups, the Bears have won just three games against their top rival. Quarterback Justin Fields said last year that beating the Packers and winning the Super Bowl is all he cares about as the quarterback of the Bears. He’s going to have the chance to do that former against the 2023 Packers team.

The Bears came close in their December matchup last year which saw them dominate most of the game. However, the Bears let off the gas in the fourth quarter and let Rodgers and the Packers come back. Fields needs to take advantage of a Packers team that is in the position his team was in last year. Fields has a chance to show the NFL world the Bears have a better quarterback than the Packers. He may never have a better time to do that than in 2023.

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The Chicago Bears find themselves on the top of this list for best offseasons while rival Green Bay is dead last

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles entered this offseason with the most cap space in the league and the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. It didn’t take long for Poles to strike and make his mark on the offseason as he executed a trade with the Carolina Panthers for the top pick, landing a package of picks and wide receiver DJ Moore.

A few days after that, Poles made some impressive signings to address needs at linebacker, tight end, running back and in the trenches. Poles has been smart about his money, not handing out huge deals aside from the Tremaine Edmunds contract.

And for Poles free agency so far, he’s earned the top spot in offseason rankings by The Sporting News.

Vinnie Iyer ranked the NFL offseasons so far and right at the top sit the Chicago Bears:

GM Ryan Poles was ready to do business. He would have hit “A” status just by the blockbuster deal in trading down from No. 1 that got Moore for Justin Fields and key draft picks in return. But then he made smart upgrades to the defensive front seven as well, while finding a few more valuable pieces for Fields and the running game. Moving on from Montgomery was wise, especially with Foreman and Homer coming in to help Khalil Herbert.

It’s good to see Poles earn some praise for his offseason so far. To make it even better, Iyer ranked the Green Bay Packers dead last for the moves, or lack of moves, they have made. That just makes it that much sweeter.

While Poles is off to a good start, the work is not completed just yet.

The Bears still have a need for a pass rusher, a three-technique, a right tackle and a defensive back going into the next month. They can either attack that through free agency or potentially through the 2023 NFL draft. Either way, it’s going to continue to be an exciting offseason for the Chicago Bears.

The post Chicago Bears’ get early win over Green Bay Packers in offseason appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Aaron Rodgers confirms that his intent is on  leaving the Green Bay Packers to play for the New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in the NFC North has come to an end as the disgruntled quarterback has confirmed that he will not be coming back to play for the Green Bay Packers and intends to play for the New York Jets.

Rodgers, confirmed his intent to play for the Jets while on the Pat McAffe Show.

Aaron Rodgers told @PatMcAfeeShow that he intends to play for the Jets and the teams need to work out compensation.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2023

Barring any last minute changes, this signals the end of the Aaron Rodgers era in the NFC North. Bears fans are rejoicing on Twitter as the news of Rodgers leaving is signaling that the nightmare known as having to play Rodgers twice a year is finally over.

Rodgers, 39, has been a nightmare for the Monsters of the Midway as he has a record of 24-5 with 64 TDs and a passer rating of 109.0. Lets take a look at some of the best reactions to the news:

Me watching the countdown to #rodgers leaving GB. The champagne is on ice and I'm going on a 3-day bender once it's announced. pic.twitter.com/h7vr2AeoEx

— Bears Fan in Hell (@bearsfaninhell) March 9, 2023

Bears fans realizing Aaron Rodgers is finally out of the NFC North pic.twitter.com/C9KA2U9o9M

— ✭Izzy✭ (@eadyIofficial) March 15, 2023

Bears fans watching Rodgers leave the North pic.twitter.com/fTf9MmPwWU

— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) March 15, 2023

Bears fans right now after Rodgers he is going To Jets ! Independence pic.twitter.com/3zqk5ltixp

— Gabe D. Silva aka RAGING BEAR vote For Gabe Payton (@gabereturns19) March 15, 2023

Bears fans knowing they don’t play Rodgers next year pic.twitter.com/cwC7Rztmyv

— Chris Foster (@chrisrfoster12) March 15, 2023

Chicago Bears fans hearing Aaron Rodgers is going to the Jets #Packers #Bears #DaBears #Rodgers #Jets pic.twitter.com/IAMSOE7QkT

— 4th and Short (@fourthandshort1) March 15, 2023

Bears fans saying goodbye to Rodgers as he leaves the NFC North: pic.twitter.com/1VO6V3J8l7

— Chiefs Outsider – Chris  (@chiefs_outsider) March 15, 2023

Bears fans to Rodgers “you better run, punk”… pic.twitter.com/bMKDX4CuO9

— Betts (@BettsandBeanz) March 15, 2023

Aaron Rodgers: "My intentions are clear to play for the New York Jets in 2022-23."

Bears, Vikings, and Lions fans right now: pic.twitter.com/MWrKJ4q5yq

— Lil Double Tetsuo — 8️⃣8️⃣ (@MillyBeamen) March 15, 2023

Bears fans now that Aaron Rodgers is gone: pic.twitter.com/q0Ph4jC242

— Vivid Picks (@VividPicks) March 15, 2023

“Packers would like to move on”- Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers has stated that he wants to play for the Jets and it’s just waiting on the Packers and Jets to agree on compensation.

Bears Fans: pic.twitter.com/sSAGmkMC1h

— Unbearable Sports (@UnbearableSport) March 15, 2023

#Bears fans we’ve finally made it. It’s over. The final Horcrux has been destroyed. Aaron Rodgers is gone. pic.twitter.com/hNW54vF8Ai

— Erik Duerrwaechter (@EDuerrwaechter) March 15, 2023

All Chicago Bears fans after hearing the Aaron Rodgers news https://t.co/EzKeOIFP5Y pic.twitter.com/PVrWhus4zG

— Drew Bogs (@DrewBogs623) March 15, 2023

The post Bears fans react to Aaron Rodgers intent to play for Jets appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Are the Green Bay Packers ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers?

As the NFL prepares for Championship Sunday, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his future remain as a big discussion point. And Sunday’s report suggests that maybe the honeymoon is over in Green Bay.

Hours before kickoff on Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that League sources are reportedly convinced that the Packers are ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers via a trade.

League sources believe the franchise prefers to move on from Rodgers, just as it once did with Brett Favre. Those sources also believe that Rodgers is well aware of the Packers’ feelings on the situation.

Rodgers said during an interview this past week with “The Pat McAfee Show” that he is “open to all honest and direct conversations” with the Packers and that a trade “wouldn’t offend me, and it wouldn’t make me feel like a victim.”

There have been a few different reports this offseason so far of what the Packers can do with Rodgers via a trade. Rodgers himself has even commented on it, knowing the situation with his contract and the potential options.

But this report from Schefter feels like an important one.

If it is the end of the Rodgers era in Green Bay, it signals that the Packers are ready to pass the baton to Jordan Love. The former first-round pick has had limited playing time in his career so far and it feels like Green Bay really has to make a decision on Love as well.

The post New report suggests Packers are ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The future of Aaron Rodgers is unknown and it could help the Chicago Bears

After a disappointing 8-9 record and missing the playoffs, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers’ future are both up in the air. Rodgers signed a 3-year, 150 million dollar contract back in March of last off-season, with everyone presuming he would finish his career in Green Bay. Now, with Rodgers oddly walking off the field in their season finale loss to the Detroit Lions, fans are speculating whether Rodgers has played his last down as a Packer.

Is Rodgers open to another team?

Appearing on the Pat Mcafee Show Tuesday afternoon, Rodgers spoke candidly about his uncertain future. Rodgers still believes he can play at a high level, no matter what team he’s on.

"I think I can win MVP again in the right situation.. is that Green Bay or somewhere else, I'm not sure and there's more conversations to be had"@AaronRodgers12 dives into the possibility of playing a 19th season #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cMjcPKFs5Z

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 17, 2023

Rodgers has been known to use the off-season to drag out what he wants to do with his career, and 2023 seems to be no different. I would be shocked if he does decide to retire, however, the possibility of him not playing for the Packers feels more realistic than him hanging it up.

Bears Fans won’t miss him

If Rodgers ends up leaving the NFC North, it’s safe to say none of us will miss him. Rodgers has compiled a 24-5 record versus Chicago since taking over as the starter in 2008. The Packers could use a fresh start anyway, right? RIGHT?

Time will tell to see where Rodgers ends up.

The post Chicago Bears rival leaves door open for exit from NFC North? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Week 17 has come and gone and in dramatic fashion, the NFL playoff race is going to come down to the final week to decide who gets to the postseason. I break down the biggest overreactions from the second to last week of the NFL season and explain which might not be overreactions at all.

Not an overreaction: Skip Bayless should not have a job

Love him or hate him the renowned sports columnist and sports television show host crossed the line when speaking about last night’s tragedy on Monday Night Football. Bayless took to Twitter to voice his disproval of the NFL postponing the rest of MNF’s contest between the Bills and Bengals.

The game was suspended due to Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsing and going into cardiac arrest on the field. Hamlin was given CPR for 8 minutes by personnel on the field and was taken to a nearby Cincinnati hospital where he is in critical condition. 

Football is a dangerous sport and people do die from playing it, but the focus when these unfortunate events occur should not be whether the game will continue or if it will be rescheduled. The focus must be on the man fighting for his life and thoughts and prayers should be with him and his family. Bayless completely dismissed and dehumanized the pain of Hamlin’s family and disregarded the young man’s life.

after immediate backlash and outrage from the entire sports world, Bayless tweeted an apology “Nothing is more important than that young man’s health. That was the point of my last tweet. I’m sorry if that was misunderstood but his health is all that matters,” Bayless has had controversial takes for years on FS1’s Undisputed and even beforehand at ESPN on First Take. Only after scrutiny did Bayless apologize and more than likely was done to save face.

Overreaction: The Eagles will choke away the division

In the absence of MVP-caliber quarterback Jalen Hurts the Eagles have struggled to hold on to their lead for the NFC East. The Eagles have dropped their last two games without Hurts and may need him for the season finale to win the division as Dallas has crept up to their lead and is one win away from taking the division if the Eagles cannot put the Giants away on Sunday.

The Eagles started the season red hot winning their first eight games before losing on MNF to the Washington Commanders. The Eagles sit at 13-3 and the highly competitive NFC will produce three playoff teams, one of which is the Dallas Cowboys which are 12-4 and are fighting Philly for the top spot in the East.

Hurts is said to be ready for next week, but the Eagles will face the New York Giants for the season finale. The Giants are a playoff team but were smacked by the Eagles 48-22 when last they played in week 14. Dallas may have already penciled in their win for their season finale against Washington as the Cowboys had no trouble with the Commanders back in October when they beat them 25-10.  Philly finds itself in another hard position after not taking care of business against a weaker Saints team and will have to give their A-game to sure up the division.

Not an Overreaction Brian Daboll is the NFL Coach of the Year.

Daboll has done the unthinkable and made the Giants a playoff team in his first year as head coach. The Giants are 9-6-1 and are one week away from their first playoff appearance since 2017. A season ago the Giants were 4-13 with no culture and no direction. Daniel Jones was on the verge of being the scapegoat and there was no light at the end of the tunnel for the franchise.

In just a year Daboll has completely changed the attitude of the team, the organization, and the fan base. He has created a culture of winning, grit, and toughness that has been evident the entire season for the G-men, winning or being within one score of winning in every game this season but three. Their three blowout losses were to the Seahawks, Cowboys, and Eagles.

However the future is bright for Daboll, he has figured out how to keep star running back Saquan Barkley healthy and contributing. The defense has transformed in a season and Daniel Jones looks like a real NFL quarterback. Time will tell if Daboll and the Giants will work in the long run, but no one can argue he is this year’s NFL Coach of the Year.

Overreaction: The Viking’s loss means nothing for their post-season goals.

After another astonishingly underwhelming performance, the Minnesota Vikings got manhandled by the Green Bay Packers 41-17 in a game where many questioned if the reign of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in the NFC North had finally come to a close. In true Vikings and Kirk Cousins fashion they folded under the pressure of the bright lights of NFL primetime.

Cousins was 18/31 for 205 yards a touchdown and three interceptions. The Vikings could not get anything going on offense and managed only three points through the first 3 quarters of play. While they struggled to score the Packers scored seemingly at will, scoring on special teams, defense, and offense to put the Vikings away early in the third quarter. Green Bay capitalized on all of Minnesota’s mistakes and with a win against Detroit will be back in the postseason.

Where does this put Minnesota? Are they destined to underachieve when the pressure is on? Cousins has had great games and he has had awful games, with the pressure of a Superbowl window closing the Vikings may look at a similar situation to the Chiefs, where they have a team capable of going the distance but because of limitations at the quarterback play they may need to consider an upgrade before the window closes on them

The post NFL Overreaction Tuesday, week 17: Skip Bayless should not have a job, Daboll is coach of the year, Eagles choke the division away, and more appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Welcome back to another Overreaction Tuesday. Playoff races are in their final stretch, rebuilds are starting to take form and teams are rebranding. I break down the biggest overreactions from the NFL’s week 16.

Not an Overreaction: The Dolphins need to shut Tua down for the rest of the year.

Tua Tagovailoa has been placed in concussion protocol for the third time this season. Tua had his horrific concussion in week 4 against the Bengals where he had to be carted off the field and taken to a hospital. This is now his third time in the concussion protocol this season and needs to be considering his physical health going forward in his football career.

Tua finished the game but from 2:40 left in the second quarter, the Dolphins did not score and struggled to move the ball in the second half. Tua is seen hitting his head on the turf and did not play the same from that point on, throwing all three of his interceptions in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins did not score again after the hit. Tua finished the game 16/25 passing for 310 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

Tua has made great strides this year and made the Dolphins look like a real contender, but his health should be the priority for himself and the organization at this point. The Dolphins sit as the current seven-seat in the AFC playoff picture, putting them in Kansas City for the first round of the playoffs. This isn’t the only year that the Dolphins will have this Superbowl window open and need to prioritize Tua’s longevity if he is indeed their franchise QB.

Overreaction: Firing Hackett saves Russell Wilson and the Broncos.

After a disastrous 16-week tenure, the Broncos have moved on from Nathaniel Hackett after going 4-11. Hackett struggled in clock management and getting the Bronco’s offense going this season. The former Packers offensive coordinator did not bring any offense to Denver as the Broncos were dead last in points per game, points per play, 3rd down conversion percentage, and touchdowns per game. The Broncos could not muster more than a 15-point-per-game average.

The Bronco’s defense however was incredible. Holding opposing teams to 20 points per game and keeping the Broncos in close games down to the wire. The offense just couldn’t hack it and was the reason for so many losses this season. Wilson has been sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL, the atrocious play from the Bronco’s offensive line deserves some of the blame for Wilson’s lack of production in Denver this season.

The Broncos sold their soul for Russell Wilson in the offseason and are going to force this to work even if “Russ is cooked”. Denver is loaded with offensive weapons and would show flashes from time to time, the inconsistency to score and inability to get into the end zone decided their fate more than once this season.  The Broncos were supposed to shake up the hierarchy of the AFC West, but instead, continue to force a reload instead of a rebuild since winning Superbowl 50.

Overreaction this is Brady’s last postseason.

Tom Brady will go down as the greatest football player of all time, but it is clear to see he cannot carry the Bucs to a Superbowl. In his three-year stint in Tampa Bay, Brady has made it to the NFC Championship twice and won the Superbowl. He has added to his legacy and cemented himself as the NFL’s G.O.A.T.

However, the Buc’s current state is much more debilitated than the Superbowl winning team from two years ago. The Bucs lost almost their entire offensive line to season-ending injuries and have had multiple weapons on the injury report throughout the season. Yet Brady continues to be Bready, throwing for over 4,000 yards at 45 years old, with a TD/INT ratio of 21:9 Brady can still play.

Team debilitation aside, Brady and the Bucs are still in the driver’s seat to win the NFC South at 7-8 and need to win out to make the playoffs. This coupled with the instability of the NFC South could mean that Brady could see a few more postseasons, if his line and health hold up the Bucs could become real contenders again. The Bucs’ first postseason with Brady at the helm was a dog fights against Washington and Los Angeles in 2021 and had the offensive line been healthy this year I think their season would have looked quite different.

Not an Overreaction: Chiefs and Eagles is the best Superbowl matchup for 2023

Everyone wants their team to win it all, that is sports, but the best game available from the options in the NFL postseason is Chiefs vs Eagles. The Eagles have been the best team all year and despite a hiccup loss to the Commanders and a loss with their MVP-caliber quarterback the Eagles have been the best team in the NFL. Having the most pro bowlers selected 8 and the Chiefs are right behind them with 7.

Kansas City has the number one offense in the NFL and the Eagles have been top 5 in every major offensive category. In 2021 Ram’s vs Chiefs was at the top of everyone’s list for a Superbowl matchup and this matchup would be no different as both teams have high-powered offenses that would surely cause fireworks.

Not to mention the matchup would feature the two best QB’s from 2022 and most likely the NFL MVP vs the runner-up at Mahomes has the best odds (-550) to win the NFL MVP this year. Hurts is listed at (+1000) currently behind both Joe Burrow (+600) and Josh Allen (+1000). In terms of the best game available to the public Chiefs vs Eagles is number one in my book, followed by Bills vs Eagles, Bengals vs Eagles, Chiefs vs Vikings, and Cowboys vs Bills.

The post NFL Overreaction Tuesday, week 16: Dolphins need to shutdown Tua, Firing Hackett won’t save the Broncos, Brady’s last postseason and more.. appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Welcome the another NFL overreaction Tuesday, week 15 saw the greatest comeback in NFL history, records broken and teams’ playoff hopes eliminated. I break down week 15’s biggest overreactions and decipher which have some truth to them.

Not an Overreaction: Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL.

Justin Jefferson has been electric since entering the NFL but has taken his game to another level in 2022. Jefferson currently leads the NFL in reception (111) and receiving yards (1,623). Jefferson has been a major factor in each of the Viking’s 10 wins and was instrumental in their historic comeback against the Colts, tallying 12 catches for 123 yards and one touchdown, as the Vikings came back from a 33-0 deficit in the first half.

Jefferson has the potential to erupt at any point in the game, having five games with 10+ catches and nine games where he has gone over 100 yards. Jefferson holds the record for most receiving yards by a player in his first three seasons, which was formerly held by Randy Moss. With just nine more receiving yards he will break Moss’s single-season receiving record with the Vikings of 1,632. 

Jefferson has almost a 100-yard lead on Tyreek Hill for the NFL leader in receiving yards and has a 300-yard lead over Stefon Diggs who is in third place currently with 3 games left in the NFL season. The question isn’t whether is Jefferson the greatest receiver in the NFL, but whether will he be one of the greatest, if not the greatest to ever play the position.

Overreaction: Jalen Hurts should win the MVP over Patrick Mahomes.

As the regular season winds down eyes are starting to shift to the season awards and it’s currently a two-horse race for NFL MVP and these are their arguments.

Jalen Hurts has had a transformative season for the Eagles, taking them to first place in the NFC, having an MVP-caliber season, and a potentially deep run in the playoffs. Hurts has thrown for 3,472 yards and has a touchdown/interception ratio of 22:5. He has also rushed for 747 yards and 13 touchdowns through 15 weeks. Hurts has led the Eagles to a 13-1 record with their only loss coming at the hands of the Washington (7-6-1) Commanders 32-21. The addition of NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown has taken the Eagle’s offense and Hurts production to another level in 2022.

Patrick Mahomes lost Tyreek Hill in the offseason and the Chiefs opted for a quantity of weapons over quality. Bringing in Juju Smith-Shuster, and Marquez Valdez-Scantling, and trading for Kadarius Toney in the middle of the season, the Chiefs asked Mahomes to spread the ball around this season and it has paid dividends.

The Chiefs are 11-3 with a questionable loss to the Indianapolis Colts in week three of 20-17, their loss to the Bills in week four was 24-20 and their most recent 27-24 loss to the Bengals have all been one-score losses. Mahomes has thrown for 4,496 yards, (1,000 more yards than Hurts) thrown 35 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions (13 more touchdowns, but more than twice as many pics). Mahomes leads the NFL in passing yards and is 500 yards ahead of the next closest quarterback, he has also rushed for 313 yards and 3 scores.

Mahomes is on pace for 5,551 yards this season and would break the single-season passing record (5,477 yards) set by Peyton Manning in 2013. Mahomes and the Chiefs just secured their seventh straight division title and are fighting the Bills for the number one seat in the NFL playoffs. Mahomes has 1,000 more passing yards than Hurts and more total TDs, but Hurts has the better record and better TD/INT ratio and the number one seat locked up for his team. The award feels like Mahomes to lose with him having the best odds (-225) to win NFL MVP.

Overreaction: Trevor Lawrence was good all along

Trevor Lawrence has had a rocky start to his NFL career. With the failed Urban Meyer experiment Lawrence, who was graded as “the next Peyton Manning” coming out of Clemson struggled mightily in his first season. Completing just 59.% of his passes and throwing for 3,641 yards 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions Lawrence looked anything like a hall of fame to be QB.

A year later with Doug Peterson at the helm, calling the plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they have a real shot to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Lawrence has grown in year two but still has room for improvement before he lives up to the monumental expectations and standards he was compared to. Since Peterson has taken over Lawrence improved tremendously, throwing for 3,520 yards, completing 66% of his passes, and having a positive touchdown/interception ratio of 24:7.

In the NFL it isn’t just all on one player, as talented as they are they need the right system and players around them to succeed. Lawrence has had his struggles, but with the Jags trading for Calvin Ridley, it is clear they are all in on Lawrence and his future growth. If the Jaguars win out with three weeks left in the season, they will make the playoffs, Urban Meyer’s tenure as head coach will look even worse, and his legacy will be that he almost wasted a generational talent.

Not an Overreaction: The Lions could make the Playoffs.

The once 1-5 Detroit Lions are on the cusp of a playoff berth just one year into their rebuild. Dan Campbell and his coaching staff have completely transformed the culture of winning for the Lions this season. The Lions at one point had the number one offense in the NFL and the worst defense in the NFL, but since have found a way to win.

The Lions are 7-7 on a three-game win streak and face the Panthers, (5-9) Bears, (3-11) and the Packers (6-8) to close out their 2022 regular season. The Lions have already beaten the Packers and Bears before and would need to sweep both teams this season to maintain playoff contention. Detroit hasn’t swept the Packers and the Bears in the same season since 2017.

The Lions would need some help to sneak into the Playoff. Needing to finish 3-0 down the stretch and have the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks both lose once The Lions could reach the postseason for the first time since 2016. The Seahawks play the Chiefs next so they may get the first domino to fall and the Commanders have to play the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. There is a real chance for the Lions to control their destiny and make the playoffs this season.

What did you think of these overreactions? were there any that I missed? Comment below and give your feedback on Week 15.

The post NFL Overreaction Tuesday week 15: Justin Jefferson is the best receiver in the NFL, Trevor Lawrence was good all along, Hurts overtakes Mahomes for the MVP, Lions make the playoffs appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears couldn’t finish against the Packers

The Chicago Bears looked poised on Sunday to beat their rival for the first time in years. The Bears led 19-10 in the fourth quarter before giving up a couple of late scores to drop eight straight to the Green Bay Packers. The Packers didn’t have a great game plan, but quarterback Aaron Rodgers made enough plays to beat the Bears. He was helped by an efficient running game that gained 175 yards.

The Bears will drop to 3-10 as they head into their bye week. The loss wasn’t a complete bust for the Bears. The Bears’ offense looked competent for most of the game. Quarterback Justin Fields played well, and his wide receivers had their best game of the season. Here are three studs and duds from the Bears’ loss to the Packers in Week 13.

Studs

Justin Fields

Fields missed the Chicago Bears Week 12 game against the New York Jets. He was cleared to play earlier this week. Fields didn’t miss a beat as he picked up from where he left off against the Falcons by improving as a passer. Fields had 254 yards passing. He added another 71 on the ground.

Fields gave the Bears an excellent opportunity to beat the Packers. But the talent around him and conservative playcalling in the fourth quarter didn’t help Fields, or the Bears put the game away. (Fields threw two late interceptions where he had to force throws when the Bears trailed the Packers.)

Chicago Bears wide receivers

The Bears’ wide receivers corps had their best game of the season as a unit. They made some great grabs against a good Packers secondary. N’Keal Harry had a great route and catch against All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander for a 49 yard reception. (The drive ended in a missed field goal after three conservative play calls by offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Two runs and a short pass to David Montgomery.)

Equanimeous St. Brown was the Bears leading receiver with three catches for 85 yards. Chase Claypool caught five of his six targets for 28 yards. He was featured a lot in the first half before he suffered an injury. Claypool returned to the game but didn’t seem to be used in the same way the game plan called for before the injury. Cole Kmet, not a receiver but a solid pass catcher, added six catches for 72 yards to the passing attack.

LOL N’KEAL HARRY COOKED JAIRE https://t.co/AJPz4vXnQm

— alex (@highIightheaven) December 4, 2022

The Chicago Bears tank job

The loss dropped the Bears to 3-10. It will keep them near the top of next year’s draft board. They’re currently on course for the number two draft pick. They’re behind only the 1-9-1 Houston Texans, who the Bears have a tie-breaking win over. The Bears looked competitive without appearing to go out and beat the Packers.

The Bears’ conservative approach to offense and defense seemed like a franchise trying to lose. Or that could be Matt Eberflus’ system. There’s no way to tell with this team right now. The lack of talent on the roster makes it hard to evaluate anyone on this team. That’s the scariest part of watching the Bears this season.

Duds

Cairo Santos

Santos had a forgettable game against the Packers. The Chicago Bears kicker missed an extra point in the first half. He had a 40-yard field goal blocked in the fourth quarter that would have extended the Bears’ lead to 22-17. It was a low kick that was easily blocked by the Packers’ defense. There’s no reason the 40-yard kick had that low of a trajectory.

Chicago Bears penalties

The “S” in H.I.T.S. stands for playing smart. Nothing is smart about what these Bears are doing in December. The Chicago Bears’ secondary had several starters out with injuries against the Packers. They did well covering in the first half on the stat sheet. But they were aided by grabbing jerseys and not being called for pass interference or holding penalties.

When the Bears got flagged for those infractions in the second half, the defense gave up passing yards. The Bears had finished with five penalties for 63 yards. The Packers had just two penalties for 20 yards. The Bears should have had more. And the penalties that were called were the difference between the Bears snapping their losing streak to the Packers or waiting until next year.

Matt Eberflus

Eberflus said he wanted to play Fields if he was healthy because Eberflus is trying to win. He’s not winning. The Bears haven’t done that since October 24th. Eberflus and the Chicago Bears coaching staff risked Fields’ health to have him play in this game with a lineup missing many starters on offense and defense. Eberflus didn’t put the team in a position to succeed this season or in the future. The Playcalling set the Bears up to lose.

One wonders what the staff thinks Fields is learning this season with a poorly constructed roster. Many Bears starters against the Packers won’t be on the roster next September. If Eberflus wants to take risks on Fields’ future health to win games, he deserves to shoulder the blame when the Bears lose. And boy, are they finding ways to lose.

The post Three studs and duds from the Chicago Bears loss to the Packers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Justin Fields shows no injury designation on Chicago Bears report and will be ready for action on Sunday vs. the Packers.

After missing one week due to an injury on his non-throwing shoulder Justin Fields was a full participant in practice and looks to be the starter on Sunday. Regardless if fans think he should sit just to be sure the Chicago Bears and Fields himself have stated they want him to play when healthy.

Bears’ QB Justin Fields was a full participant in practice today for a second straight day and has no injury designation going into Sunday’s game vs. the Packers. Bears believe he’s good to go.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2022

The Chicago Bears play the Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field. A huge game in the eyes of the Bears and probably for Fields especially because he would love to beat Rodgers at home considering the game at Soldier Field last year. Rodgers has been dealing with injuries as well but reports show he is gearing up to play Sunday as well.

The post Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields is ready to play Sunday via injury report appeared first on ChiCitySports.

What is going on with the Green Bay Packers? We take a look ahead of Week 13 against the Bears

The Green Bay Packers came into the season with the fourth best odds to win the Super Bowl however with their loss Sunday to the Eagles they are 2.5 games behind Seattle for the final playoff spot in the NFC.

With only five games left this season, the Packers have a three percent chance of making the playoffs this season. What went wrong for the Packers this season? Here are some of my observations:

1. Injuries along the Offensive Line

The offensive line has been inconsistent because of the number of injuries along the offensive line. Coming into the season, the offensive line was dealing with an injury to left tackle David Bakhitari who suffered a torn ACL in December 2020 and struggled to return to the Packers in the 2021 season. He finally was ready to play in 2022 but has struggled to return to his Pro Bowl form. Bakhitari has only played 10 of the possible 35 games for the Packers the last two seasons. Also, right Tackle Elgton Jenkins missed the beginning of the season recovering from his own ACL tear in 2021.

Coming into the season the projected starting offensive line was supposed to be: Bakhitari, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Royce Newman and Jenkins. However, that lineup has only played four games and backups Yosh Nijman, Jake Hanson and Zach Tom have had to play because of injuries.

The effects of the injuries along the offensive line is that Aaron Rodgers has been sacked 24 times through 12 games which is more sacks than was allowed last season through 12 games and the Packers rank 15^th in offense after having a top 10 offense during their 13-4 2021 season.

2. “Brain Drain of the Coaching Staff”

Here is the initial offensive coaching staff of Matt Lafleur when he got hired in 2019 and where they are now:

It is not uncommon for coaching staffs to have turnover in the NFL but LaFleur has promoted from within and this coaching staff has struggled to develop the young talent on the roster and match the production from the previous seasons.

Nathaniel Hackett has been a disaster as the Broncos head coach but when he was the coordinator for this team they were finishing near the top in many offensive categories.

Current offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich has never called plays before this season and it shows. The Packers are averaging 19.6 points per game this season which is their lowest total since 2017.

3. Not Replacing Davante Adams

Former Packer wide receiver DaVante Adams accounted for 123 receptions, 1,553 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He accounted for 36% of the passing yards and 31% of the completions that the Packers had last season.

After the trade of Adams, the Packers drafted Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson in the 2022 NFL Draft, signed free agent Sammy Watkins and Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb were holdovers from the 2021 team. This group has not replaced the production of Adams, the Packers lead the league in dropped passes this season and has only 16 receiving touchdowns in 12 games.

For Packers fans, it has been a frustrating experience watching this young wide receiver group not being able to beat man coverage and defenses have figured that out as the Packers have faced the third most man to man coverage in the league.

4. Rush Defense

The Packers have the worst rush defense in the NFL and just gave up 363 rushing yards to the Eagles on Sunday night. The Packers have given up at least 120 yards rushing in ten out of twelve games this season.

The Packers ranked dead last in 1^st downs allowed by rushing, last in yards per carry and is on track to give up over 2,600 rushing yards which would be their worst performance as a run defense in over 10 years.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry in his second season as the defensive coordinator and is the coordinator of a defense that has seven first round draft picks so there is talent on this roster and they should be performing better, but fans of the team questioned why he has the job in the first place. Barry previously was the defensive coordinator for the Lions in 2008 when they ranked last in points and yards allowed. After the Lions went 0-16 in 2008, the entire coaching staff was fired.

After that he bounced around the league in different positions before landing with Washington as their defensive coordinator in 2015 and 2016. Washington ranked 28^th in yards allowed for both seasons and 17^th and 19^th in points allowed respectively.

After the 2016 season with Washington, he and the entire coaching staff was fired. His tenure in Green Bay has been as just as unimpressive and there are rumors already that he will be replaced at the end of the season.

Conclusion:

The Packers have made some mistakes that can be possible be corrected with changes on the coaching staff and some better injury luck. However, the roster will have to remain largely intact due to the salary commitments the team has already made.

According to Over The Cap, the Packers have a projected 5.3 million in cap space for next season. In addition, they also have to make a decision on backup quarterback Jordan Love. The Packers in the offseason have to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year option on Love which would raise Love salary to potentially $19.6 million dollars which is a lot to pay a backup quarterback who may not even play.

Recently, there has been talk about trading starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers but then they would be hampered financially if the veteran quarterback got traded in the offseason which would give the Packers $40.3 million in dead cap money.

This offseason, starting wide receiver Allen Lazard who leads the team in receiving yards will be a free agent, starting right tackle Elgton Jenkins will also be a free agent. Currently, the Packers are projected to have the 8^th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and there are some young wide receivers that are projected to available in that part of the draft.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst will have a lot of decisions in the offseason to get this team back to contending for a championship.

Let me know what you think of the article on Twitter.

You may also check Bears make surprising pass rushing cut Wednesday and NFL Insider has interesting theory on why former draft pick is getting cut

The post What happened to the Packers this season? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Bears could be looking to sign a Pro Bowl OL in the offseason

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line will need to be improved for the passing game to work. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and quarterback Justin Fields have done a great job moving the ball down the field the past few weeks without good pass protection. Fields has done it with his legs. The Bears might be interested in signing a Pro Bowl offensive lineman in free agency to help the passing attack.

Brad Spielberger with Pro Football Focus wrote about the top ten free agents for 2023. Spielberger names Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins as one of the best free agents expected to be available in the upcoming free agency period. They made the case that the Bears would likely be in the hunt to sign Jenkins:

The Chicago Bears with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy coming over from Green Bay this past offseason could not be a more ideal fit for his services, and they happen to have roughly $125 million in projected 2023 cap space at their disposal. If the Packers don’t work out an extension or place the tag on Jenkins, expect them to throw a literal bag at one of the league’s most versatile offensive linemen.

Jenkins would be a horrible signing for the Bears

The Bears will probably be aggressive in the free agency market for an offensive lineman. General manager Ryan Poles traded for wide receiver Chase Claypool knowing the pool for that position in free agency was bad. The Bears can skip that position in free agency and look for defense and offensive line help.

Jenkins isn’t a guy the Bears should consider. The 2020 Pro Bowl lineman sustained an ACL injury during the 2021 season. Before the injury, Jenkins took the place of All-Pro lineman David Bakhtiari and did well. Jenkins earned an 82.1 overall grade (the same grade for pass blocking) from Pro Football Focus in 2021.

However, Jenkins has not been the same since returning in 2022. He’s graded 67.7 overall for this season. Jenkins has been credited with giving up three sacks, 12 hurries, and 16 pressures. His pass-blocking grade is 59.4. He struggled mightily against the Cowboys in Week 10. In recent weeks, Jenkins’ poor play at tackle had the Packers coaching staff switch him over to left guard. He’s still not playing well at guard.

Besides the poor play, Jenkins is still marked as questionable to play pretty much week-to-week with teammate Bakhtiari. One doesn’t know how serious his knee injury is and if it will affect him in the future with the Bears. But he’s not going to the Pro Bowl this season and likely won’t return to one soon.

The Bears need a sure tackle

The Bears have plenty of options on the offensive line for their interior positions. The Bears need to pay a serious coin for only a Pro Bowl-worthy offensive lineman that can secure the left tackle position in pass blocking. (Potentially less money for a right-side tackle if rookie Braxton Jones can’t pass protect on the right either.)

Jenkins isn’t a sure thing to be a left tackle again. And he might not be able to stay healthy. The Bears have seen what happens this season when you have an offensive line unit full of guards who go down with injuries. The passing game suffers.

The post Bears forecasted to sign Packers Pro Bowl offensive lineman in free agency appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Welcome to NFL Overreaction Tuesday, for week 10 we witnessed the Eagles take their first loss, the Bills fail to win in overtime again after a wild finish against the Vikings and the Packers pull off a comeback win in OT. I break down if there’s more to these wins and losses than what shows on the scoreboard in this week’s Overreaction Tuesday.

Not an Overreaction: The Buffalo Bills can’t handle the clutch.

While Josh Allen is still looking for his first win in OT for his career, the Bills are by no means incapable of showing up in the biggest moments. Most notably, the Bills loss in overtime against the Chiefs in 2021, where Buffalo scored within less than a minute on an incredible 6-play 75-yard drive that gave the Bills a field goal lead with 13 seconds remaining. The Chiefs would tie the game with a field goal and Allen would never see the field in OT.

However, Sunday’s chaotic finish showed different signs of worry. After an incredible 4th and goal stand by the Bills defense, the offense took over from their 1/2-yard line, where Josh Allen fumbled the snap and the Vikings recovered for a touchdown. The Bills would get a shot in OT, but Allen would throw an awful red-zone interception to veteran corner Patrick Peterson.

Allen has characteristically been money inside the 20, posting just two interceptions in the red zone his entire career. After those 331 dropbacks, Allen has thrown an interception in the red zone in each of the Bills last three games. Allen is now completing 51% of his red-zone throws, which is down from 63.1% in 2020 and Allen also has the fourth-lowest passer rating among all qualified NFL quarterbacks in the red zone with 75.4 only behind the likes of Joe Flacco, Trevor Lawrence, and Russell Wilson.

All of the Bills losses come from three points or less and in all three losses the Bills had a chance to score and win the game. Allen is 0-4 in OT in his career, he and Buffalo will have to master the clutch if they want to maintain the status of Superbowl favorites.

Overreaction: The Eagles had a first-game exit in the Playoffs is eminent.

The Eagles’ hopes of an immortal 17-0 season were crushed on Monday Night Football with a loss to the somewhat lost Washington Commanders. The 32- 21 loss will leave fans scratching their heads and Eagles fan still upset at the problematic officiating of the MNF upset. A blown missed facemask call on the Eagles drive coupled with an egregious roughing the passer penalty in the final seconds of the game sealed the Eagles fate.

Now just because the perfect season is over, it does not mean the Eagles season is over. They are now tied with the Vikings for the best record in the NFC and if they win out would hold the tiebreaker over the Vikings for the top seat in the NFL playoffs. This slates them against the winner of the 6-7 seed teams, which if the season ended today it would be the winner of Cowboys-49ers.

A formidable matchup that would test the Eagles, but to say that the Eagles would automatically lose that game based on strength of schedule may be a stretch. As I have expressed in previous articles, the Giants and the Eagles have the two easiest schedules in the NFL. As nice as it is to have an easy schedule it also does not test the teams as hard as those who have a baptism by fire throughout the season.

Not an Overreaction: The Packers and Aaron Rodgers are back

It has been a tumultuous and vacillating season for the Packers since their star wide receiver Devonte Adams departure. The Packers sit at 4-6 on the season but got a big win against the Dallas Cowboys in overtime. Aaron Rodgers looked like the back-to-back NFL MVP connecting with rookie wide receiver Christian Watson for 3 scores. Rodgers was 14/20 with 224 yards and 3 touchdowns and was instrumental in the Packers’ 14-point comeback.

In previous articles, I had mentioned that the Packer’s model for success was surrounded by getting the running game going and allowing Rodgers to work off of play action more. Green Bay running back Aaron Jones racked up 138 yards on 24 carries and a score, while backup AJ Dillion managed 13 carries for 65 yards.

The biggest lift was from the defense picking off Dak Prescott twice in the first half, sacking him twice, holding the Cowboys scoreless for the 4th quarter, and turning them over on downs in OT. This made the Packer’s comeback possible and is what ultimately led them to the game-winning field goal in OT. Green Bay is toward the bottom of the NFL with only one takeaway per game, but have one of the best 3rd down defenses in the NFL allowing a 32.74% conversion.

The Packers have struggled to find consistency in the run game this season, but if they figure that out, don’t be surprised to see them as a bubble team come January.

Overreaction: Raiders blow the team up after this season.

Calling the Raiders season tumultuous and vacillating would be a compliment in comparison to how poorly the Raiders have played this year. Getting Devonte Adam was the final piece in their master plan to finally be relevant in the AFC again. Only for the Raiders to beat themselves and ruin their chances for any playoff appearance this year.

Las Vegas is allowing the highest red zone touchdown percentage in the NFL with opponents scoring touchdowns a whopping 74.41%. On top of their horrible red zone defense, the Raiders are a running game one trick on offense. When they cannot run the ball effectively with Jacobs they struggle to move the ball consistently and leave Derek Carr back to pass too many times. Carr is throwing 1.5 interceptions a game which is 5th worst in the NFL. 

With the exception of getting blanked 24-0 in October by the Saints. The Raiders have had a chance to win every game they have played this season. Every loss has been decided by less than 6 points so far this season. A year ago Las Vegas had one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. In the wake of former coach Jon Gruden’s exit 6 first-round picks for the Raiders are no longer on the team, or the team did not pick up their fifth-year option. Leaving the Gruden era as a glaring issue for the Raiders current and future struggles.

What were some of your overreactions from week 10? Do you agree with my overreactions? Let me know in the comment section below.

The post NFL Overreaction Tuesday week 10: Bill’s can’t handle the clutch, Raiders blow it up after this season, Packers and Aaron Rodgers are back on track, Eagles loss in the first round eminent? appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Five time All-Star, Joel Embiid moved to a 12-0 record against the Chicago Bulls in his NBA career and he had to rub it in with a reference

Joel Embiid feels on top of the world at the moment, and the reason is not far fetched. The Cameroonian hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 18.1 seconds remaining to help clinch the victory for the Philadelphia 76ers over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on Saturday.

He tallied 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists in the encounter and had the decisive bucket.

The All-Star has built up an impressively dominant track record against the Bulls, including a 12-0 record.

Following the game, Embiid posted a photo of his game-clinching shot on Instagram with the caption ‘Aaron Rodgers’.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joel "The Process" Embiid (@joelembiid)

The Green Bay Packers quarterback is known to have a dominant career record against the Chicago Bears, winning 23 of his 28 matchups against the division rival.

Rodgers, of course, went viral for yelling “I’ve owned you all my f****** life. I own you. I still own you. I still own you” to fans at Soldier Field after scoring a game-deciding touchdown in a win over the Bears in October 2021.

Rodgers has a 23-5 lifetime record against the Bears.

Through his career, Joel Embiid has averaged 29.1 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4 assists and 9.8 free throw attempts per game while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3-point range against the Bulls.

Joel Embiid is certainly a showman, and his post on social media could add a little extra motivation for the Bulls in their next matchup coming on Jan. 6, 2023.

The post Joel Embiid Trolls Chicago Bulls with Aaron Rodgers quote appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Welcome to the NFL’s Week 5 biggest overreactions and storylines broken down to sort out what is an overreaction and what has some truth to it.

Overreaction: Aaron Rodgers is on the way out in Green Bay.

After Sunday morning’s stunning loss to the New York Giants, Green Bay Packer fans may have had their football Sunday ruined before they woke up. The Packers lost to the now 4-1 New York Giants (27-22) dramatically, with the Giants scoring a go-ahead touchdown on a Saquan Barkley keeper with 6:12 left in the 4th quarter. The game was sealed for the Packers when Rodger’s hail Mary attempt with 7 seconds left was a strip sack recovered by Green Bay as time expired.

Rodgers has had his struggles early the past two seasons, starting 2021 with an embarrassing 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints and losing 2022’s opener 23-7 to the Minnesota Vikings. Games in which he did not throw for more than 200 yards and zero touchdowns, but sluggish starts should not have packers fans worried about Rodgers. After their wake-up call in week one of 2021 Rodgers went on to win the 2021 NFL MVP and the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Instead, Packers fans should be concerned with the lack of talent surrounding Rodgers and how it is being utilized. In their three wins this year running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon both had over 10 carries. Shocking, if you take the pressure off of your quarterback they typically play better. If the Packers want to see success this season the answer is already staring them in the face and it’s not Aaron Rodgers’s play needing to be better.

Not an overreaction: Officiating in wake of Tua’s injury has been abysmal.

Since Tua Tagovailoa’s horrific injury, the NFL has made a push on quarterback safety. This was evident Sunday in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons game, in which Tom Brady was sacked by Grady Jarrett and was awarded a roughing the passer penalty that stalled any hope of a comeback for Atlanta with three minutes to go.

Monday night football between the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders saw a similarly excessive roughing of the passer penalty against Chiefs NFL Pro Bowl defensive lineman Chris Jones. Jones had a strip sack of Raiders quarterback Derek Carr that was overturned due to the penalty.

This level of inaccuracy by officials has not been since the “Fail Mary” of 2012 and the egregious amount of pass interference penalties we saw in 2020. When the NFL has an agenda they let you know they are going to push it, no matter how much it may affect the outcomes of games. To the NFL the means are always justified by the ends.

Overreaction: The NFC East is the best division in the NFL.

Don’t let the records fool you, the NFC East is not the best division in the NFL. With the Philadelphia Eagles undefeated, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants sitting at 4-1 on paper they look like the best division in the NFL. With the exception of Washington being 1-4 the division is the most successful through five weeks of NFL football.

However, the entire division has a bottom 10 strength of schedule. The Giants and the Eagles have the easiest and second-easiest schedules in the NFL. The Commanders have the sixth easiest schedule and The Cowboys are tenth. It may look like the division is having great success and to each team, it is a credit to the coaches players, and their hard work, but to call it the best division in the NFL is a farce.

Not an overreaction: It’s a fire sale in Carolina.

After Monday’s news that Matt Rhule is out as Carolina Panthers Head Coach, the defensive coordinator Phil Snow and assistant special team coach Ed Foley. This comes after the Panther’s slow start to the 2022 season in which they have been ineffective to get their offense going. The Panthers rank dead last in third down conversion (24.2%) and last in yards per game (271.4).

With Rhule’s departure and the Panthers learning toward a rebuild several teams are inquiring about the availability of wide receiver D..J. Moore and if the Panther would be open to trading him. With Baker Mayfield out for several weeks, teams will also inquire about Panthers running back Christian McCaffery possibly being on the market as well. Carolina could look salary dump this offseason and start from square one.

Under Rhule, the Panthers were 11-27 never having more than five wins in Rhule’s three seasons as head coach. Rhule was only three years into his massive seven-year 62 million dollar contract and leaves the team in the hands of defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach Steve Wilks. Wilks was the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2018 and is expected to name Panthers defensive assistant head coach Al Holcomb as the new defensive coordinator for the Panthers.

We’re there any overreactions I missed? Did you agree or disagree with my assessments? Let me know in the comments below and share your overreactions from the NFL’s week 5.

The post Overreaction Tuesday: Officiating is the worst we’ve seen in 10 years, Aaron Rodgers is on the way out, the NFC East is the best division in the NFL appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Through 4 weeks of play the NFC North is starting to play out

After 4 weeks of NFL action, the NFC North is starting to separate. As it sits in this very moment the Minnesota Vikings are in first place with a 3-1 record and the tiebreaker over also 3-1 Green Bay. The Chicago Bears sit in third place at 2-2 and the Detroit Lions round out the NFC North at the bottom at 1-3.

Detroit Lions

Through 4 weeks of play, the Lions are 1-3. Most football fans will see the standings and say “that makes sense, the lions belong in the cellar of the NFC North.” While it’s no secret that the past has not been friendly to Detroit, this Lions team is actually a few big plays away from being in 1st in the north.

They lost to the now 4-0 Eagles by 3, they lost to the 1st place Vikings by 4, and in week 4 the Lions lost to a competitive Seahawks team by 3 once more. The problem for the Lions has been the defense. If this defense figures it out and starts clicking, watch out because the Lions are proving they have one of the most explosive offenses in all of football.

Week 5 matchup: @ New England

Chicago Bears

The Bears are 2-2 and sit in third place of the NFC North after 4 weeks. The focus of the team has been the performance and progression of Quarterback Justin Fields. Fans are starting to become frustrated and for good reason. Fields is averaging under 100 passing yards a game which is most certainly not what fans expect from their potential Quarterback of the future.

In order for the Bears to have any success this season it is vital that the Bears passing game wakes up. Regardless of the Bears strong rushing attack the Bears need to be able to throw the ball because if they don’t they will become a one dimensional offense and have a very hard time moving the ball up the field. The Bears will have a tough test in week 5 going to Minnesota in a very harsh environment. Hopefully this is the week everything clicks for Fields and the rest of the Bears offense.

Week 5 matchup: @ Minnesota

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings bounced back after a poor showing Monday night in week 3 against Philadelphia with a nail biter of a win in London against the New Orleans Saints. The Vikings won their week 4 matchup 28-25 with a last minute field goal and the Saints double do-inking their game tying field goal attempt.

Justin Jefferson has continued to shine for Minnesota with yet another strong performance in week 4. Through 4 weeks Jefferson is 4th in receiving yards with 393 yards through the air and is averaging a whopping 14 yards per catch. The Bears are going to have their hands full with Jefferson ahead of their week 5 bout.

Week 5 matchup: Chicago

Green Bay Packers

The reigning NFC North champs are sitting at 3-1 through 4 weeks of play. The Packers managed to escape with an overtime win at home against New England 27-24. The Packers could very well be 1-3 if it wasn’t for Aaron Rodgers. They did not show up in week 1. Their only sound win so far in the season came in week 2 against Chicago. They barely beat the Buccaneers and squeaked by New England at home.

This Packers team seems weaker than years past. Whether it’s the departure of all pro receiver Davante Adams or something else, something seems to be missing from this year’s Packers team. They have been relying heavily on their rushing attack which is one of the best in the league so far and is strange when you have an MVP QB.  Only time will tell if another team will dethrone the Packers as NFC North champs.

Week 5 matchup: @london vs NY Giants

The post NFC North: A look at the division through week 4 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The NFC North is in a deadlock through two weeks

Through two weeks of high octane action packed football, there’s a four way tie in the NFL’s “black and blue” division. All teams are 1-1 and although the season just started, the NFC North’s four way tie through 2 weeks raises some pretty compelling questions about how the rest of the season could play out.

Detroit Lions

The biggest question among the NFC North is in fact the Detroit Lions. For years the Lions have been not only a laughing stock among the rest of the NFC North teams, but the entire NFL as a whole. So far through two weeks the Lions seem significantly better. They lost a nail bitter to the now 2-0 Philadelphia Eagles in week 1 38-35, a game that could have gone either way. In week 2 the Lions beat the Washington Commanders 36-27.

What has stood out the most about the Lions so far in 2022 is the possible game changer they have on their hands, second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson collected 3 sacks in Detroit’s week 2 win over Washington. Watch for Hutchinson to continue to show why he was the NO.2 overall pick. The Lions could have very well be alone in 1st place, they aren’t the pushover they used to be.

Week 3 matchup: @Minnesota

Chicago Bears

The Bears are in year 1 of a rebuild leaded by the Raw talent that is Justin Fields. All eyes have been on Fields through two weeks and so far, Fields has not lived up to expectations. Especially after his week 2 performance in Green Bay, a game in which he only threw the ball 11 times. It seems like the Bears coaching staff doesn’t quite trust Justin Fields they way they would like just yet. Don’t worry just yet Bears fans, give Fields a couple more weeks to get his feet wet, I mean the guy hasn’t even played a full NFL season yet. Justin Fields will be just fine in due time.

Although the Bears have acknowledged they are in a rebuild, some fans think the team is better than a “rebuilding team” and this may be true. The Bears pulled off a gutsy upset against the San Francisco 49ers in week 1 which just proves, when this team is right, they can hang with the NFC’s best. Don’t be surprised if Fields and the rest of the Bears pull of more upset wins going forward.

Week 3 matchup: Houston

Minnesota Vikings

You truly never know what team you are gonna get with the Vikings. One week they show flashes of being among the NFC’s best like they did week 1 by easily handling Green Bay, the next they lay an egg and only muster one TD with an explosive offense against the Eagles whom barely beat the new look Lions. The Vikings are also a team that has been a laughingstock of the NFL whether it be missed kicks or just miserable let downs. This team seems to be stuck in a dreaded gray area between rebuilding and going for it.

The Vikings will truly never go that far as long as Kirk Cousins is at the helm. After Monday night’s loss to the Eagles, Kirk Cousins laughable Monday night record falls to 2-10. No matter what the stats on paper say, Cousins just seems to flounder under the lights, which is not a recipe for success come January.

Week 3 matchup: Detroit

Green Bay Packers

The reigning NFC North champs are off to a mixed start in 2022. In week 1 the packers simply didn’t show up to play against the Vikings. Recivers were dropping passes, Justin Jefferson absolutely dominated the Packers secondary, and Aaron Rodgers was running for his life. Overall it was a poor showing for Green Bay. They managed to bounce back in week 2 with a win in their home opener against the Bears, a game that never really seemed all that close with a final score of 27-10.

As much as we’ll hate to admit it, the NFC North currently runs through Green Bay. How could it not? The packers have won the north three years in a row. Until another member of the NFC North wins the division everyone in the NFL will view the Packers as the best team in this division.

Week 3 matchup: @Tampa Bay

The post NFC North: A look at the division through Week 2 appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Darnell Mooney hasn’t done much for the Chicago Bears this season

Darnell Mooney’s name hasn’t been said much on Chicago Bears broadcasts this season. The third-year wide receiver wanted to get his respect as the Bears’ number one receiver this season. The problem for Mooney, he has four total receiving yards this season.

Mooney had -4 yards receiving in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers. That’s an abysmal night for an NFL’s number one wide receiver in 2022. A casual fan might think Mooney had an off night against the Packers. Maybe, but Mooney caught one pass in Week 1 for eight yards. Mooney has two catches for four yards through two games this season.

Mooney’s numbers are indicative of the Chicago Bears’ design on offense

Mooney’s numbers were low, but it wasn’t like the Bears had many attempts passing in Week 2. Quarterback Justin Fields threw the ball 11 times against the Packers. Mooney was only targeted twice. He was targeted three times against the San Francisco 49ers.

Mooney’s numbers stand in contrast to the 2021 season. Mooney led the Bears in receiving with 1,055 yards. He was targeted 140 times last season. Mooney is currently on pace to have 43 targets this season. That largely seems like that’s the design on the offense.

Some of Mooney’s routes are odd if you watch the tape. The Bears’ opening drive of the third quarter had Mooney cross inside before reverse. The action was slow, and Mooney, who ran a route shallow of the first down, didn’t create enough separation to get open before Fields was pressured.

On the next play, a third down, we see Mooney help left tackle Braxton Jones block before he takes off to the left on another route shallow of the first down. Notice how many skilled players protect the pass on this play against a four-man pass rush.

Week 1 might not be an anomaly for the Chicago Bears

Week 1’s numbers appeared to be a little skewed because people thought they watched a modern NFL offense needing to overcome a heavy rainstorm. Nope. The offense is designed to run the ball and not to put the ball into the hands of their wide receivers. The running game was the only positive offense the Bears had against the Packers.

The Bears need to find a way to scheme a passing offense this year. While the Bears attempted to come back on the heels of running back David Montgomery, the run game chewed up the clock and gave the Bears fewer chances to come back from being down 17 points.

The post Chicago Bears 2021 leading receiver has 4 yards in two games appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears got the short end of a questionable call

The Chicago Bears were about the make the 4th quarter a little more interesting Sunday night. The Bears were driving down the field in an attempt to bring the Green Bay Packers’ 24-10 lead to within one score. On fourth-and-goal, quarterback Justin Fields took a shotgun run up the middle and appeared to cross the goal line. The officials marked Fields down short of the endzone.

Touchdown or No? #Bears #Packers pic.twitter.com/kWLW0LdvgE

— NFL Unlimited (@NFLUnlimited) September 19, 2022

That play looks like it ended in a touchdown to me.

Bears challenge, get punked by the officials, fans respond

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus challenged the play. Upon review, the officials ruled that the play would stand, and the Packers took over the ball. The game was pretty much over at that point.

Bears fans were upset by the decision. Replays on TV and pics on the internet appear to show FIelds with the football across the white end zone line. Fans quickly took to Twitter to vent their frustration at being robbed of the chance to come back against the Packers.

I’m sayin.. https://t.co/UCLdFoETSG

— RollinStoned (@ChiTown_Duke) September 19, 2022

https://t.co/Z6bz3FW9ls

— Gradon 117 (@fuller86) September 19, 2022

Annual tradition. https://t.co/jDm93En91f

— JT (@jateyice) September 19, 2022

Not in Green Bay. They also don't get called for holding…or false starts…or 12 men on D. https://t.co/GvHcSZ3Y7W

— Bryon (@BryonLear) September 19, 2022

Robbed of a touchdown! https://t.co/AH0yngMAk5

— JH (@TheJSizzle3) September 19, 2022

This shit is so frustrating. YEAR AFTER YEAR AFTER YEAR https://t.co/U12UQ2O4qx

— Trist▲n (@fucktristan) September 19, 2022

That’s a god damn td https://t.co/ucpLFY5rEN

— Chase lanky (@theReallanky) September 19, 2022

"We can't see the ball clearly breaking the plane"

Clearly circles the ball BREAKING THE PLANE. https://t.co/DVvJCdtK95

— Sports/Whiskey/Smokes (@OsoBear70) September 19, 2022

The post Chicago Bears fans upset by no touchdown call at goal line appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Justin Fields says he can take some things from Aaron Rodgers’ game

I personally cannot stand(like many) the infamous villain that is Aaron Rodgers. But man is he good and in order to play like the best you have to watch and learn from the best right? This is the exact mindset that Justin Fields has on Rodgers regardless of the no love lost bond between their two respective teams.

Via the Chicago Sun-times

I like how he plays quarterback — that’s just me being real,” Fields told the Sun-Times. “I know we have a big rivalry and of course I want to beat him, but that’s just what it is.

Just looking at things he does well, like get the ball out fast,” Fields said. “Just his footwork. He’s great at that. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback, so there are a lot of things I can take from his game and try to incorporate into mine, for sure.

I know Bears fans can’t stand Aaron Rodgers but is it necessarily a bad thing for Fields to take notes and soak up anything he can learn from watching Rodgers play? I don’t think so, only time will tell how high Justin Fields ceiling truly is but if he can ball anything like a four time NFL MVP im sure Bears fans wouldn’t mind at all.

The post Justin Fields is soaking up all he can from future Hall of Fame QB appeared first on ChiCitySports.

David Bakhtiari the All-Pro offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers is out for the second week in a row.

David Bakhtiari has been recovering from a knee injury and still isn’t ready to suit up against the Chicago Bears according to a report from Packer Central.  Bakhtiari will miss his second game of the season and will give Robert Quinn and the rest of the Bears’ defensive ends the chance to tee off on Aaron Rodgers.

Last week the Bears’ pass rush had a very strong game against the San Francisco 49ers with Trevis Gipson racking up five QB pressures, and Dominique Robinson grabbing 1.5 sacks the most by a rookie in his Bears debut.

To say that the Bears will be foaming at the mouth at the chance to get to Rodgers with David Bakhtiari out may be an understatement.  The Bears’ best chance in this game will be hitting Aaron Rodgers by taking advantage of a weakened offensive line.

The post With David Bakhtiari out in week 2, Bears pass rush has big chance vs. Aaron Rodgers appeared first on ChiCitySports.

The Chicago Bears take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 2 as we have our keys to victory

The Chicago Bears will meet with the Green Bay packers for the 205th time this Sunday night under the lights at Lambeau Field. The Bears have dropped six straight to their division rival and are looking to start the 2022 season 2-0.

In order for this to happen the Bears have to do three things.

1. Win the running game

Last week against the 49ers the bears were out-rushed by 77 yards and rushed for 99 yards on 37 attempts. This is usually not a formula for success, however the Bears were able to take advantage of the 9ers mistakes and still come-out on top. Winning the running game against the Packers will prove very fruitful to Chicago. It will 1.keep Rodgers off the field, 2.control the clock edge, and 3. put pressure on Green Bay’s offense to make something happen. The Packers have two very talented backs in A.J Dillion and Aaron Jones so allowing 176 yards on the ground Chicago did last week will make it very hard to win.

2. Take advantage of the Weakened Packers

It’s no secret after the Packers performance last week vs the Vikings that they are severely banged up on the O-line. Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times and did not reach 200 passing yards, he was practically running for his life the whole game. The injury report is not that much better for Green Bay this week with their matchup vs Chicago looming.

Starting tackle David Bakhtiari and pro bowl tackle Elgton Jenkins are both listed as questionable in the last packers injury report. Chicago’s D-line must take advantage of the Packers O-line being banged up.

Last week Chicago’s interior Lineman did not receive a PFF grade higher than 60.3. The lowest belonging to Angelo Blackson at 30.1. Even if the Bears D-line doesn’t improve much from last week, any improvement will surely be noticeable after a horrid showing vs the 49ers.

The Bears must put the pressure on Rodgers in order to be victorious. Look for Bears rookie Dominique Robinson to add to 1.5 sack total in week 2.

3. Set the tone early

Fans can remember recent games against the Packers in which the Bears found themselves out of the game come halftime. If the defense can force another early turnover like they did last week against the 49ers and capitalize on penalties, the Bears can maybe turn the tables on the Pack and put them in a hole and make them play catch-up for once.

This game is an opportunity for the Chicago Bears to show the rest of the NFL that they are for real this year. Going into Lambeau and coming out victorious with a young QB against Aaron Rodgers would be a huge confidence booster for the squad. If Chicago hones in on these three keys, they should find themselves atop the North come Monday.

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The Green Bay Packers might have both starting OT’s out

The Green Bay Packers looked dismal on offense in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers were missing several starters at wide receiver and on their offensive line due to injuries before and during the game. The offensive line was especially hit hard. Starting tackles (left) David Bakhtiari and (right) Elgton Jenkins did not play against the Vikings.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers felt plenty of pressure sans the veteran tackles. Rodgers was sacked four times for 33 yards. He struggled to buy enough time to throw the ball downfield. Rodgers finished with less than 200 yards passing and had no touchdown passes. It appears the Packers might be without Bakhtiari and Jenkins again.

The Green Bay Packers need help on the offensive line

The Green Bay Packers thought Bakhtiari could come back before Week 1. It looks as if his rehabbing is going slower than the team was hoping for. Bakhtiari appears to have taken a step back per the Packers injury report released Thursday. He was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice but did not participate Thursday.

#Packers – #Bears Thursday injury report. pic.twitter.com/9WijNLJW54

— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) September 15, 2022

Jenkins is still trying to come back from an ACL injury he sustained last season. He’s been a limited participant in practice. But if that doesn’t change Friday, he likely won’t be playing in Week 2 against the Bears. The Bears could catch a major break by having both tackles out. (The Green Bay Packers might lose more depth on the offensive line with offensive guard Jon Runyan not participating from a concussion injury.)

Replacing Bakhtiari and Jenkins will not be easy, as was shown last week. Bakhtiari is a two-time first-team All-Pro offensive tackle. Jenkins is a Pro Bowl offensive tackle. The Packers could be looking toward playing their rookie Zach Tom to play in one of their steads, as the starting combination for the Packers was not sufficient in Week 1.

The Bears’ defensive line could be licking their chops

The Bears look like they could have an edge in the matchup between their defensive line and the Packers’ weakened offensive line. The Bears will have defensive end Robert Quinn, attacking likely backup offensive tackles. Bears rookie Dominique Robinson, who recorded 1.5 sacks in Week 1, would also benefit from charging against this depleted unit.

A healthy defensive line against a disheveled offensive unit could give the Bears an excellent chance to keep the Packers’ points at a premium in their quest for an upset win over their division rival.

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The Chicago Bears look to end Aaron Rodgers and the Packers reign over them.

It’s no secret that Aaron Rodgers has utilized his Discount Double Check celebration to a great extent when facing the Chicago Bears. Boasting a 22-5 record against the Bears, Rodgers will look to continue his domination come Sunday Night. However, this is arguably the worst core of receivers that Rodgers has had in recent memory, and no amount of magic mushrooms can fill the hole that Devonte Adams has obviously left within the Packers wide receiver room.

Boy, I hope Aaron Rodgers has figured out how to throw passes to himself because if not, Packers' games are going to look a whole lot like playing fetch with my dog (miss you Lucy).

— Dick Butkus (@thedickbutkus) August 27, 2022

The Bears are coming off a thrilling win against Trey Lance and the 49er’s, where the defense was the star of the show in a game the Niner’s were favored by almost a full touchdown. Now, Trey Lance and Aaron Rodgers are on two different levels, but it is always a positive to see a defense keep a budding young star to 166 passing yards. Hopefully Roquan Smith and Chicago can bring that same energy and keep Rodgers and company from celebrations like this one:

"I STILL OWN YOU." – Aaron Rodgers to Bears fans pic.twitter.com/7S0cuzXJAG

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 17, 2021

Path of Victory for the Bears:

Being picked as 10 point underdogs, the professionals in Vegas aren’t giving Chicago a very well paved path, but they are giving a path nonetheless. To reach the ultimate end goal of a win, the Bears are going to have to keep some things steady while changing others from their Week 1 dub.

Make the Most of the Packers IL

The Packers are hurting right now, mentally and physically. 3 of the 5 starting offensive lineman for the Pack are listed as questionable as of Thursday, and even if they play on Sunday, they most likely won’t be 100%. This isn’t good for an aging Rodgers, as mobility is not what it used to be. These factors only add to the pain of not having a healthy Allen Lazard on the field, who would be one of Rodgers top receiving targets. Packers head coach Matt LeFluer acknowledged in last week’s post game interview that it was his fault running back Aaron Jones didn’t receive the carries they would have liked, so expect a heavy running game come Sunday night. 

Fields Needs to Figure It Out

There is no reason Justin Fields should be considered one of the bottom quarterbacks in the league, yet he is. The skill set this guy has should allow him to rival more mobile quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Russel Wilson. 8 completed passes for 121 yards might cut it against the 49er’s, but that number needs to be upped if the Bears want a chance at beating Green Bay. Justin Jefferson showed last week that this Packer defense has holes, with 184 receiving yards, and it is up to Fields to get the ball to his receivers to find those holes. 

Defense Keep It Up

The ability to get pressure on Rodgers is going to be the make or break to this game. The future Hall of Famer is already down after his first outing without game changer Devonte Adams, and is most likely feeling the woes of having to use a much less talented receiving core. If the defense can get to him early, and contain the two headed rushing attack of Jones and Dillion, the pressure could weigh enough on Rodgers to get him out of his rhythm. 

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have owned the Bears, and with only 2 wins in the last 17 matchups, Chicago shouldn’t be too thrilled about heading into Cheese Head territory. However, this Green Bay team is not the powerhouse of years past, and Chicago just may have enough up their sleeve to reach the top of this uphill battle.

The post Aaron Rodgers’ 22-5 Fatherhood Looks to Be Emancipated By the Bears appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Aaron Rodgers doesn’t want to face a second-team All-Pro linebacker

Aaron Rodgers had made easy work of the Chicago Bears in recent history. The Green Bay Packers quarterback has led the team to six straight wins against the Bears. The back-to-back MVP is also 22-5 all-time against the Bears. But that doesn’t mean Rodgers isn’t concerned about the Bears defense he’ll be facing in Week 2.

The Packers had a poor showing in their Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Rodgers and the offense were out of sync. The Packers’ offense finished the game with only seven points on the board. The wide receiver play for the Packers was dreadful. Their offensive line sustained injuries on a unit that was missing two starting tackles. The lack of talent on the Packers’ offense seems to be unsettling Rodgers recently.

Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Rodgers hinted to the media Wednesday that he wanted a different outcome in the Roquan Smith holdout during training camp.

Aaron Rodgers said today that he wouldn’t have minded if the Bears traded Roquan Smith during training camp.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 14, 2022

Rodgers would probably rest a little easier this week if a trade had happened.

Smith’s style of play impresses opponents

Since Smith was drafted onto the team, Aaron Rodgers has thrown 19 touchdowns against the Bears defense. But it appears that Rodgers deeply appreciates Smith’s reputation as an elite linebacker in the league. Smith recently made comments praising the Packers’ future Hall of Fame quarterback. Per Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune, Smith said Rodgers is one the best football players of all time.

Roquan Smith talks Aaron Rodgers: "The guys is obviously one of the greatest to ever play. As a competitor myself, I love going against people like that. I'm sure he'll be a little pissed off after this last game. But hey, you wouldn't want it any other way."

— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) September 12, 2022

Aaron Rodgers and Smith appear to have respect for each other’s game. So far, Rodgers has had the better of the two in games. This Packers team had some cosmic holes in their roster and strategic approach exposed in their Week 1 loss to the Vikings. Hopefully, Smith’s experience and presence can help the defense shut down this Packers offense. It might be the Bears’ best crack to beat the Packers in years.

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The QB School recognized Justin Fields for his gritty performance in win against 49ers

The Bears win over San Francisco showed the Bears are better than you think. Head Coach Matt Eberflus’s principles were on display and the Bears gave happiness to their fanbase on a crummy day. Second-year QB Justin Fields only completed eight of his 17 pass attempts. However, he led two scoring drives in the second half which were pivotal to Chicago turning it around after a scoreless first half.

Fields play drew positive reviews from The QB School. He praised Fields athleticism and ability to create when there was nothing. For example, when Fields connected with Dante Pettis to open the scoring for the Bears was all in his ability to extend the play and make something out of nothing.

It definitely was not a pretty game for the Bears offense, especially after entering halftime with zero points. Moreover, Darnell Mooney only had one catch while Cole Kmet had zero. Two of Chicago’s bigger playmakers were shut down, but Fields found others like Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown. It was the mentality Fields had throughout the game that turned the tables for the Bears offense. 

Bears QB Justin FIelds after a win on a rainy day and a drenched field:

“Coach always says it’s mental and physical stamina. Who can play the longest the hardest? Just play every play. I think we won this game with mental and physical stamina.”

— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) September 11, 2022

Chicago still has plenty of work to do but a week one win will set the momentum as the Bears head into enemy territory next Sunday against the Packers. For now, the Bears should celebrate an electric home opener win with Fields and Co. firing up the Soldier Field crowd as they slide through the rain puddles.

This is so awesome @justnfields (via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/NfT8EFwvdW

— Overtime (@overtime) September 11, 2022

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Green Bay Packers’ loss hurt them in more ways than one

A good football Sunday = Chicago Bears win + Green Bay Packers loss. Bears fans got their gift Sunday with a win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Packers got smoked by the Minnesota Vikings 23-7. The win puts the Bears tied with the Vikings at the top of the NFC North standings. For now.

A huge test for the Bears is coming up this week on Sunday Night Football against a reeling Packers team. But the game won’t have the stakes many analysts thought it would. The Bears came into the season one game ahead of the Packers as the winningest team in the NFL. A nifty performance from quarterback Justin Fields and poor wide receiver play by the Packers assured the Bears’ record will be safe Sunday night.

A fortunate win for the Bears

The Green Bay Packers have gotten the best of the Bears recently. The Packers have won six straight against the Bears. The Packers have an 8-2 edge on the Bears on SNF. While the winningest team is more for sports fans and the organization’s pride, this game will still have stakes for the players and coaches.

The Bears, underdogs at the beginning of the season to win seven games, find themselves in Week Two as a dark horse candidate for a Wild Card spot. The Packers will come into the contest 0-1. For a team with national analysts screaming Super Bowl contender, the team can’t afford to start 0-2 with both losses against divisional opponents.

Of course, there’s also the rivalry. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has run his mouth over the years about beating the Bears and divisional rivals. Bears second-year quarterback Justin Fields has made it known his two goals are to win a Super Bowl and beat the Packers.

The post Bears win keeps Green Bay Packers from achieving this feat next Sunday appeared first on ChiCitySports.

We preview the 2022 Green Bay Packers as our NFC North preview concludes

We save the best for last. I thought it would be fun to look at the other teams in the NFC North, and what we can expect from them this upcoming season. With football less than a week away, we take a look at the best team in the division, the Green Bay Packers. You can read my Detroit Lions preview here and Minnesota Vikings preview here.

2021 Recap

Record: 13-4

vs Bears: 2-0

Memorable Moments: A strange way to lose in the playoffs, at home.

2022 Off-Season

Notable additions:

Wide Reciever Sammy Watkins (1 year, 1.85 Million)

Wide Reciever Christian Watson (NFL Draft)

Wide Reciever Romeo Doubs (NFL Draft)

Linebacker Quay Walker (NFL Draft)

Major Losses:

Wide Reciever Davante Adams (Traded to Las Vegas Raiders)

Wide Reciever Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Signed with Kansas City Chiefs)

Linebacker Za’Darius Smith (Released, signed with Minnesota Vikings)

2022 Preview

vs Bears – Week 2 @ Green Bay, Week 13 @ Chicago

The kings of the (NFC) north are once again favored to win the division and possibly come out of the NFC, but the Green Bay Packers of 2022 will be quite different from the teams we’ve seen since head coach Matt LaFleur took over in 2019.

While it was assumed that Quarterback Aaron Rodgers would be looking elsewhere after the season, it was Rodgers who signed an extension in the off-season, a 4-year, 200 million contract and it was his star Wide Reciever Davante Adams who was shipped off to the Las Vegas Raiders in a shocking move. Why are they still favored to be one of the best in the NFC still? Rodgers, of course, but they have the skill players to tune their offense with a strong defense behind them.

Green Bay Packers Offense

With Adams now out of the picture, the days of consistent 3-4 play-scoring drives are gone. Running backs Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are currently the best players on the offensive side sans Rodgers, and I expect Matt LaFleur to use them in both the running and passing game.

Aaron Jones is coming off a 171 rush, 799-yard rushing season, also adding 52 receptions and 391 yards, with 10 total touchdowns. That’s a great duel-threat season, and those numbers should increase with more responsibility in the offense.

Green Bay’s bruiser, AJ Dillon, finished 2021 with 187 rushing attempts, 803 yards with 34 receptions, 313 yards, and 7 total touchdowns. NFL circles love Dillon and what he can show off in his 3rd season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if both backs finish with around 1,500 total yards and 10 touchdowns each.

On the outside, it feels more by committee with no bonafide #1 receiver on the roster. Allen Lazard should get the most opportunity to earn that #1 spot, but rookie receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs should both be on his heels. Watson is physically gifted at 6’5 while Doubs is no slouch himself at 6’2, and with more reps between them and Rodgers, they could be making a splash sooner rather than later.

Green Bay Packers 2022 Defense

Most of the defense is intact from 2021, with their 2022 draft additions Quay Walker and Devante Wyatt to give them flexibility in terms of defensive schemes. Walker specifically, has the speed and the strength at the Linebacker position to where he can be on the field in both their passing and running sets.

Cornerback Jaire Alexander leads their secondary, Rashan Gary and Gary Clark lead the linebackers, and Kenny Clark is the leader on the D-Line. This is an elite defense that has a great opportunity to finish in the top 5 if they have no major losses.

Outlook

Much to Bears fans’ dismay, their greatest rival is on-par to have another good season and should be in the mix in a wide-open NFC conference. Aaron Rodgers isn’t going anywhere for presumably the rest of his career, which gives him a couple of more chances to own the l̶i̶b̶s̶ Chicago.

The post Within the NFC North: 2022 Green Bay Packers Preview appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Aaron Rodgers mocks NFC North rivals

Aaron Rodgers has talked a lot of crap over the years. Last season, Rodgers taunted a Chicago Bears fan during the Packers’ win at Soldier Field. Rodgers aimed at all three divisional rivals Wednesday.

The Packers’ string of success makes it easy for Rodgers to make comments at their expense. Since 2011, the Packers have won eight divisional championships. It’s a trend that many analysts believe will continue in 2022.

Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, Rodgers hammered the teams’ previous success home:

“All the other teams in the NFC North, it seems like every single year, I think their fanbase and their teams feel like, ‘This is our year to win the North.’

“Hasn’t really been the case during my time, for the most part.”

Aaron Rodgers in the locker room today:

"All the other teams in the NFC North, it seems like every single year, I think their fanbase and their teams feel like, 'This is our year to win the North.'

"Hasn't really been the case during my time, for the most part."

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 7, 2022

Aaron Rodgers can back that up

Rodgers currently owns a 56-21-1 advantage over the NFC north during his career. A lot of those wins, 22, have come against the Bears. So the comments aren’t entirely off base.

Bears quarterback Justin Fields has said one of his goals is to beat the Packers. It would be nice if the second-year quarterback could upset the Packers in Week Two. The Bears might have the winningest title record on the line for the Sunday Night Football matchup. One could only imagine what Rodgers would boast if the Packers claimed that title over the Bears in Week Two.

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Dick Butkus isn’t impressed with the Packers’ wide receivers

Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus taunted Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers Recently. Butkus was one of the fiercest linebackers ever to play in the NFL and knows a little about stopping opposing offenses.

He made a lot of interceptions when he played for the Bears from the 1965-1973 seasons. Dick Butkus seems to be salivating now at what opposing defenses can do with the Packers have as weapons at the wide receiver position. He made a joke on Twitter at Rodgers’ expense:

Boy, I hope Aaron Rodgers has figured out how to throw passes to himself because if not, Packers' games are going to look a whole lot like playing fetch with my dog (miss you Lucy).

— Dick Butkus (@thedickbutkus) August 27, 2022

I’ll bet Butkus wishes he could line up against Rodgers this season. I want to that too. The Bears could use a mean defender like Butkus to smack some bodies in the Packers’ offense and take the ball away from Rodgers.

The stakes will be high when the Bears and Packers meet on Sunday night football in Week Two. The Packers may have a chance to take the winningest record away from the Bears. I’d be a little leary of taunting Rodgers, though. He and the Packers have had the Bears’ number for several years.

Rodgers has called out his young wide receivers recently. But I’d assume that Rodgers can still use his talent to elevate the offense into a winner this season. That’s something the Bears hope Justin Fields will be able to do soon.

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The Chicago Bears looked disciplined in the preseason

The Chicago Bears finished their preseason on a positive note Saturday. They escaped Cleveland with a 21-20 win to cap off an undefeated preseason. Undefeated preseasons don’t mean much (as Mike Martz would tell any football fan about the 2008 Detroit Lions), but the subtle way the Bears are playing is impressive.

Former head coach Matt Nagy didn’t seem to control his locker room well when he was with the Bears. The team looked unprepared for games and undisciplined during them. First-year head coach Matt Eberflus has said he emphasizes details and discipline in his system. One area of measurement already looks better.

The Bears didn’t commit a lot of penalties in their three preseason games. They had 13 penalties throughout all of the preseason. So about four penalties per game. The total number of penalty yards for the Bears was 118, which is 39.33 yards per preseason game on average.

Contrast that to last season. The Chicago Bears averaged 6.2 penalties a game last season and 5.7 in 2020.  In 2021, the Bears averaged 53.8 penalty yards per game. They were ranked 23rd for the most penalties and 22nd for the most penalty yards last season.

The Chicago Bears’ preseason numbers would put them in elite territory

By comparing the Bears’ preseason penalty statistics to last year’s numbers, the Bears would project themselves to be one of the least penalized teams in the NFL this season. The Bears’ preseason numbers in 2022 were at 4.3 penalties per game. In the 2021 regular season, the Green Bay Packers were the least penalized team at 4.1, the Los Angeles Rams at 4.3, and the Cincinnati Bengals at 4.4 per game.

The Bears’ penalty yards per game would put them fourth, right behind where the Packers were last season at 39.1 penalty yards per game. The New York Giants would be right behind them as they were just under 40 yards per game.

The Giants were an outlier of the teams mentioned in this post, as the other teams had fantastic seasons and made the playoffs. The Rams and Bengals made the Super Bowl. It doesn’t necessarily mean that because the Bears curb their appetite for penalties, they will be a playoff team this year.

However, not committing penalties will swing close games in their favor. Regardless of whether or not they can make the playoffs this season, if Eberflus can continue to build a strong foundation in the locker room where the team buys into fundamentals, the Chicago Bears will have a better chance of future success when they add more talent. Not committing stupid penalties and giving the opposition more turf is what championship-caliber teams do.

ESPN gave the Bears a hard time on prime time tv when the Bears played the Seattle Seahawks in Week Two of the preseason. But they applauded that the Chicago Bears looked more fundamentally sound than their opponent. Records in the preseason don’t matter, but praising a team for their discipline is about the highest praise Eberflus and a group buying into his system can get before the season.

The post This Chicago Bears stat no one talks about looks improved appeared first on ChiCitySports.

Aaron Rodgers has some complaints about his wide receivers

Things aren’t going smoothly for Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers offense. Rodgers made some comments this week that hint he’s frustrated with his wide receivers. Rodgers made some subtle threats to his wide receivers about potential targets if they play poorly.

The Packers’ wide receiver corps is ranked 31st by Pro Football Focus. That would put them one spot ahead of their rival the Chicago Bears. The Packers traded Rodgers’ prime target, Davante Adams, to the Oakland Raiders this offseason. The Packers still have a few veterans like Allen Lazard, Sammy Watkins, and Randall Cobb.

But they also have two rookies, Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. Rodgers seemed especially irritated by the youth playing at wide receiver.

Aaron Rodgers knows the Packers have some work to do before the season starts

More: https://t.co/cCwYjiKanQ pic.twitter.com/urFeVVbq6U

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 17, 2022

Aaron Rodgers threatens wide receivers’ targets this season

Rodgers seems willing to work around the wide receivers if they continue to struggle. Rodgers, at 38 years old, does not have the patience for youthful inexperience to drag the offense down. Rodgers wants to win now.

He sent a message to his wide receivers about their potential targets this season. They might be headed for the running backs. Packers beat writer Ryan Wood shared Rodgers’ veiled warning on Twitter.

After saying young WRs need to be more consistent, Aaron Rodgers says 50 targets apiece for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon is “very realistic” this season. #Packers offense could rely on those two a lot in passing game. “You’ve got to get your best 11 on the field,” Rodgers says.

— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 16, 2022

Rodgers is trying to light a fire for his wide receivers. We’ll see how the Packers’ young guys respond to their creepy uncle.

The more the Packers can bring each other down, the better for the Bears. Bears quarterback Justin Fields seems to be getting the best out of his wide receivers that are still healthy. Let’s hope the Bears wide receivers do enough to beat Rodgers and his rookie wide receivers in week two.

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Aaron Rodgers says what rival fans have been screaming for years about Green Bay’s selling of “shares”

The Green Bay Packers are a unique franchise with a historic background that is the only publicly owned franchise in the NFL. So every few years the franchise sells “shares” of the team to fans for about $200.

It’s successful and helps provide revenue for the team while the fans can call themselves owners. But are they really owners?

Whenever the franchise announces the new round of stake up for grabs, fans of other teams balk at the idea and call it a waste of money. It’s just a piece of paper with no real value but it makes the fans feel good.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers even admitted that it’s just a piece of paper in his most recent interview with Pardon My Take. In a playful back and forth with hosts PFT and Big Cat, Rodgers responded to a comment made about PFT saying he owns a share in the Packers, meaning he technically owns Rodgers. The response?

“You own a piece of paper that holds zero actual value”

Oof. That’s probably tough to hear for those fans that love buying those sheets of paper that….have zero actual value.

It’s hard for us Bears fans to talk though because the franchise doesn’t own their own stadium and Green Bay has kicked their asses for years now. But we have to take our shots while we can, I guess. And Aaron Rodgers provided some more ammo for that shot.

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Aaron Rodgers had this to say about the Windy City

Aaron Rodgers has no hard feelings toward the city of Chicago. And why would he? The Chicago Bears’ most hated rival quarterback has a 22-5 record against the team.

Rodgers and the Packers have won six in a row against the Bears. Rodgers last season told a Bears fan “I own you” in a win at Soldier Field last season. The quote caused a stir on social media. Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon fired back that he owned the Packers when he played.

Aaron Rodgers sounded a little more friendly about the city in an interview on a Barstool Sports podcast for Pardon My Take. Dan Katz (aka Big Cat) asked Aaron Rodgers if he relished beating the Bears. Rodgers said yes and offered context as to the why.

“It’s a great sports town. Chicago is Chicago. You got 100 years of Bears football. I grew up a Bulls fans. I grew up watching Chicago sports.”
– Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on Chicago

(Via @PardonMyTake)

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) August 8, 2022

The Bears and Packers rivalry still matters

Chicago is indeed a great town, as Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins recently stated. The history of Chicago is mixed with great sports memories. One of the biggest bits of sports nostalgia from the Midwest is the Bears/Packers rivalry.

While Wisconsin (and especially the little blip on the radar that is the town of Green Bay) can never be to Chicago what Boston is to New York, those two teams still create one of the most important and iconic geographic rivalries in American sports.

There’s a reason why Bears quarterback Justin Fields dropped the line that he wanted to beat Green Bay in the same breath as winning a Super Bowl. Former head coach Lovie Smith echoed the same sentiment when he was hired. It is that important.

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