Sunday afternoon will be the second time the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers face-off this year. Their first match-up, back in late September, resulted in a Packers victory over the Bears in a 35-14 win at Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers made a mockery of Chicago’s defense, throwing four touchdowns and no interceptions. Mike Glennon once again failed to get the offense going, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions.
Young quarterbacks go head-to-head
Since the teams last met, both have had a major personnel change. Aaron Rodgers is currently sidelined with a broken collarbone.
His replacement, Brett Hundley, has thrown 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions in his three games as quarterback. Mike Glennon was replaced by Chicago Bears' controversial first-round pick, Mitch Trubisky after failing to generate any offensive momentum early in the season. Trubisky has also had his growing pains in learning how to become an NFL quarterback, throwing 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his three games as quarterback. It is time for both young leaders to step up and show the coaching staff that they have what it takes to control the offense. Expect to see each of them put up the fight of their lives this Sunday.
Trouble for the Packers' O-line
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga had a season-ending knee injury in Monday night’s game against the Detroit Lions.
The Green Bay Packers have struggled to maintain a corps group of linemen this entire season. The Chicago Bears' defensive line has become a feared force this year, often turning the tides in the Bears' favor. Expect to see this as a key factor of the game on Sunday, as the Packers' O-line will have to make up for their personnel inconsistencies to overcome a Bears D-line that is hot right now.
Running back show
The Bears' running game has been nothing short of mesmerizing this season. The dynamic duo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen have put on impressive offensive drives and are on their way to record-breaking numbers. Packers running backs Ty Montgomery and Aaron Jones have been keeping the offense alive with the loss of Aaron Rodgers.
Both offenses are being led by young quarterbacks trying to get in an offensive rhythm that has come naturally to the running backs. Expect both teams to lay down a heavy running game.
Tight end turnover
The Packers announced today the release of tight end Martellus Bennett. Lance Kendricks is a viable replacement for the starting slot. What is concerning is the unceremonious release of an offensive veteran, especially considering Hundley’s preference to pass short. The Bears are no strangers to tight end turnover this season, either, losing Zach Miller in their game against the Saints. To add to the Bears’ tight end problems, Dion Sims has come down with an illness and did not practice Wednesday.
Expect both offenses to struggle with the passing game, as Hundley and Trubisky will have to adapt to the loss of their go-to receivers.
Place and time factor
The Packers' late September victory over the Bears was won at Lambeau Field in front of a large crowd of fans who endured a thunderstorm to watch the NFC North showdown. Sunday’s game will take place at Soldier Field in front of Bears fans itching for a win against their oldest rivals. More importantly, the Bears have had plenty of time to rest and prepare to face the Packers as they come off a bye week. The Packers, on the other hand, have had a short week to prepare after suffering a devastating loss Monday night against their other NFC North rival, the Detroit Lions. Expect this game to be an uphill battle for the Packers as they head to Chicago to face an improving Bears team.
