Sunday | 4:25 ET
A Packers-Bears matchup is always worth watching, this year especially. Both franchises are at potential inflection points. Sunday will mark Green Bay’s first game without Aaron Rodgers or Brett Favre on the roster since 1991. While many Packers fans seemed to invite Rodgers’ departure and the start of the Jordan Love era, it certainly has created a great deal of uncertainty.
On the other side of things, the Bears are looking to improve on 2022’s three-win campaign. The fact that 2023 will be the first year Justin Fields has run the same offense in consecutive seasons, coupled with the addition of star WR DJ Moore, there is real excitement around the city of Chicago. Fans love the direction that GM Ryan Poles has the franchise headed in. However, all of this momentum could disintegrate with a week 1 loss to their rival to the north.
Schematically, look for the Bears to focus on the run game and short passes against Green Bay’s quarters-style defense. After finishing 25th in PFF run defense grade last year, the Packers hope that the return of Rashan Gary will help ease their defensive troubles. If Chicago’s three headed monster at running back is able to gain consistent yardage (which they should), it would be a huge issue for Green Bay. On the other side of the ball, look for Jordan Love to constantly test the Bears’ young secondary, especially starting rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Still, their main goal will be to pound the rock with Aaron Jones. The Packers major in outside zone. This works in their favor, as Chicago’s edges aren’t strong against the run, namely new addition Yannick Ngakoue. Still, the Bears will blitz Jordan Love at a high clip and ultimately overwhelm him in his first trip to Soldier Field.