There was plenty for both teams to prove as the season began. As Jordan Love prepared to enter his first season as the team’s favored starter, Bears supporters continued to debate whether or not Justin Fields had what it took to be “the guy.” Following an off-season skirmish amongst fans, Matt LaFleur’s team emerged victorious, inspiring hope in the hearts of supporters.
Let’s go back to Week 18. After a rollercoaster of a season, Love has shown he’s the real deal and propelled the Packers toward a possible postseason push. All that stands between Green Bay and the postseason is the Bears. Though the Packers’ season has been improved since the start, Chicago isn’t going to roll over and let Green Bay stroll into the postseason. The Bears, who have improved dramatically from Week 1, will try to dash the Packers’ hopes of making the playoffs.
The offense of Green Bay had a roadblock after dominating the season opener. They had particular difficulties in October. But Love, LaFleur, and the inexperienced offensive unit recovered, and January saw them back in a familiar place. They boasted a formidable attack that was capable of matching any team’s, but the offense was forced to contend with a hapless and frequently ineffective defense and special teams.
It should come as no surprise that Love is a much better and more informed quarterback than he was in Week 1. Love was outmuscled by the Vikings on 75.8% of his dropbacks. But Love has learned how to overcome some of his past shortcomings, and he flourished under pressure, throwing for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
Love would already have set a record for the most throwing yards and touchdowns in Bears history with his 3,843 yards in his first season as a full-time starter.
Before a potential playoff game, this duel between these upgraded units should be the highlight of the game and a strong litmus test for the offense. So far, love has held up well against strong defenses. Is he able to maintain this?
For both squads, the other side is more disorganized.
Whether to retain Fields and build around him or select a quarterback with the first-overall choice the Chicago Bears acquired from the Carolina Panthers is one of the league’s most difficult off-season decisions. Fields’s popularity has increased as a result of their recent winning streak, but the defense should get much of the credit. Fields is still prone to turnover and only displays pedestrian passing statistics.
But Fields is a real threat to run, and Joe Barry has made much inferior quarterbacks seem like stars.
When it counted, Barry’s defense against the Minnesota Vikings was largely effective. Props to him for that. However, with a postseason berth on the line in Green Bay’s final game, we’ll see how it looks. Although Joe Barry and Justin Fields’ matchup is sure to spark conversation, both teams’ other half of the field is more interesting.
Don’t underestimate the interpersonal element; Green Bay is still the superior team and should be the clear favorite in this match. Similar to last year, Green Bay’s ambitions could be dashed by a divisional foe that has little chance of making the playoffs.
The Bears have long been the least significant opponent in the division, notwithstanding their historical significance. Although the Packers frequently lose against the Vikings and Lions, Chicago has primarily been a minor roadblock. The Bears players are visibly angry, but the Packers players don’t appear to give the Bears any thought.
It’s still strange to write that former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, “This is their Super Bowl.” Is there a rivalry if they can’t defeat us?
The Bears must be licking their wounds at the chance to win in home stadium and end the season of their despised foe. The Bears have never faced a more formidable opponent than they did on Thanksgiving on Brett Favre Day in 2015, when Chicago defeated the Packers handily. Chicago will play hard even if they are not going to be able to make the playoffs. There are always wild cards in divisional games, and the stakes are higher.
Despite finishing last in their division, the Bears have given their supporters cause for hope and have the opportunity to add a lot of quality in the off-season. They are still barely under a.500 squad even in last place. Chicago cannot be taken lightly in this championship game, even though Packers supporters have (rightfully) undervalued them in previous contests.
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