The Chicago Bears host the hated Green Bay Packers to kick off 2023 NFL season this Sunday at Soldier Field. For the first time in years, the playing field is even. Not in the literal sense, of course (though Soldier Field’s natural grass is tough to play on). But the two teams seem to be evenly matched now that the Grim Reaper of Chicago, Aaron Rodgers, has moved on.
Though the Packers now have a new signal-caller under center, former first round pick Jordan Love, it would be unwise for Bears fans to already pencil in a win for Chicago. Green Bay is still a tough opponent that’s had the Bears’ number for a long time, which means Chicago needs to execute in several areas to take down their long-time rival.
Buy Bears TicketsWhat do the Bears need to do to score a triumphant win over the Packers? Here are three keys to a Chicago victory:
1
Commit to the run game
Bears fans want the team to let the lightning out the bottle and see quarterback Justin Fields rip some heaters down the field, but offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will lean into the team’s biggest strength and run the ball early.
Chicago will attempt to move the ball at their own pace with a methodical run game, a philosophy that will have several positive effects. It will allow the offensive line to get loose and fire out of their stances at full power, which will dispel any potential jitters from playing their first game of the season. The runners will similarly benefit from getting handoffs in the first few minutes of the game and going full speed, gaining tough yards to keep the offense ahead of schedule.
The numbers game says the Bears will have an advantage over the Packers in the run game as well, if last year is any indicator. Chicago ranked as the No. 1 rushing offense last season, while Green Bay were in the cellar in most defensive rushing categories. Fields and starting ball-carrier Khalil Herbert were instrumental in that aspect, and the talented duo of D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson will be than capable in replacing David Montgomery’s production.
The real magic will come from how a consistent run game will create easy throwing lanes for Fields. The Packers defense will need to commit to a perceived handoff or running formation, which is where a play-action fake can devastate the opposing defense for big yards.
A strong running game to start can open several lanes of opportunity for the Bears to secure a win; becoming one dimensional is the fastest way to fall short and suffer a loss.
2
Manufacture plays that will get Justin Fields comfortable early
As great as QB1 was last season, and as limitless as the heights are that Fields can reach this year, it’s important to acknowledge that he is not a perfect quarterback. Though many of his issues are minor and just characteristics of a dynamic player, Fields has one major flaw that has reared its ugly head nearly every contest: He fails to start the game strong.
Fields has a knack for getting a bit anxious in the beginning of games, making questionable choices and missing throws. It’s particularly noticeable at the start of the season in a big game, like the one he will play in a few days. The blame is not only shouldered by Fields; the entire coaching staff has to be held accountable and strive to get him in rhythm. That is exactly what Getsy will aim to do on Sunday.
The game plan is simple: get the ball out of Fields’ hands fast and give him passing concepts that he excels at. Call a quick screen to DJ Moore, Chase Claypool or Darnell Mooney, as Getsy had in the preseason. Draw up a one-read slant that gains a solid 12 yards or call upon a read-option play that the defense will bite on due to the Bears’ commitment to the previous entry, allowing the explosive quarterback to get 15 yards with his legs. A couple easy completions or using his deadly run ability is a great way to calm the Fields’ nerves and get him into a flow.
Fields doesn’t need to set the league on fire in just Week 1, but the coaching staff needs to exert exhaustive effort to get their star player in control of the offense.
3
Consistently pressure Jordan Love
Now, we get to the biggest question of all: Will the Bears’ defensive front four be able to make any sort of impact in the game? It’s long been said that the team’s pass-rushing depth is abysmal, with the expectation that only Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker will be the only edge players who can consistently disrupt the pocket.
The entire defensive line will face a major test on Sunday, as they’ll take on a solid offensive line that features All-Pro tackle David Bakhtiari. They’ll be protecting Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who has the potential to cause some damage should he have adequate time to throw.
The defensive line needs to rise well above expectations and create chaos every time Love drops back to pass because, as talented as Chicago’s defensive backfield is, even the best of them can’t cover a receiver forever. Ngakoue and Walker can’t tag team this task alone, either. Rookies Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens, as well as edge defenders Dominique Robinson and Rasheem Green, need to make an impact.
Expect defensive coordinator Alan Williams to dial up some blitzes from other formations to aid a subpar D-line. Williams may call on a corner or safety to come from an unexpected angle to fool the inexperienced Love, or he may send in the linebackers to get right in the face of Love and force him to make a mistake. No matter what method Williams deploys, it’s almost certain the objective of rattling Love will take all 11 starters on defense.
If the front four can’t make a push on a stout Green Bay offensive line, Love may give every Packers fan their wish and put up numbers like Aaron Rodgers used to.
