Chicago Bears seek to change recent history of rivalry with Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. — After spending the final three seasons wanting up on the Inexperienced Bay Packers within the NFC North standings, the Chicago Bears head into Lambeau Discipline in an uncommon place.

The Bears (1-0) lead the Packers (0-1) within the division race for the primary time since 2018, when Chicago final earned the NFC North title. The Packers have received the NFC North yearly since and are 6-0 in opposition to the Bears throughout that stretch.

Chicago would like to take a two-game edge over the three-time defending division champions by successful Sunday night time. Even with the Bears coming off a win and the Packers coming off a loss, Inexperienced Bay is a 9 -point favourite, in response to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Packers look to proceed their current mastery of Bears

“It is the custom of this rivalry,” Bears quarterback Justin Fields stated. “Means loads to us as a staff, to the fan base, to the folks upstairs. It simply means loads to everybody on this constructing.”

The Bears’ current struggles on this collection stem from their incapacity to gradual reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers.

The Packers are 23-5 in opposition to the Bears in video games Rodgers has began. Rodgers appreciates the half he has performed within the NFL’s oldest rivalry.

WATCH | Ryan Chiaverini’s preview on the Bears-Packers showdown

“I like the historical past of this sport,” Rodgers stated. “Once I obtained to this squad, Chicago was beating us within the all-time file. Now we’re up by eight, I consider.”

He is proper: The Packers lead the collection 103-95-6.

“That does imply loads to me,” Rodgers stated.

Rodgers is coming off a sluggish efficiency, going 22 of 34 for 195 yards with no landing passes, one interception and a misplaced fumble in a 23-7 loss at Minnesota in his first sport because the commerce of two-time All-Professional receiver Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Chicago received its opener 19-10 over the San Francisco 49ers, inflicting some Bears to have a good time by sliding alongside a rain-soaked Soldier Discipline.

If the Bears observe that up with a victory at Lambeau Discipline, they will have much more motive for jubilation.

“I am from right here and it is a large deal to me,” stated Bears tight finish Cole Kmet, who went to highschool in Chicago suburb Arlington Heights. “To play on this sport is simply an honor in itself. Yeah, this sport means loads to me, and I’ve no downside saying that. As a child rising up and rooting for this staff, this sport means loads to lots of people.”

EBERFLUS’ SUCCESS AGAINST PACKERS

Whereas Chicago has struggled mightily on this collection recently, new Bears coach Matt Eberflus has been profitable in opposition to Inexperienced Bay.

Eberflus was Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator in 2020 when the Colts beat Inexperienced Bay 34-31 in additional time. After permitting 28 first-half factors, the Colts held the Packers to only a area purpose the remainder of the best way.

“Each sport is completely different,” Eberflus stated. “We had a special ability set than we have now right here, (Rodgers) had completely different ability units that he was working with. I believe we hung in there on the finish of the day and we got here up with the win on the finish of it.”

FAMILIAR FACES

Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy labored on the Packers’ employees from 2014-21 and was quarterbacks coach the final two seasons.

“He is only a nice human being,” Rodgers stated. “He is an excellent father, husband, phenomenal coach.”

The Bears’ roster consists of two guys who performed for the Packers final season in offensive lineman Lucas Patrick and huge receiver Equanimeous St. Brown. New Packers punter Pat O’Donnell spent the final eight seasons in Chicago.

STRUGGLING OFFENSES

The Bears beat the 49ers regardless of gaining simply 204 yards, the bottom complete by any staff within the season’s opening week.

This is why a towel price the Chicago Bears a area purpose try

The Packers posted their lowest level complete since a 38-3 loss to the New Orleans Saints of their 2021 season opener.

CONTAINING QUINN

Bears defensive finish Robert Quinn set a franchise file final season with 18 sacks and obtained three of them in Chicago’s two matchups with the Packers.

The Packers allowed 4 sacks in opposition to the Vikings and are dealing with uncertainty on their offensive line. Projected beginning tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins missed the Vikings sport as they recovered from knee accidents, although they’ve each practiced on a restricted foundation this week. Guard Jon Runyan Jr. left the Vikings sport to get evaluated for a concussion and wasn’t practising early this week.

PRIME-TIME PACKERS

The Packers have received 12 straight regular-season night time video games, with 11 of these coming because the begin of the 2020 season.

A victory Sunday would give them sole possession of the longest regular-season, prime-time successful streak since 2000. The Indianapolis Colts from 2004-07 and Pittsburgh Steelers from 2007-09 additionally received 12 consecutive regular-season night time video games.