Packers Periscope: Week 1 vs Chicago Bears
It’s about time. Packers fans have been waiting for this game since the schedule was announced in April. Thursday will be the 199th meeting of the NFL’s oldest rivalry as Green Bay opens their season once again against the Chicago Bears.
It will be near impossible to top last year’s opener. Aaron Rodgers jogging out of the tunnel after what looked like a serious knee injury only to lead the Packers back to a win after being down 20-3 entering the fourth quarter. It was pure magic and those heroics from last year have heightened the anticipation surrounding Thursday’s matchup.
However, a lot has changed for both sides since the 2018 season. Mainly for the Bears, they have a new defensive coordinator after losing Vic Fangio to the Denver Broncos. His replacement, Chuck Pagano, in an outstanding coach in his own right and has a track record of being around strong defenses. It’s possible Chicago won’t see much of a drop-off as they return 10 starters on defense.
On offense, the Bears still have quarterback Mitch Trubisky which can be good or bad on any given night. He started red hot in last year’s season opener but cooled down in the second half and allowed the Packers to get back in the game.
Head coach Matt Nagy could get help from his new weapon Cordarrelle Patterson who he can creatively implement within the offense. Also, the backfield no longer features Jordan Howard but rookie David Montgomery who was one of the better prospects in the 2019 draft. Green Bay’s defense may need to find an answer for a running back where very little film is available.
As far as the new-look Packers, Chicago may recognize most of the offense but the same can’t be said for the defense. The starting edge rushers are completely different with Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith replacing Nick Perry and Clay Matthews. In the secondary, Adrian Amos will square-off against his former team. He will be lined up next to 2019 first-rounder Darnell Savage as Green Bay believes both will be an upgrade over last year’s safeties.
The secondary finally appears to be healthy and could actually be a strength of Mike Pettine’s defense. That includes Kevin King who missed most of training camp, however, King said Sunday that he does plan to play this week in some capacity. At the moment, it appears the Packers starting defense will be full-go Thursday, only missing Oren Burks who is expected to be replaced by former New York Giant BJ Goodson.
Meanwhile, all the talk on offense surrounds Rodgers and his new head coach Matt LaFleur. The game is less than a week away and we are still talking about Rodgers’ freedom to audible at the line of scrimmage. The conversation should probably be how is this offense going to look in their first game after no live game reps this summer. On the surface, the defense has been way ahead of the offense throughout training camp. Will the defense carry the offense for the start of the season? These questions will finally be answered in just a couple of days.
Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.
Comments (32)
Leatherhead
September 03, 2019 at 12:04 pm
I believe most games are not won, they are lost, and I think the Bears are good enough not to lose their home opener to their arch-rival on national TV.
What I'd like to see is about 40 rushes for 150 yards, including lots of 2-3 yard runs and a couple of long runs. Burn the clock and keep Rodgers from getting hit and keep the Chicago offense off the field.
Cubbygold
September 03, 2019 at 01:55 pm
I have similar thoughts, outside the 40 runs. If LaFleur is the next great GB coach that will lead this team through 10+ seasons, then this outcome of this game is meaningless. What is important is the process and decision making.
Will 12 show a willingness to play in a scheme?
Will he take a guaranteed 8 yard play over a 50/50 deep ball?
Will he remain calm and collected early on if there's confusion, or will he burn timeouts in the first quarter?
Can the offense maintain a commitment to the run, even when trailing?
I want to see that they're committed to a system and a process, because that can improve and build on itself throughout a season. One man heroics are entertaining, but not what lead teams to championships.
Bearmeat
September 03, 2019 at 02:18 pm
Exactly. Bears fans are an annoyance, but by week 17, this game will feel like it happened ages ago. I hope to win, but if I were a betting man, I'd be putting money on Chicago. That's the smart move.
I want to see systemic and consistent progress from week to week. It may not appear like this to the outside world, but this Packer team has been thoroughly rebuilt on the fly the past three years. The remaining starters from 2016: Rodgers (when healthy), Adams, Taylor, Bulaga, Linsley, Bakh, Martinez. That's it. This team is younger and more talented than at any point since 2010. Injuries aside, the remaining questions are whether the new staff can coach and the team will gel. If those answers are "yes" then this is a playoff team trending towards a Lombardi in 2020. If not, well...
ThxJackVainisi
September 03, 2019 at 02:26 pm
Thumbs up from me, Cubbygold. Taking the longer view may be difficult but we've got to LaFleur a chance to succeed. Of the four questions you ask I think the most pertinent is, "Will he take a guaranteed 8 yard play over a 50/50 deep ball?" That is definitely a tendency seemingly ingrained in Rodgers' DNA. But I think it's essential he work on doing so in the scheme as the season goes on. And particularly against teams with great pass rushes, like the Bears.
Difer
September 03, 2019 at 02:36 pm
Agree with you about the outcome. I will be encouraged If they play tough , relatively mistake free football, and can keep the game close into the 4th quarter. If the Pack gets manhandled and loses decisively, it will presage a long, grim season.
Leatherhead
September 03, 2019 at 06:30 pm
Difer,, the Bears are possibly the best team in the NFC and even if we take a whuppin’ if we just win our home games there’s no reason it has to be grim.
We get to play the Bears in Lambeau ....let’s see if we’re healthier and playing better then.
greengold
September 04, 2019 at 08:50 am
What the WHAT?
packerdoug
September 03, 2019 at 12:21 pm
BEAT THE BEARS GO PACK GO!!!
4thand10
September 03, 2019 at 10:35 pm
There was no Aaron Jones week 1, that will be a factor. No spriggs, another factor. I have a ton of confidence in Amos, Savage, Alexander, Brown, maybe even sprinkled with King and Sullivan. Tramon possibly at safety occ. The Bears should be concerned about Pettines D and how Mitch performs...THAT should be a narrative.
Pettine brought the D from the bottom of the heap to above average in 1 season. And there have been boatloads of upgrades on the D since then and it’s year 2. By Pettines track record and witnessing the change, not tipping the hat in pre season...this D has a chance to be top 10. Our biggest gripe for years of Rodgers was having a D that can create stops. Last year they essentially shut Mitch down in the second half.
The Oline is much improved, and an incorporation of a a FB again and the possibility of coaching staff to play to players strengths . Adams, GMO MVS and an unknown slot with Rodgers healthy....could be priceless. Say what you will about Graham....they still have to think about covering him. Think Ha Ha is up to the task? I don’t think this is going to be a one sided ass kicking with a bad news bears victory. I’m predicting a competitive game with maybe even Rodgers pulling a rabbit out of the hat for a possible win. Either way... a close one.
Tundraboy
September 04, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Spoken like a true fan! Yes the bears have plenty of motivation not to lose it home. So what? Go Pack Go.
mrtundra
September 04, 2019 at 08:08 am
BEAT THE BEARS! This is Cheesehead TV! I don't want any of this "I'm picking the Bears to win" crap! The Packers need to focus and sweep the NFC North! Trubiscuit is going to have an unhealthy relationship with our new pass rushers and our DBs, this season. Packers fans can get on the Green and Gold Bandwagon right now. No more of this picking our opponent to win filth! GO PACK, GO! Packers 31 Bears 10.
packergal
September 04, 2019 at 08:48 am
mrtundra:
Agree.
"Trubiscuit", indeed....such an apt moniker.
Doughy and flat.
zoellner25
September 03, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Please please please throw in HaHa's direction all night. Can't wait to see it
Tundraboy
September 04, 2019 at 12:48 pm
One of my long awaited dreams for this game. I have several others but that's certainly one of them.
Mojo
September 03, 2019 at 01:58 pm
Even though Josh Jackson was a full participant in their most recent practice did anyone else notice they listed him on the injury report (over 33% of the team) with an "achilles"? That's the injury that kept him out of the majority of training camp. Does not sound good for the long-term to me. Tick...tick....tick.
Add in King's chronic shoulder and hamstring problems and we better hope Brown, Hollman & Sullivan are up to the task, because I get the feeling we're going to need them.
Bearmeat
September 03, 2019 at 02:18 pm
Me too, Mojo. Me too.
CB is a sneaky need on this team. I expect we'll be drafting one highly next May...
egbertsouse
September 03, 2019 at 04:50 pm
All the BS and blah-blah stops Thursday night. Time to strap it on and see who is better.
Rick5952
September 03, 2019 at 05:40 pm
No more baloney come Thursday!!
Since'61
September 03, 2019 at 07:39 pm
We have better offensive weapons than the Bears have. Our defense should be better than it has been for the last few seasons.
I believe (hope) that our defense will keep the Bears offense in check while Rodgers and the offense score enough points to achieve the victory.
I like the Pack 27 - 16. Thanks, Since ‘61
wildbill
September 03, 2019 at 07:51 pm
Hope your right ‘61, but it’s hard to win on the road which we only did once last year I think. Our defensive change should help and I think with a healthy Rodgers we should score decent points. My big concern is if our special teams have improved as our coverage seemed erratic in the preseason but of course a lot of those guys didn’t make the team. Hoping for a win and no injuries , GPG!
albert999
September 03, 2019 at 09:29 pm
Special teams has to show up with the bears return guys
And they need to attack the ball
azmtns
September 04, 2019 at 03:23 am
After watching the Packers for over 30 years. I'm afraid I have seen nothing in pre-season to make me think we have a chance in this game. It will be over by halftime and we will loose big. I pains me to say, but I'm a realist.
mrtundra
September 04, 2019 at 08:10 am
What kind of talk is that? GO PACK, GO!
dobber
September 04, 2019 at 09:09 am
We're all realists...we just don't all subscribe to the same reality.
ILPackerBacker
September 04, 2019 at 11:55 am
GREAT POINTS!!!!!
of course last years opener was over at half too
PackfanNY
September 04, 2019 at 08:05 am
Screw the Bears. They are a good physical, defensive team. They have an average offense and an average quarterback. They are creative using their personnel. However, they don’t have Aaron Rodgers. They also have nothing on tape showing LaFleur’s offense.
Stop with all the “we can’t win this game” nonsense. That is thinking like a loser. I kind of believe in our defense and a QB who has given us all an outstanding career. I believe the Pack can win any game on their schedule. Let’s go, Pack.
mrtundra
September 04, 2019 at 08:10 am
Exactly!
Since'61
September 04, 2019 at 09:04 am
PackfanNY I’m with you. Us New Yorkers think alike. My only concern with this game and our season is the officiating screwing us out of a game or 2 like they seem to do every season lately.
But if this team can stay healthy and we get at least decent officiating we can play with anybody. I like the Pack and I’m sticking with them. Packers 26-16. Thanks, Since ‘61
PackfanNY
September 04, 2019 at 09:38 am
I just don’t get the we can’t win vibe. I respect that the Bears are a good team. Great? Uh, no. Double doink. They lost a playoff game at home. A very winnable game. Great teams win that game.
Bears are going to play they way they always play. Game manage so that Trubisky doesn’t turn it over. Play defense. We know who they are. In fact, Aaron Rodgers is in their head. Oh they will put on the Chicago tough guy act but they have watched Favre and Rodgers carve them up for years. I do expect a spirited, well contested game. If Packers lose, I will be disappointed and also will expect to beat the purple team next week.
Packers 20-17
greengold
September 04, 2019 at 08:48 am
The Green Bay Packers are going to TORCH the Bears.
Aaron Rodgers will light up Ha-Ha like a Christmas tree. Rodgers will further be protected by a stout rushing attack, with plenty of play action wins against the Bears D, which no longer has Vic Fangio calling the shots, and a lot of missing pieces in their secondary. We are going to run so much that the Bears defensive front will get completely gassed, unable to touch Rodgers. Look for a ton of quick releases by Rodgers along the way as well.
I can already see Danny Vitale running right through Ha-Ha on an outlet pass, for a TD. Maybe twice...
Our front 7 is going to feast on Trubisky, which will help our secondary turn this into one hell of a pick party. I anticipate 3-4 INTs for our defensive backfield.
There will be a warm glow in the southern horizon from the Packers setting Soldier Field on fire. This won't even be close. Packers will be chopping up Bear meat for the feast. Christmas in September.
Friday will be like Boxing Day, where all of us Packer fans will be happily working our hangovers off from the previous night's celebrations with leftover, tenderized Bear meat, and a goodly amount of the hair of the dog, listening to Chicago sports radio, and laughing all freaking day.
Do you FEEL THE POWER????!!!!!! Packers 45-13.
Should be fun.
Spock
September 04, 2019 at 11:37 am
greengold, I like your perspective, just wish you could be more optimistic, lol. I expect this game to be hard fought (typical NFL North) division game. As always I expect the Packers to win. Jay Cutler is supposed to be in attendance; I would think his aura should net us a pick even if he's just in the stands! Yes, I feel the Power. Go, Pack, Go! -And, of course, the Bears still suck. I'm hoping that Ha-Ha shows one of his "executive decision" "Ole" moments while watching and not tackling a Packer going past him to score and then the Packers following this up with a "rinse and repeat" call on the next set of downs. My ideal scenario: Ha-Ha getting burned for a Packers TD and then Amos getting a pick six on the Bears ensuing first play after the kickoff.
ILPackerBacker
September 04, 2019 at 11:54 am
WOW I guess we heard it here first, the bears are the class of the NFC......maybe based on preseason when MItchy didn't play.
Those with the best degree of accuracy in predictions all expect the bear D to regress not factoring in the coaching change? Does coaching matter?
The mitch of last year is a disaster for the bears team. They can be first or worst and his play will be the biggest single factor and that is more unknown than the GB factors.