Five Reasons to Not Overlook the Chicago Bears
Is this a guaranteed victory over Chicago? Don't bet on it. Here are five reasons to temper high expectations.
By Jay Hodgson
Regular season football is finally here! In just a few days time, the Green Bay Packers travel to Solider Field to take on the rival Chicago Bears.
The general sentiment is this game should be a laugher. The Packers opened the week as a 7-point favorite, which is pretty large as far as road trips are concerned.
However, this game could be anything but a blowout. In fact, if the Packers walk into Chicago too overconfident, they may be in for a rude surprise.
Maybe even a loss.
Here are five reasons why the Packers should not take the Bears too lightly and overlook them this Sunday:
1. The infamous trap game. As soon as the NFL released the 2015 schedule, I'm sure everyone in the Packers locker room circled the week 2 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks. How could they not? It's a chance for redemption against a team that's had their number repeatedly over the last few seasons. If the Packers ever hope to get to the Super Bowl, they have to get past this rival.
However, with all eyes looking ahead, it's easy to overlook the Bears. That's when disaster strikes. That's the dreaded trap game. Focus on week 1 now and week 2 will take care of itself.
2. John Fox. Even though he was fired by his previous two teams, he's one of the best coaches in the league. He coached the Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl following the 2013 season and the Carolina Panthers to one following the 2003 season. He was one Adam Vinatieri field goal away from beating the New England Patriots with Jake Delhomme as his quarterback. That's no small feat.
The bottom line is John Fox will have his team focused and energized, which were things sorely lacking while Marc Trestman was the big man on campus. Even though the Bears' roster is depauperate in talent, he'll have the players he does have ready to play.
3. Vic Fangio. Before becoming the Bears' defensive coordinator this season, he previously had the same role for the San Francisco 49ers. That was the same San Francisco squad that owned the Packers in recent years. Whatever he's doing, he seems to have the Packers' offense figured out. He's an instant upgrade in Chicago over previous defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who's now a defensive backs coach for the University of Alabama.
With the Packers adjusting to life without Jordy Nelson, Fangio is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve. The offense better be ready.
4. Matt Forte. While the Bears are clearly lacking in talent throughout most of their roster, running back is not one of those positions. Matt Forte remains one of the top backs in the NFL, and matched up against lesser run defenses, he could have a big day. The Packers run defense, despite improving last season with Clay Matthews manning the middle, has had trouble against the run in recent years. During the blowout 55-14 game last season, Forte was running all over the place before the Bears had to abandon the run for the pass to play catch up.
With Letroy Guion suspended and B.J. Raji returning to form after missing all of last season, the front seven isn't at full strength. Forte will certainly be a test.
5. Slow starts. Since the 2012 season, the Packers have come out of training camp very slow and uncharacteristic for the Packers, especially on offense. They've started their last three seasons with 0-1 records, and then subsequently going 1-2 afterwards; they've had to win the division by playing catch up all season.
Hopefully the Packers don't start slow this season, but history indicates they have a tendency to do so. If they come out slow, the Bears may just have their number.
It's a rivalry game, and anything goes in those.
Comments (50)
EdsLaces
September 09, 2015 at 01:06 pm
This will be a close game ...
Bearmeat
September 09, 2015 at 02:45 pm
No. I expect at least a 10 point win. And 20+ wouldn't surprise me. While Fox is a veteran coach and Fangio has had GBs number, the Bears are a BAD team on both lines. They've got 1 LB worth a darn and their secondary is atrocious. Plus they've got Jeffrey and a bag of balls (if Jeffrey even can play) at WR. Oh, and our favorite Bears QB is still their starter. hahaha
This will be a beatdown.
HankScorpio
September 09, 2015 at 03:38 pm
In tweeting out the link for his preview of the Bears, Bob McGinn wrote:
reshuffled #Bears almost like expansion team ..
Green Machine
September 09, 2015 at 01:22 pm
I hated McCarthy's "kick their ass" blubbering.
I'm a bit perplexed as to why so many people seem to view this Packer team as some sort of juggernaut. There are a lot of holes on this team (yes - I know every team has holes, but that doesn't mean the ones the Packers have can be ignored).
Lots of question marks.
I'll, actually, be pleasantly surprised if the Packers win this game.
vj_ostrowski
September 09, 2015 at 02:02 pm
You'll be pleasantly SURPRISED if they beat a team that they outclass in every single aspect of their team, save for the Tight End position?
It must be brutal for you, being a fan of anything.
AZPack
September 09, 2015 at 02:14 pm
You sound like Cow.
4thand1
September 09, 2015 at 03:08 pm
Hmmmmm, a new face with 7 comments to his credit, spewing doom and gloom. Veeeerry interesting.
RCPackerFan
September 09, 2015 at 03:23 pm
'Lots of question marks.'
What are those questions?
Evan
September 09, 2015 at 03:36 pm
You know, big stuff. Like backup OT, the 5th WR, etc...
EdsLaces
September 09, 2015 at 05:02 pm
Lol baaaazing
Green Machine
September 09, 2015 at 05:19 pm
Do they have an outside corner?
How will the offense look without a deep threat?
Is there a kick returner on the roster?
New playcaller?
Zook?
Can it work to have your best pass rusher, interior run defender, and only capable coverage linebacker all be the same guy?
Do they have any sort of tight end threat?
The answers to all of these questions may be "yes" or "fine" but the questions are still there.
SpudRapids
September 10, 2015 at 09:05 am
OK you said these are questions in this comment but above you said they have holes.... Let's address these questions:
Do they have an outside corner?
-Yes his name is Sam Shields
How will the offense look without a deep threat?
-How do you know that Adams can't be a deep threat? You know if being a WR was only about speed Janis would be an All-Pro. Go watch Jordy highlights of him catching bombs, a lot of times his route sprung him just as much as his speed.
Is there a kick returner on the roster?
-This may have been your best question, but I guarantee they have someone in mind and a plan to address it
New playcaller?
-I think this is a non-issue, it's not like Clements is some new guy off the street. He's been in this offense for over 7 years and probably has heard every play call McCarthy has ever made. He's ready.
Zook?
-I'll just quote McCarthy: "He's really organized. The meetings have been very good. I mean, hey, we've got a lot of new players on special teams. This will be a big challenge for us. This will be the first time a lot of these guys play in this kind of game. We not only changed coaches, really the personnel's changed a bunch." E.g. give it time
Can it work to have your best pass rusher, interior run defender, and only capable coverage linebacker all be the same guy?
-It only made the defense better last year when they made this switch
Do they have any sort of tight end threat?
-Quarless and Rodgers had over 500 years and 5 TDs combined last year. Rodgers will be improved in his second year and these numbers should increase
P.S. you do sound like Cow
Green Machine
September 10, 2015 at 10:23 am
Hm.
Guess this is a flawless team.
Thanks for setting me straight.
It's cool that the Packers have a perfect roster.
Awesome!
porupack
September 11, 2015 at 12:53 am
Green Machine asks fair questions and doesn't necessary mean gloom and doom. These are legit questions when there is change (even if there is no change, it is fair to ask "will they pick up where they failed last year?")
But while defending Green Machine here a bit, you have to admit that TT and MM are pros and decide which holes are highest priority, and address those best they can at the 30th pick per round. So, let's ask, and then judge on performance, not perceived hype of top rounders. I will stake my questions on 1) punter, 2) not attempting to secure veteran FA TE, and 3) not attempting to sign veteran FA ILB.
So, until TT proves me wrong, these are my questions and perceived holes that will have unnecessary drag on the respective SP, O and D units.
dobber
September 09, 2015 at 01:34 pm
"That was the same San Francisco squad that owned the Packers in recent years. Whatever he's doing, he seems to have the Packers' offense figured out."
I think there's a tremendous difference in personnel between those SF defenses and this Chicago defense...but if he gets his guys to play with effort, it will be a challenge.
Evan
September 09, 2015 at 02:32 pm
You mean the Chicago Bears don't have vintage Justin Smith, Aldon Smith, Ahmad Brooks, NaVarro Bowman, Patrick Willis, et al...on their roster?
dobber
September 10, 2015 at 07:31 am
Yeah, something like that... ;)
vj_ostrowski
September 09, 2015 at 02:01 pm
I don't believe in the "trap game", and I believe in it even less when it's the first game of the year.
No offense meant at all, as I am speaking in the vernacular of Aaron Rodgers, but: I believe that much like off-field distractions (like shooting commercials or dating) or "bulletin board material", our quarterback would call the idea of the trap game "moronic" and "not worth discussing."
When they pummel a bad-to-average team, there's no one talking about how the Packers "avoided" a trap game. And because someone will inevitably cry "trap game" before any game against an inferior opponent, the term has become especially meaningless.
HankScorpio
September 09, 2015 at 02:18 pm
Definitely no such thing as a week 1 trap game, IMO. The first chance to play a real game in 9 months should have everyone ready to go.
I might disagree about the possibility of a trap game in the middle of the season. But not in week 1.
Turophile
September 09, 2015 at 02:44 pm
+1.
I find it very difficult to envision a scenario where the Packers lose to the Bears. I will be very confident of the win..........and very shocked if they lose.
The precedents have been set year after year, the Pack beats the Bears, no compelling reason to expect different this year, not until bigger changes alter the dynamic more.
4thand1
September 09, 2015 at 03:10 pm
The only way they lose is if they beat themselves.
Evan
September 09, 2015 at 03:37 pm
This.
Since'61
September 09, 2015 at 02:04 pm
Jay - all of your points are legitimate. The Bears will run Forte which will test the Packers front 7, they will utilize Bennett the TE because the Packers do not cover TEs well and they will test Hayward at CB. However, they do not have the same level of talent as the Packers on either side of the ball. Poor ST play such as a blocked punt or allowing a big return may be a factor and should not be overlooked. The final score may be right around the 7 point spread but IMO the Packers only lose this game if they beat themselves. Go Pack! Thanks, Since '61
Bearmeat
September 09, 2015 at 02:57 pm
Forte isn't a power back, and they have 1 good OL guy (Long) to help him get to the next level.... just sayin...
Evan
September 09, 2015 at 03:38 pm
1 good OL playing a new position that as of 6 weeks ago he was dead-set against. Good luck with that.
Icebowler
September 10, 2015 at 10:43 pm
Nothing personal, but can we all just agree to retire the phrase "just sayin"? I think it has way over run it's course.
dobber
September 10, 2015 at 07:35 am
To me, the only real differences between this Bears team and the one that finished 2014 are the coaching staff and the defensive alignment. Same questions/issues, personnel problems, injuries, etc.
I could see the Bears coming out revved up and playing the lights out, but would that be enough to outscore the Packers?...because that's what they're going to have to do.
croatpackfan
September 09, 2015 at 02:22 pm
I think that game should be clear win (not easy one) for Packers with +14 or more points into the Packers account. But... Jay, you are completely right. There is no NFL team you will beat if you do not take them seriously.
All remarks from fans on your article is correct, still you are right. Do not underestimate Bears... Not because of Bears, but because of us (or because of Packers team!)...
HankScorpio
September 09, 2015 at 03:43 pm
The "any given Sunday" cliche exists for a reason. It is used to explain the otherwise inexplicable result, which does happen from time to time.
I don't see it happening this week. But that's the whole point of the cliche. Nobody saw it coming.
Evan
September 09, 2015 at 02:33 pm
Of course every game will be a battle. That said, the Packers should win this by double digits.
FITZCORE1252
September 09, 2015 at 02:34 pm
There's just a huge talent gap in the two rosters. GB is on a mission this year, they will dominate Sunday. Pack by 3 scores.
EddieLee
September 09, 2015 at 03:35 pm
This is a Bear defense that was historically bad last year and is now switching to a 3-4. Jared Allen playing OLB? He is going to look like Aaron Kampmen when the Packers asked him to standup. Their D-line is less then average save for Ratliff who is currently suspended. Their ILBs wouldn't be starting anywhere else in this league. McPhee might be their only above average front 7 player. Their seconday has some talent (Fuller and Rolle) but will be playing basic coverage considering this is game 1 of an entire new def scheme for them. Rodgers is going to destroy that. Lacy is going run wild up the middle. If the Packers O doesn't put up 31 I would be very surprised.
Forte will be forced to be most of the offense because their WR group is riddled with injuries. Has that ever been successful for them with Cutler? They will try to run and move the sticks with short a passing game. Capers knows what is coming. Burnett is going to live in the box. Their o-line isn't close to dominate enough to control a game like that.
Unless there is a total ST meltdown, Rodgers breaks his collarbone again and/or a few ridiculous turnovers this Packer team is going to roll because they are just a better team top to bottom. That's not a guarantee but I'll take an enormous number of things falling the Bears way for them to win this game in my opinion.
Lphill
September 09, 2015 at 03:26 pm
I think the Packers are focused on starting the season with a big win , big game for Lacy and a welcome back score for James Jones, should win by more than a TD , The Bears O line is not that solid I would like to see Elliot make some plays too.
Lphill
September 09, 2015 at 03:54 pm
Also last years the Packers out scored the Bears 93 to 31 in 2 games and the Bears had a better team last year then they will this season.
packerfan9507
September 09, 2015 at 04:12 pm
lol
Amanofthenorth
September 09, 2015 at 05:58 pm
Even when the packers had Paup they were still depauperate of talent.
Icebowler
September 10, 2015 at 09:58 pm
LMAO!!!
johngalt
September 09, 2015 at 08:54 pm
No game is a gimme. Gonna have to stop the run-not kill us on ST- and minimize injuries. Meet those three--W.
Otto
September 09, 2015 at 10:23 pm
Not to put a damper on the enthusiasm, but Vegas only has the Packers as a 3.5 point favorite.
As bad as the Bears were last year, Vegas must think a lot of it was due to the coaching.
FITZCORE1252
September 09, 2015 at 11:34 pm
Nah.
https://m.sportsinteraction.com/#action=events.events&gameID=741589&etID=25
FITZCORE1252
September 09, 2015 at 11:35 pm
Nah.
https://m.sportsinteraction.com/#action=events.events&gameID=741589&etID=25
dobber
September 10, 2015 at 07:37 am
Packers, on the road, missing JN, in a rivalry game against a Bears team with a new coaching staff and defensive look.
Lots of variables. They're being cautious.
FITZCORE1252
September 10, 2015 at 10:38 am
7 points isn't overly cautious for a road favorite.
4thand1
September 10, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Yes the lines I've seen were 6.5 to 7 too. 3.5? No way.
HR_kevinmc
September 10, 2015 at 09:10 am
"Depauperate". Good one Jay! I had to look it up.
CheesestradamusDOTcom
September 10, 2015 at 09:41 am
de·paup·er·ate
diˈpôpərit/
adjectiveBiology
adjective: depauperate
(of a flora, fauna, or ecosystem) lacking in numbers or variety of species.
"oceanic islands are generally depauperate in mayflies"
(of a plant or animal) imperfectly developed.
Origin
egbertsouse
September 10, 2015 at 11:20 am
My worry; Matt Forte vs. Sam Barrington.
If Dom allows this to occur Forte could have 20 receptions.
Regarding MM's comment, he should take a lesson from Ditka. During the '80' s Da Bears were dominant and Gregg's Packers were just going through the motions, already phoning hotels to make their off-season vacation plans. Da Bears by 3 TD's easy. Then Ditka would open his big mouth and the next thing you know you have 3 pt. game, KEnny Stills hits Matt Suhey on the way back to the huddle and your QB gets thrown on his shoulder and is out for the year.
Stupid pseudo-macho bs.
sheppercheeser
September 10, 2015 at 12:20 pm
I hope they show this article to every GB player! I'm worried about a let down, as well, but I'm hoping for a Packer victory!
sheppercheeser
September 10, 2015 at 12:28 pm
If the Bears have been paying attention, they'd utilize Forte as a receiver. Barrington is a beast against the run, but unfortunately has been MIA when he has to pull back in coverage. Hoping for a great game and a GB win!
Icebowler
September 10, 2015 at 10:52 pm
The Packers are going to "kick their ass":)
We're not going down there to play hopscotch!