Packers Periscope: Week 15 vs Chicago Bears

Bears week. Sunday’s matchup will be the 200th meeting between two of the NFL’s oldest franchises. Playoff implications are on the line for week 15, so expect another drama-fueled battle. A victory for the Packers will bring their win total against Chicago to 99.

It feels like ages ago that Aaron Rodgers was gloating about how, “we got a defense” following opening night. In his defense, they were on fire, holding the Bears to a season-low three points. The game even included a dagger of an interception by former Chicago safety Adrian Amos. It was a special win that, looking back, meant a lot to each team’s season.

The Bears were the reigning division champs, expected to retain that crown with a top defense and an offensive-guru for a head coach coming off a successful year. However, poor quarterback play from Mitch Trubisky has this team needing help just to secure a wild card spot.

Green Bay took the win in stride as they won their first three games to start the year. Now, they are 10-3, and a win on Sunday would clinch a playoff spot if the Cowboys can take care of the Rams. This team has come a long way since back to back losing seasons.

The perspective surrounding this Green Bay team has changed since their 10-3 win in week one. The defense played nearly perfect, and it looked like Rodgers may finally have a defense he could lean on. In some ways, it has, interceptions, sacks, and red zone scoring have glossed over how imperfect the 2019 defense is.

Yards allowed per game, yards per play, yards per rush, passing yards allowed, and third-down percentage have all declined since last season. Luckily, incredible individual performances by Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith have kept their heads above water.

Many thought the Packers offense would pick up after totaling 213 yards in their first meeting against the Bears. Things did pick up in the short term, but that did not turn out to be their lowest offensive output on the season. In losses to both the Chargers and the 49ers, they failed to generate at least 200 yards.

With just three games left in the regular season, Green Bay has the 23rd ranked offense.

If the Packers gain more than 213 yards in their second meeting against Chicago, it would be a small victory. The Bears are a desperate team, and Trusbisky is playing his best ball of the season.

Sunday’s game will likely come down to which defense breaks first. Green Bay should have a slight edge having a turnover-hungry defense facing an apprehensive Bears quarterback.

 

 

 

Brandon Carwile is a Packers writer who also enjoys watching and breaking down film. Follow him on Twitter @PackerScribe.

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Comments (12)

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Point-Packer's picture

December 13, 2019 at 12:21 pm

I have a really bad feeling about this game. Been trying to shake it, but I think reality keeps creeping in.

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flackcatcher's picture

December 13, 2019 at 07:26 pm

You have every right to feel uneasy. A Black and Blue division game with the playoffs on the line. Two teams that are in the hunt, and with the Bears really pissed off about the season opening loss. Have to be drinking the 'green and gold' hard and fast not to see what's coming. Oh yeah, come Sunday there's going to be some hitting going on.....

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PatrickGB's picture

December 15, 2019 at 11:28 am

I have the same feeling. Part of it is because I have no idea who the Packers are. They seem to change every week.

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splitpea1's picture

December 13, 2019 at 12:39 pm

The Packers need to show they're for real by beating a real team that's fighting for their playoff life.

Defense: keep a spy on Trubisky and don't let him run!

Offense: do whatever it takes to stay out of third-and-long.

Rodgers: Try to minimize the deep dropbacks unless the offensive line is playing exceptionally well.

MLF: Make sure Rodgers does this.

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Lphill's picture

December 13, 2019 at 01:22 pm

Bears have one good receiver , cover him and force Trubisky to make poor throws. Keep the pressure on him.

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JohnnyLogan's picture

December 13, 2019 at 06:30 pm

Anthony Miller has been pretty good lately.

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Lare's picture

December 13, 2019 at 04:56 pm

Went to look at the rankings to see if they indicated any advantage in this game and they're pretty much a wash- Packers lead in offense & turnovers and Bears lead in defense & special teams.

In many cases, evenly-matched games come down to who wants it more and I'd give the advantage there to the Bears- they lost the first game and they're basically eliminated from the postseason so this would be like their playoff game. The Packers may also be coasting a little bit with their 10-3 record, home field advantage and by probably being in the playoffs regardless the outcome.

Bottom line- the team that wins can't beat themselves and the outcome shouldn't be decided by the officiating.

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jannes bjornson's picture

December 13, 2019 at 03:56 pm

Pack 28---Bears 16.

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Pierre's picture

December 13, 2019 at 09:46 pm

In the NFL, everything hinges on the play of the QB in determining the outcome of a game. If Rodgers makes quick decisions and throws more accurate passes over the middle to hit receivers in stride....the chances are good the Packers will win. If he continues to run back 10-12 yards, turns around, holds the ball for 5-6 seconds, then throws to a receiver for 3 yards...on 2nd and 16...then expect a loss.

If Rodgers cannot sustain drives but instead continues with “ 3 and outs” consecutive times, the GB defense has no chance to rest and will eventually succumb to the Bears offense. That’s a big factor in the performance of the Packer defense. Rodgers needs to convert third downs at a lot higher rate to insure the Packer offense stays on the field and converts more TDs than FGs...thus giving his defense vital rest.

Yes, it’s all on the QB and so far Rodgers has been inconsistent with some very poor performances that were just painful to watch and even harder to explain. This is his chance to show what he can do against a resurgent Bears team looking to halt the Packers march towards a division title. Rodgers needs to be instrumental in leading his team to victory at home as there really are no excuses anymore.

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PAPackerbacker's picture

December 14, 2019 at 02:59 am

Run the ball and control the line of scrimmage. On passing plays get rid of the ball quickly. Convert on 3rd and short instead of going 30 yards downfield. Wear the Bear defense down and on defense force the Bears to make mistakes by constant pressure on Trubisky. Don't allow him to pick up first downs with his legs. And by all means, stop the run! No stupid penalties at critical times. The Packers need to play 60 minutes of football. Anything less and the Bears will use a listless approach to their advantage.

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dobber's picture

December 14, 2019 at 10:02 am

"control the line of scrimmage."

^^THIS!^^ On both sides of the ball. Protect ARod and give the running game a chance. Keep the game in Trubisky's hands.

Chicago will get a boost with Hicks back even though they'll miss Roquan Smith.

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Pacrat88's picture

December 14, 2019 at 02:06 pm

Take the legs out from under Trubisky and Montgomery and "GAME OVER".

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