The Chicago Bears face off against the Green Bay Packers this weekend and they should watch out for these five sneaky players that could have a huge impact.
The first time the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers matchup is always a big occurrence for both teams. For the Packers, it’s another game they believe they’ll easily win on their way to winning the division. For the Bears, it’s a measuring stick to see how good they match up against the rest of the NFL’s elites.
This year’s matchup feels a lot closer than it has in previous years, even with the Bears having a rookie quarterback, thanks in large part to the Bears defense and the Packers’ struggles on that side of the ball.
However, these five sneaky players could swing the game in favor of the Packers if the Bears aren’t careful.
The Chicago Bears must be concerned with Mason Crosby
Mason Crosby had an up-and-down game against the Cincinnati Bengals that ended with him, finally, hitting the game-winning field goal. Week 5 was an awful week for kickers in general, not including Cairo Santos, with 13 missed extra points and 12 missed field goals there was a total of 25 missed kicks in week 5, an NFL record.
However, the NFL landscape changes week-by-week, the Bears defense has been pretty good at stopping offenses so Crosby could see his fair share of attempts on Sunday. This week, like last, could also come down to kicking, so Crosby is a player to watch out for even after his fairly down week 5.
The Chicago Bears must be concerned with A.J. Dillon
The Packers’ second-round pick from a year ago has seen an increased role since Jamal Williams signed with the Detriot Lions. He’s had up-and-down performances but he did score a touchdown last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
A.J. Dillon’s role is one that is tough to determine weekly, he’s liable to get touches but the amount usually depends on the game script and his performances. He’s proven he can handle the workload and has, on some occasions, seen as many touches as Aaron Jones in the same game, but it’s tough to know what he will do during the week.
A more throwback power back, Dillion isn’t as good of a receiver as Jones is but he’s a tough runner. The Bears will likely key in on Jones and Davante Adams to slow down, but if they aren’t careful Dillion could be the Packers featured back.
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The Chicago Bears must be concerned with Rober Tonyan
Robert Tonyan was a touchdown scoring machine last season for Aaron Rodgers the Packers, but this season he has yet to find his groove. With only 9 receptions on the season and a lone touchdown, Tonyan has not lived up to the expectations.
Last season, Tonyan totaled 7 receptions for 85 yards and 2 touchdowns in two games against the Bears.
However, the Bears linebackers have been beaten often in the passing game this season and Rodgers always looks for mismatches to exploit. The team should be cautious of rotating its safeties to contain Adams when its linebackers could be in for a long day.
The Chicago Bears must be concerned with Rashan Gary
The Bears’ offensive line has improved since they were absolutely dismantled by Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. Since that game, the team has allowed only three sacks, but they’ve done a better job of getting the ball out of Justin Fields hands.
The Packers, who are without the team’s sack leader from a year ago in linebacker Za’Darius Smith, will likely blitz heavy against the rookie quarterback especially with their weakened secondary. Enter 2019 first-round pick, Rashan Gary. While he still hasn’t truly lived up to his billing as a high first-round pick, Gary has seen more playing time this year and has racked up 1.5 sacks.
Gary, a consensus five-star recruit in high school, has the talent to be an elite player but has yet to prove it. Against the Bears’ shaky offensive line he could finally break out, something Packers fans are hopeful for while Bears fans are completely against.
The Chicago Bears must be concerned with Eric Stokes
From one former first-round pick to another, Eric Stokes was a bit of a surprise when the Packers took him in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft over a wide receiver. Stokes, whose blazing speed was at the forefront of every scouting report, has shown strides as a rookie.
He has seven passes defended in six weeks, a number that is fairly good for a rookie. With Jaire Alexander on injured reserve, stokes has seen more action and will likely take on the Bears leading receiver (statistically) in Darnell Money.
Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor will likely target Stokes often as the team moves to throw the ball more.