The Chicago Bears took home a decisive win against the Cleveland Browns Week 15, a game almost everyone expected them to win. With the Packers falling short against the Broncos and the Lions losing to the Rams, the Bears once again hold the top spot in the NFC North, a position that comes with the No. 2 seed in the playoff race.
With the Bears gearing up for a second game against the Packers in two weeks, it's worth taking a look at what they need to do to win, analyzing where they fell short in their first matchup. The Bears don't need to reinvent the wheel to defeat Green Bay; they need to keep doing what they're doing well and avoid making the critical mistakes that led to their loss in Week 14.
Keys to the Game
Browns rookie quarterback Shadeur Sanders had a rough go against the Bears, throwing for three interceptions and no touchdowns. The Bears did a significantly better job against Sanders than they did against Packers quarterback Jordan Love the week prior. Limiting chunk plays and preventing Love from having the ball in his hands is essential for the Bears to win.
Sustaining offensive possession was a struggle for the Bears in their matchup against Green Bay, though the data may suggest otherwise. The Bears had more time on offense than the Packers did, but Green Bay used its time more efficiently.
To contrast this with the Bears' matchup against Cleveland, the Bears held the ball for just about a minute less against Green Bay than against the Browns. Utilizing the time they have wisely and efficiently is paramount to defeating the Packers.
Creating more pressure for Packers quarterback Jordan Love will be a key factor if the Bears intend to win. Last time, Love sat in the pocket comfortably and maintained the rhythm that led to a good game.
If the Bears can cause significant pressure on the pocket, Love will be forced to scramble. Creating an uncomfortable situation for the Packers' pocket could be the difference-maker the Bears need.
With Packers defensive leader Micah Parsons out with an ACL tear, the Bears should have a much easier time against the Green Bay defense. That's not to say it's going to be easy, but with Parsons absent, the Packers no longer have the advantage they've enjoyed all season.
Taking on the Packers at Lambeau when they're on a hot streak is a tall order. But taking on the Packers at Soldier Field after they've taken a hard, first-place-losing loss, after the Bears just posted one of their best box scores of the year, is a whole different concept. It's much more manageable, and therefore, much more winnable.
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If the Bears can maintain the composure they had against Cleveland, they should have no trouble defeating the Packers and hanging onto the lead for another week.