The Bears currently hold the top spot in the NFC North, a position that could prove to be fragile in the coming weeks.
The next three weeks hold two matchups against the Green Bay Packers, and Bears fans are eager to win this time. For more than several years now, the Bears have struggled against their division foes, and Ben Johnson aims to turn that reputation around.
Packers vs Bears, A Brief History
The Packers and Bears have been rivals since the dawn of time. Even before the start of the NFL all those years ago, this rivalry existed in the hearts of citizens of Chicago and Green Bay, Illinois, and Wisconsin. As it stands, all-time in the Packers-Bears rivalry, Green Bay holds the edge with 108 wins to date. The Bears aren't far behind with 96 wins, but seeing as the rivals only play twice a year (with slim playoff possibilities), it's gonna take a few years for the Bears to get it back.
Over the last thirty years, the Packers have enjoyed quarterback stability, while Chicago went a carousel ride of quarterbacks. Putting together roster after roster around back-to-back Hall of Fame quarterbacks, then finding success behind Jordan Love, proves that the Packers practice a winning formula.
How The Bears Can Win
Right now, the Bears have the slight edge over the Packers thanks to the Packers and the Cowboys tying in Week 4. The Bears are going to have their work cut out for them when they travel to Green Bay for Week 14. Green Bay boasts a top ten defense, and its point differential has been steady.
The Bears have been quick to lean on their run game, and for good reason. But when it comes to yards allowed this season, the Packers are allowing under 100 yards per game on average. Their pass defense has also been excellent, allowing only 186.5 yards per game. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams needs to improve his completion rate if they're to win.
Though Williams has struggled with his accuracy this season, and the offense has found great success on the ground, that doesn't mean it will be so easy for the Bears to steamroll the Packers. Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur has the Bears' number, and the Packers defense is sure to be prepped and ready to take on the Bears. Utilizing their rookie weapons will be essential to advancing the Bears toward a win.
The Bears didn't record any sacks against the Eagles in Week 13 or against the Steelers in Week 12. Though the Bears only allowed Williams to be sacked twice against the Eagles, Ben Johnson's offense needs to improve in this statistic.
For two games in a row now, the Bears haven't broken through and gotten the job done. After a five-game streak in which the defense won the sack battle, this has been a step backward for Dennis Allen's defense.
Read more: Bears' rookie report for Week 13 sees young players taking charge vs. Eagles
The Bottom Line
The Bears have a chance to reclaim ground in a rivalry that's defined generations, but only if they clean up the details that have held them back. Green Bay isn't giving anything away, so Chicago has to earn every inch. The upcoming matchup will show whether they're ready for the fight.