Grady Jarrett got his first taste of the Bears-Packers rivalry in the 28-21 loss at Lambeau Field in Week 14.
After the Bears dismantled the Browns, 31-3, at Soldier Field the following week, Jarrett will now get an opportunity to earn his first victory in a Bears uniform against Green Bay at home.
In the first matchup, Jordan Love had himself a day. The veteran quarterback finished 17 of 25 for 234 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.
Grady Jarrett and the Bears are ready for some revenge on the Packers
Jarrett was asked about what makes Love “a cause for concern” as an opponent.
“I wouldn't say cause for concern,” Jarrett said. “I think, as far as the respect he deserves as a competitor, he's just getting the ball where he needs it to go, playing with extreme confidence and you can tell just all the years accumulated in that offense and in the league is really coming to life for him. So, definitely a lot of respect for his game, knowing he can get the ball, wherever it needs to go. But cause for concern wouldn't be a term I'll use, I'll say a respect to our opponent and that's well deserved for the work he put in.”
Jarrett is in his 11th year in the NFL and understands the commitment his opponents put into producing the results they show on the football field. So, it shouldn’t surprise Bears fans to hear Jarrett’s words.
Going into this second matchup at Soldier Field, the veteran defensive lineman knows what the defense must do to have a better outcome.
“I think we just have to cut out the big plays,” Jarrett said. “And, just knowing that every play counts. It comes down to a couple plays in a game when you are playing with two top teams. We can't make as many mistakes. Whether it's executing on defense or turnover here or not getting the turnover here, we have to be on our P's and Q's. That's one of the biggest lessons that we had to learn the hard way the first time out there. We are going to zoom in on that and focus on things we can control. Because at the end of the day, it's about us, and that's how it is and that's how we know it and that's how we want it.”
The Bears can clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Packers, a Lions’ loss or tie to the Pittsburgh Steelers, or a Bears tie.
Obviously, this game will have huge NFC playoff implications.
For the people attending Week 16, Jarrett has a message for all Bears fans.
Read more: Bears' quiet preseason addition has been imperative for Dennis Allen's defense
“Show up and show out, show up and show out,” Jarrett said. “This needs to be the loudest game we’ve had all season. They need to rock that stadium; Soldier Field needs to be shaking. We know the chants they like the chant, and we are going to make them happy and give them something to chant about. We’re going to go put up a good showing for them.”