The Chicago Bears Defense Needs to Disrupt Jordan Love's Rhythm
Jordan Love has been firing on all cylinders recently, especially at home. Love has not thrown a pick at Lambeau since October and is coming off three consecutive games where he passed for over 200 yards with multiple touchdowns and zero interceptions. If the Bears want to play spoiler, the defense must get Love off his rhythm.
Fortunately, the Bears have the playmakers on defense to cause the quarterback fits, but it will require everybody to finish the season on a strong note. Pro Bowlers Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson, the latter of whom is doubtful to play heading into the game, are looking to add to their impressive years, while cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is looking to add to his Defensive Rookie of the Year resume.
The defense as a whole has improved immensely since the beginning of the season, and Sunday marks an opportunity to quantify that growth. On the first Sunday of the season, the Bears allowed 38 points and over 320 yards at home, one of the group's worst performances of the year. Certainly, the defense will be looking to avenge that week one outcome, and it will likely need to come from the pass rush.
The best way to disrupt a quarterback is to pressure him, and the Bears have started to generate pressure regularly, thanks to Sweat and the emergence of rookie tackle Gervon Dexter. The Bears' defense has utilized Dexter as both an interior and an edge rusher, so against a team with a banged-up offensive line like the Packers, the Bears may look to continue to find creative ways to pressure the quarterback.