It's officially go-time. Packers week has been upon us for days, and the Chicago Bears are gearing up to try and end an 8-game losing streak to their biggest rival on Sunday afternoon.
Week 1 of the 2023 season holds a lot more weight and excitement around Chicago than in the past couple of years. There are tons of reasons to be excited about this Bears team, mostly thanks to the work done by Ryan Poles this offseason and one Justin Fields entering his third year.
The Packers, meanwhile, could be in for mediocrity at best now that Aaron Rodgers has departed. Where do the Packers go now? Is Jordan Love really the answer? We'll find out soon enough.
In this game on Sunday, though, the Packers should have bigger worries than whether or not Love is their answer. There is one specific matchup that could see the Bears completely dominate Green Bay.
The Chicago Bears' run game against Green Bay's defensive front is going to be a problem
Let's put this in perspective, for a moment. Not only did Green Bay finish as the league's seventh-worst run defense last year, but they're returning most of the same front they had. If we focus, specifically, on the three down linemen in Kenny Clark, T.J. Slaton and Devonte Wyatt, it gets downright ugly.
Per Pro Football Focus, the highest grade any one of those three starters earned against the run last year was 61.9 (Slaton).
Now, enter the Bears who come into the season boasting the league's top rushing attack and best rushing quarterback. Chicago added talent up front with tackle Darnell Wright and guard Nate Davis, plus they have a potential three-headed monster at running back with Khalil Herbert, D'Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson.
The Packers were not good against the run last season, and in all likelihood, they won't be much different this year. Back to the Bears, who could be just as good as last year, if not better with the improved line; a scary thought.
Do not be surprised if the Bears top 200 rushing yards against Green Bay on Sunday. In fact, expect it.