We still own them, folks. The Packers were able to take care of business against Chicago, 45-30. Rodgers continued his dominance over the Bears in front of a national audience, and Green Bay looks primed to make a deep playoff push.
In the last game against the LA Rams, we did a “3 things we learned” article, and we could just copy and paste it here.
- The Packers are the most complete team in the NFC
- Defense’s weakness is the Deep ball
- Special Teams will decide playoff games
The Packer’s defense only gave up two touchdowns all game: a 46 yarders to Jakeem Grant and a 54 yarder to Damiere Byrd (now eleven 40 yard passes in the last nine games).
But the story was how awful the Special Teams was this game. Here is a quick recap of how the Special Teams did today
But instead of repeating old takes, let’s look ahead at three new things we learned after Sunday Night win against Chicago.
Rodgers Will Always Own the Bears
Aaron should have to wear an orange jersey when bear hunting because he is lethal against Chicago. In the last four games against the Bears, Rodgers has 1,105 yards and 15 touchdowns with over a 130 passer rating. Now 23-5 against the Bears, he has given Green Bay the lead in the rivalry head to head, and now has a chance to pass them in total wins in NFL history.
But what hurts Bears fans most is what Rodgers brings to the Packers that they haven’t had, postseason success. In the 14 years, Rodgers has been a starter, the Packers will have been in the playoffs 11 times, while the Bears have only made the playoffs three times.
The future of Aaron in Green Bay may be in doubt. But Bears fans will always have anxiety when they see Green and Gold thanks to Favre and Rodgers.
The Packers Offense Needs to RUN THE BALL!
Yes, Rodgers is having an MVP season. But when LaFleur gets pass-happy, the Packers get quick 3 and outs and struggle scoring in the red zone. Getting Jones and Dillon the ball in any way is going to be massive down the stretch, especially when the weather gets colder.
Jones has proven to be the ultimate swiss army knife being able to line up anywhere on offense. He already has 40 catches on the year and is the biggest red-zone threat on the Packers. He scored two for the Packers against the Bears tonight
Then you have the young AJ Dillon who is getting more attention every week. He always starts games slowly, then bullies tired defenders in the 2nd half. It seems like every carry for him goes an extra three yards after contact.
The big thing will be getting the one seed in the NFC, so the Packers won’t have to leave Lambeau for the playoffs. Playing in cold weather games is where the Packers thrive. And we could see yet another snow game from AJ Dillon
Rasul Douglas Deserves to be a Starter (Even when Jaire returns)
Yes, he got a Pick-6. He’s the first Packer in 50 years to get back-to-back defensive touchdowns. But that’s not why he’s mentioned here.
He is seeing the ball at an exceptional rate. The way Rasul has been reading quarterbacks has been at a pro bowl level. Joe Barry has been putting him at slot corner the last few games because he knows Douglas needs to be on the field.
When Jaire returns, Alexander and Stokes will most likely be on the edge. So Rasul has been learning to play in a Nickle defense (a 5 defensive-back set). Except next game to see him against slots wide receivers, and even blitz in special packages. We saw it a little for the Packers tonight against the Bears.
If there was a most improved award in the NFL, he may have gotten it. He will get a big contract during the offseason along with De’Vondre Campbell
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