3 key matchups ahead of Bears vs. Packers in Week 15
Arguably no two teams in the NFL know each other better than the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The league’s oldest rivalry adds another chapter to its storied history on Sunday when the Bears travel north to take on the NFC North division leaders in a pivotal game for both teams.
The Bears are on life support when it comes to their postseason hopes, sitting at a 2% chance to make the playoffs heading into Week 15. They’ll need to win and get some help from other teams to improve their chances.
Despite the Packers’ better record of 10-3, this game will likely be close, as the 7-6 Bears are riding a three-game winning streak. Look for a few key matchups that may decide the game for either team.
1. Bears LB Nick Kwiatkoski vs. Packers RB Aaron Jones
AP Photo/Sarah Stier
Jones has been the catalyst for the Green Bay offense in 2019, accumulating over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scoring 15 total touchdowns. He’s been the Packers’ most dangerous weapon this season, meaning the Bears linebackers are going to have a tall task ahead of them on Sunday.
With starting linebackers Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan both out with injuries, that responsibility falls to Kwiatkoski. The fourth-year pro has been superb in relief of Trevathan, playing excellent run defense and improving in pass coverage. Now, he faces another big test against Jones without Smith by his side. Can “Kwit” slow down Jones both in the running and passing game?
2. Bears OTs Charles Leno Jr. and Cornelius Lucas vs. Packers OLBs Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith
AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall
“The Smith Brothers” are truly a dynamic duo for the Packers defense. Both signed as free agents in the spring, the two edge rushers have combined for 93 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and 68 pressures on the quarterback. To put it bluntly, they’re a problem for offensive tackles.
Bears left tackle Charles Leno Jr has put together another decent season, outside of penalties, giving up just four sacks through 13 games. Right tackle Cornelius Lucas, taking over for an injured Bobby Massie, has performed well in the two games he’s started. He handled Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence with ease last week and looks to build on his success. Leno and Lucas’ recent play have helped with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky’s surge in production. Will they be able to hold their own against the Smiths?
3. Bears head coach Matt Nagy vs. Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Nagy was out-coached by Pettine following the Bears’ opening night loss to the Packers over three months ago. The veteran coordinator dialed up unique looks and schemes to throw Nagy, and more importantly Trubisky, off their game. The Bears offense only scored 3 points, their fewest since 2017 and the lowest output in the Nagy era.
The game also sparked conversation surrounding Nagy’s ability to effectively call plays, a story that would linger for most of the season. Now, Nagy is coming off his best game plan against the Cowboys, with he and Trubisky firing on all cylinders. The Bears are averaging 378 total yards over their last three games, thanks to improved quarterback play and a more-balanced attack.
Meanwhile, the Packers defense has settled in as a middle-of-the-road unit, allowing 368 yards per game and allowing nearly 21 points. Will Pettine be able to derail Nagy’s plan again and cause the Bears offense to sputter? Or will Nagy get revenge for Week 1?
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