Matt Nagy’s message has been clear to his team this week: Don’t peak too soon — which means that they have to ease into Thursday’s season opener against the Packers.
But that’s easier said than done for a defense where most of the starters haven’t played a single snap in the preseason. They’ve been practicing against a quarterback with an orange jersey that is off limits.
So you could say the Bears defense is itching to start hitting players that aren’t their teammates.
That much was evident in training camp, where All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack would blow up plays en route to quarterback Mitch Trubisky, whom he wasn’t allowed to touch. Now, as Thursday’s opener fast approaches, Mack is feeling hungry.
And, in case it wasn’t clear, Mack is ready to start hitting quarterbacks.
The last time the Bears and Packers played on December 16, Mack sacked Rodgers twice, including once with his back. The defense held Rodgers without a touchdown, an interception and a 68.9 rating.
It’s safe to say that Mack is looking to add to his total when he faces off against Rodgers on Thursday.
But it’s not just Mack that Rodgers and the Packers offense have to contend with. The rest of the Bears’ front seven, including Akiem Hicks and Roquan Smith, will be coming for Rodgers.
The Bears return 10 starters on defense, including Mack, Smith and Hicks, along with All-Pros Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller. While Chuck Pagano takes over as defensive coordinator, there may not be much regression for a unit that was one of the best in the league in 2018.
