Before we take a look at today's win in Chicago — oops...did we just give things away??? — we at least need to acknowledge last weekend's win in Cincinnati. That was ... different, wasn't it, Packer fans? The Packers had to slog it out against a fine Bengals team on the rise. And certainly, the kicking game was of note. As much for the failures and miscues on both sides as well as, thankfully, the final winner from Mason Crosby in OT.
As we know, after setting a franchise record for making 27 field goals in a row, Crosby then went on to miss three in a row. In the last two years, he had only missed ... what was it? Two? Total. So, an off day for our esteemed kicker, along the lines of that game he had in Detroit a few years back. But, now that that's out of the way, he can begin a new streak of field-goals-made. And no better place to do so than in the Mistake by the Lake, the Eyesore on the Lakeshore, Soldier Field in Chicago.
It's a Green Bay vs. Chicago game. And even though the Packers have had Da Bearz number in recent years more often than not, it also seems to always be a slog in Chicago. Weird things seem to happen. And, as usual, Chicago has a very good defense. So the Pack's young O-line will need to be at its best to protect QB Aaron Rodgers and also open those running lanes for running backs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Assuming they hold up, and Rodgers is able to find his receivers — short, medium and long — the Packers offense will do what it needs to do today. Even though the Pack's defense is missing key parts from its backfield, the front and linebackers should be able to keep rookie QB Justin Fields in check, at least for the most part. Fields won't have the benefit of a running game to help him today as they are down to their third and fourth-string running backs. That doesn't make things a gimme, but it does skew the edge in the Packers favor.
Remember that against a good Cincinnati team last week, it was the first time in franchise history that the Packers had a 300-yard passer, 200-yard receiver, and 100-yard rusher in a single game. That would seem to portend things rounding into good form for the Packers offense. Including converting in the red zone, which has been a challenge for the Pack so far this season unlike last year.
The Prediction
A couple outside predictions today...Hub Arkush, longtime NFL and Chicago analyist said in a radio interview on WTMJ (Milwaukee) this morning that he thinks "the Packers are overrated and the Bears are underrated", that the Packers have more than Da Bearz at this point and will "have enough late to get it done" in terms of a win. Thanks, Hub.
My dear friend, Billy Da Bearz fan, when asked for his prediction, told me it will be 19-18 in favor of Chicago. He will be at the game today. Hope he enjoys the nice weather. Because he won't enjoy the final outcome, despite his prediction. And I say this with love: he's delusional.
We're calling it Packers 27 - Da Bears 20.
Go Pack Go!!!
