The primary conflict between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers has been going on for over a century. Throughout that time, proxy wars have taken place between fans and the media. That includes radio stations. The Packers have no shortage of loyal outlets. One of them is ESPN Madison. They’ve been among the most outspoken regarding trash-talking the Bears at every opportunity. It was more of the same on Wednesday when they decided to conduct a poll, no doubt thinking it was low-hanging fruit.
The question was simple. Following the NFL trade deadline, which of the four teams in the NFC North was the worst? There is no question that the intention was for them to get the Bears as the highest vote-getter, both because the Packers already beat them this year and Caleb Williams just threw 4 interceptions in his most recent game. Well, let’s say the results didn’t go as intended.
Since 10:00 a.m., when the poll was posted, it has been a two-team race for that #1 spot. Neither of them is the Bears. Green Bay leads with 49.5% of the vote, while the Minnesota Vikings trail behind at 39.7%.
Once again, don’t come at the Chicago Bears unprepared.
One can understand why the Packers media are feeling themselves lately. The team is in the midst of its annual October and November run. They’ve won five of their last six games, capped by a blowout of the New England Patriots. No doubt they’re feeling invincible right now, especially with Micah Parsons about to return. That said, this is the NFL. Champions aren’t crowned in November. You can’t expect the Bears, and particularly their fans, to cowtow to you just because you won the first matchup.
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The Chicago Bears are 7-2. They played their worst game of the season on Sunday night and still beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That win the Packers enjoyed last month came courtesy of playing at home against a Bears team that was starting Tyson Bagent at quarterback and was also without Kyle Monangai or Kyler Gordon. Not to mention, they didn’t have Jeffery Simmons in the mix as they do now. When these teams rematch on Christmas, the Bears will likely be significantly stronger.
Packer fans would be wise not to get ahead of themselves.
As thorough as that victory was at Lambeau Field, it did nothing to derail the Bears’ season. They’ve won four in a row since that game. It is another testament to the team’s grit and resilience in the face of disappointing setbacks. Green Bay is free to talk their trash. Such is the benefit of winning the most recent matchup. Just don’t expect it to discourage Bears fans from firing back when you give them opportunities, as that poll so obviously did. They won’t sit there and take it.
Make no mistake. The war is far from over. You can bet Williams and Ben Johnson have that December 25th date circled. It probably isn’t a coincidence that the quarterback returned slightly early from his hamstring injury after the loss in Green Bay. They hate losing to the Packers. There is a strong possibility that game may decide the fate of the division.
They wouldn’t have it any other way.
