The Chicago Bears defense was humiliated in their last meeting against the Green Bay Packers in November. They allowed 34 points and basically let Aaron Rodgers do what he wanted. It was hoped that ugly night might have them revved up and eager for the rematch on Sunday. By all accounts, this is the case. There’s just one problem. The defense will be shorthanded this time around.
After missing Akiem Hicks in the first meeting, the big defensive end will be back. However, the secondary faces a different story. Two of their starting cornerbacks missed last week with injuries in Buster Skrine and Jaylon Johnson. Skrine is dealing with the sixth known concussion of his career. Johnson suffered a shoulder injury. Something that was also a problem for him in college at Utah.
Neither seems to have shown any progress in recovery.
So the Bears declared both of them out for Sunday. A tough blow as they prepare to face arguably the hottest offense in the NFL. Davante Adams is the best wide receiver in the NFL this season. He’s a handful for even the best cornerbacks in the league. Now he’ll have the opportunity to go against inexperienced backups like Duke Shelley and Kindle Vildor. Two young guys who have shown some nice flashes but have struggled at times as well.
One can bet Aaron Rodgers will be looking their way all afternoon long. He’s never one to pass up an opportunity to attack an opponent’s weaknesses. It is clearer than ever that this game will likely come down to two things. Whether the Bears offense can score points and whether the pass rush can make Rodgers uncomfortable enough to keep him from finding too much of a rhythm.
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#Bears Friday injury report pic.twitter.com/vUg8eFYZHa
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears defense can’t afford excuses
This is a must-win football game. Yes, they’re banged up. Then again so are the Packers. They just lost All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari to a season-ending knee injury. They don’t seem to think that will prevent them from doing their jobs. The same should be the case for this defense. Losing Johnson and Skrine hurts, but there is still a lot of talent across that starting lineup. Guys getting paid a lot of money to be the best at their positions.
Now is the time for them to earn it. That pass rush didn’t even touch Rodgers in the last meeting. Something that can’t happen this time. They also gave up 182 yards on the ground. Another issue to clean up. Green Bay has little fear for the Chicago Bears defense of late. The same can be said for a lot of the opponents they’ve faced.
If those guys want their reputation back, they’ll need to take it.
Beating the Packers is never easy. Doing it shorthanded makes it even tougher. Chicago will have to play a full 60 minutes of solid, mistake-free football. Something that hasn’t been their strength most of the 2020 season. If ever there was a time to bring out their best, it’s now. A win could enable Johnson to return for the playoffs. Then anything is possible.