The Chicago Bears have won nine of their last ten games, including a road upset against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, they’ll take their NFC-leading 9-3 record to Lambeau Field for a divisional matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
This game will have huge implications for the playoff race and the NFC North, and it will be their first of two matchups in the next two weeks.
Considering that, Bears head coach Ben Johnson made sure to tip his hat to his opposition, especially the defense.
Ben Johnson makes a bold statement about the Packers’ defense
"This might be the best defense we've seen all year,” the coach said, per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
Johnson is right on point with his assessment. The Packers’ defense is giving up the fourth-fewest total yards per game (301.0), and the sixth-fewest points per game (18.7).
The Bears’ head coach made the rounds on Monday afternoon for seemingly calling out QB Caleb Williams. He voiced his concerns about the passing game, and that will obviously be something to keep a close eye on Sunday:
“We gotta fundamentally be correct,” Johnson said. “Everybody has a role to play to get this pass game cleaned up. It’s not where it needs to be. We’re winning in spite of our passing game, not because of it and none of us are pleased with that right now.”
Jeff Hafley’s defense is holding opposing passers to just 186.5 passing yards per game. Caleb Williams has thrown for at least 200 yards in all but three games this season, but he’s completing just 58.1 percent of his passes.
On the bright side, he’s doing a much better job of avoiding sacks, taking just 19 this season after leading the league in sacks last year. Plenty of that has had to do with his revamped offensive line, and they will have their hands full trying to contain Micah Parsons on Sunday.
The Bears might want to lean on their rushing attack again after running for 286 yards in the win over the Eagles. Rookie Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift are playing at a high level, and establishing the run has been instrumental in taking pressure off Caleb Williams’ shoulders.
Then again, the former No. 1 pick has also made some big throws down the stretch, and Sunday’s divisional matchup will be an ideal setting to show what he’s made of.