Love is Turning it on Again

Outside of the interception, which was an awful pass/decision, Jordan was dialed in on every throw. Love was 17/25 (68%) for 234 yards, 3 TDs and the 1 interception for a passer rating of 120.7. He was in complete control of the game, and even had a nice 34-yarder on the 2^nd drive of the game that was overturned somehow. Had that play stood, Green Bay might’ve boat-raced the Bears.

The Packer offense was very efficient all game, averaging 6.5 yards/play and an astounding 8.5 yards per pass. Keeping with the offensive efficiency, Green Bay scored 3 of their 4 touchdowns on 3^rd down with the 4^th coming on 2^nd down with only 0:38 left in the first half.

All 3 of Love’s TD passes were a thing of beauty. He also had a few gaining first downs in key situations on perfect passes. It was close to a perfect game from the offense and the Packers will need to continue this efficiency if they plan to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in early February.

Defense Did Just Enough

Green Bay’s defense held Chicago to just 3 first half points – with the most crucial series coming off the opening drive interception. Holding Chicago to 3 points there would’ve been a success, nonetheless forcing a punt flipped the momentum directly back to Green Bay’s sideline. The Bears amassed just 71 total yards and 5 first downs in that first half. Caleb Williams began the game slowly and finished the 1^st half just 6/14 for 32 yards – he made some plays in the 2^nd half to pull it close, but ultimately blew the game on the 4^th & 1 play at the end of the game.

With the game on the line, Green Bay came up with their biggest defensive stand of the season. With Chicago facing 3^rd & 1 from the Packers’ 14-yard line, Edge Rusher Kingsley Enagbare stuffed the popular Chicago rookie, Kyle Monangai, for no gain setting up the aforementioned 4^th down.

All in all, the Packers allowed 315 total yards and 21 points to an offense that came into the game averaging 374 yards and 26 points per game. Green Bay did their job in every facet: offense; defense; special teams. The main mission accomplished was only giving the Bears 1 turnover and they were blanked on that possession.

Reed’s Return

Jayden Reed returned from IR this week and made a solid statement. He finished with 6 total touches for 53 yards, averaging 8.8 yards/touch. Two of those touches resulted in 1^st downs with one of those coming on a key 3^rd & 1. Reed really opens up the middle of the field for Love to attack and everyone else benefits.

Christian Watson is Developing into a True WR1

Since returning from his torn ACL – Christian Watson has played 7 games and has accumulated 25 receptions for 452 yards and 5 TDs. He’s also logged 20 first downs and just by using your eyes, the offense is far more efficient/dangerous with him on the field. The Packers are 5-2 in those seven games and had they used him properly (like they have the last 2 weeks v. Detroit and Chicago) the argument could be made that Green Bay could be sitting here with an 11-1-1 record – considering they scored a combined 20 points in those 2 games it’s not far-fetched to think the Packers should’ve won both of those games.

Watson is beginning to show that he’s a game-changer considering he now has back-to-back games with 40+ yard touchdown receptions, and a QB willing to trust him to make those plays…funny how that all coincides with him eliminating his drops.

What Now?

With that win, Green Bay took over top spot in the NFC North and the 2-seed in the NFC playoff standings. Chicago dropped down to the last playoff seed (7^th) and should the playoffs begin today the Bears would travel to Lambeau Field for a Wild Card matchup. While each team has an AFC opponent this upcoming week (Chicago hosts Cleveland while Green Bay travels to Denver to face the Broncos), these two teams will matchup again to essentially determine who will the NFC North. Should Chicago drop their game to the Browns, it’s not too desperate to think they’re in “must-win” games the rest of the way based on the playoff picture.