Entering week four, the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears had met in 195 contests with a the series being tied 94-94-6. The fact that the “biggest rivalry in football” was tied after nearly 100 years is incredible and a testament to the legendary rivalry. The Packers started off strong with a touchdown on their opening drive of the game and a strip sack of Mike Glennon on the first play of the Bears possession. The Packers struck quickly after the turnover and led 14-0 early in the game. After a lightning storm that caused a 47 minute delay, the Packers never looked back after a couple Glennon interceptions and rolled onto an easy 21 point victory. The 35-14 scoreline, however, doesn’t tell the whole story; here are the Packers takeaways for their dominating rivalry victory over the Bears.
Week Four Green Bay Packers Takeaways
1) Injuries Pile on Thursday Night Football
The Packers came into Thursday night with a laundry list of key contributors inactive including Mike Daniels, David Bakhtiari, Bryan Bulaga, Davon House. A few more were playing through pre-existing injuries including: Nick Perry, Ty Montgomery, Randall Cobb, and Kentrell Brice.
The list got much longer after the injury filled victory against the Bears with the two most notables being Ty Montgomery and Davante Adams. Mongomery left early and seemed to have suffered a rib injury, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The other notable injury was Adams, who was hit hard by Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan. Adams caught a short pass from Aaron Rodgers and was immediately swarmed with Bears defenders, as Adams was stood up, Trevathan, with a running start, lowered his helmet and whacked Adams with a vicious hit to the head. Adams went limp and immediately fell to the ground motionless.
The stretcher came out moments later and Adams was on his way to Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. As he was being carted off, Adams signaled “thumbs up”. Later in the game, it was reported that Adams had all movement and feeling in all extremities. It was a scary play, that could have been easily avoided. Trevathan will undoubtedly get fined for the hit, and a possible suspension could be looming.
2) Make-Shift Offensive Line Stands Strong
Going back to his high school and collegiate games, Packers left guard, Lane Taylor, had never played one snap at left tackle; that is, until last night. Taylor stepped in and played a truly miraculous game at the toughest position on the line. Tasked with protecting Rodgers blindside, Taylor gave up one quarterback hurry on 31 pass rushing snaps according to Pro Football Focus.
Elsewhere on the line, Lucas Patrick made his first start and held his own at left guard. Corey Linsley and Jahri Evans were the usual starters and played well against an underrated Bears defensive line.
At right tackle, first year tackle Justin McCray had a tough time with Leonard Floyd, but was helped by Martellus Bennett with chip blocks for most of the night. Overall, the line played a commendable game, and Rodgers made it out healthy and with a victory.
3) Aaron Jones Should Start Soon
With Montgomery allegedly breaking his ribs, and back up running back Jamaal Williams leaving early due to a knee injury, Aaron Jones made the most of his carries. Jones was a fifth round draft choice out of The University Of Texas-El Paso. He showed burst and speed out of the backfield and took care of the ball. He ended up with 13 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. With all the injuries at running back, you should expect to see two Aarons behind center.
4) Damarious Randall’s Days Could Be Numbered
After a horrible start to the 2017 season, Damarious Randall can now be considered a draft bust. He had been consistently beaten since coming to Green Bay in 2015. Late in the second quarter, Randall was beaten by Kendall Wright who was left wide open in the endzone for a touchdown.
Randall was benched in favor of Josh Hawkins, and allegedly left the sideline sometime in the third quarter. It has been confirmed that Randall did not sustain an injury. When Mike McCarthy was asked about it in his press conference, the coach declined comment and called it an “internal matter”. Either way, Randall will be gone sooner rather than later.
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