{"id":123189,"date":"2021-10-14T14:13:53","date_gmt":"2021-10-14T18:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=123189"},"modified":"2021-10-14T20:16:38","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T00:16:38","slug":"the-chicago-bears-and-their-fans-prepare-for-fields-rodgers-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2021\/10\/14\/the-chicago-bears-and-their-fans-prepare-for-fields-rodgers-part-i\/","title":{"rendered":"The Chicago Bears Prepare for Justin Fields-Aaron Rodgers Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Bears<\/a> will take on the Green Bay Packers for the first time this season, and the first time ever with rookie quarterback Justin Fields, in Week 6. As the league\u2019s oldest rivalry, meetings between the two always receive a certain level of pomp and fanfare. They shouldn’t expect this time to be any different.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fields has led the Bears to back-to-back wins after getting his baptism into the league at the hands of Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Green Bay, after a three-point dud in the opener against the New Orleans Saints, has averaged a little over 29 points per game. Chicago, with their quarterback of the future under center, has averaged 22 points per game.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Bears haven\u2019t beaten Green Bay since 2017 and haven\u2019t won at Lambeau Field since 2015.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fields-Rodgers Part I Begins New Chapter in Storied Bears-Packers Rivalry<\/span><\/h2>\n

Strength vs Strength<\/span><\/h3>\n

This year doesn\u2019t figure to get any easier as the Packers look to once again be among the cream of the crop in the NFC. They\u2019re 13th in points, 10th in offense DVOA<\/a>, and, over the last three weeks, ninth in passing yards per game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chicago\u2019s defense has been on a tear, especially in the last two weeks. They lead the league in sacks and are fifth in defense DVOA<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are really four battles to keep an eye on.<\/span><\/p>\n

First and foremost is Rodgers against the Bears defensive front led by Khalil Mack and a resurgent Robert Quinn. A master of the hard count, Rodgers seemingly draws opponents offsides once or twice a game. The results are a free five yards at best and, at worst six points on the board.<\/span><\/p>\n

His favorite target is Davante Adams, who is in the discussion for the best wide receiver in the game today. He leads the league in targets, receptions, and yards. Surprisingly, he has just two touchdowns on the year. Bears corner Jaylon Johnson will have his hands full with his greatest test to date.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second-year man has allowed just 44 percent of the passes thrown his way to be completed and they\u2019ve gone for just 177 total yards and zero scores.<\/span><\/p>\n

Linebacker Roquan Smith, who is also having a stellar campaign, won\u2019t get off easy this week. He\u2019ll be tasked with keeping Aaron Jones, A.J. Dillon, and (at times) Rodgers in check. The Bears are 12th in rush defense. That\u2019s one spot behind the Packers who have shut opponents down the last three weeks despite injuries on that side of the ball.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, Eddie Jackson and Tashaun Gipson against Robert Tonyan and Marcedes Lewis. The Bears have done better against tight ends so far this season but have given up big plays in the passing game.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.@justnfields<\/a> is live at the podium.@Hyundai<\/a> | #DaBears<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/fGtJWtSAnP<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 13, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n