ClutchPoints
The Chicago Bears are in the same position two weeks ago. They are back in first place in the NFC North and they are one-half game ahead of the Green Bay Packers. The Bears fell short in their earlier confrontation with the Packers as they rallied in the second half to tie their opponents, but Jordan Love led a late TD drive to give Green Bay a 28-21 lead and Caleb Williams’ late interception clinched the game for the home team.
This time the game is Saturday night at Soldier Field and that should help the Bears. However, the one-sided nature of this series — Green Bay is 29-6 in its last 35 games against Chicago — means there is quite a psychological barrier that the Bears are going to have to get over. However, the Bears are closer than they have been in many years to having a team that is equal to the Packers.
Williams will certainly play an important role in this game and his second year as Chicago’s QB1 has been a success. Perhaps the most notable attributes of his success is his ability to escape the pass rush and make plays with his legs. When he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft, Williams was supposed to have average to above average quickness, but he has been far superior to that scouting assessment.
He certainly has the arm strength and is capable of delivering a 35-yard out pattern as well as anyone. The question is whether he has the overall accuracy and touch to deliver the ball to D.J. Moore, Colston Loveland and Rome Odunze (when he is healthy) on a consistent basis. Williams has not answered that question to this point in his career. It would be a good idea if he can do that in this game for first place in the NFC North.
Williams has completed 266 of 459 passes for 3,150 yards with 21 TD passes and 6 interceptions. He has also run for 334 yards, a 4.91 yards per carry average and 3 TDs.
One of the biggest reasons for the Bears’ success this season is that they have been able to establish the run. The Bears have the No. 2 rushing team in the league as they are averaging 151.9 ground yards per game. The ability to run the football with D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai is the primary reason the Bears were able to rally from a 14-3 halftime deficit against the Packers in Week 14 and tie the game.
The Chicago offensive line has asserted itself this season, and the running backs have demonstrated explosiveness, desire and big-play ability. Swift has carried the ball 191 times for 935 yards and 7 touchdowns along with a 4.9 yards per carry average. Monangai has also played a big role for head coach Ben Johnson’s offense with 146 carries for 681 yards and 6...
