Windy City Gridiron
Final week of the season. Will these Bears ride off with a win at Lambeau Field for the first time since 2015? Or will they add to their historic losing streak?
The NFL season is an evolving state of affairs. So much can and does change from week to week. Teams, schemes, rivalry games and injuries all factor into performances on any given Sunday.
In this weekly series, I’ll be featuring one player from each team on each side of the ball who I figure to be integral to their respective teams’ success. You won’t see any QBs as they are, in my opinion, the most critical position in all of sports and, thereby, an obvious choice. You also won’t see any star defensive players like Micah Parsons and Nick Bosa. Again, too obvious.
No, these are more of the unsung variety. Yet, often just as critical to the success of the team.
Let’s get started with the Chicago Bears.
My brain tells me D’Andre Swift and the run game will be key this week, but I have a hard time believing in our run game against the Green Bay Packers and doubt Swift has a repeat performance with Braxton Jones out this time around. Meanwhile, ever since Thomas Brown took over play calling duties, DJ Moore (who got the nod here last time we played the Pack) has re-emerged as the top weapon for Chicago never having fewer than 7 targets after having four such games when Waldron was calling plays. He also hasn't had fewer than 46 yards after having 6 such games before Thomas Brown took over play calling. The last time he played the Cheese back in week 11, DJ ended up with 7 catches for 62 yards and 1 carry for 5 yards and helped keep the chains moving and give us a shot at the end with a FG as time expired. If he is once again featured and at least equally effective, I like our chances this time around. If he reaches 120 yards on the day, not only will he also reach 1,000 on the season, but I would pretty much guarantee a win. If not, at least this is the last week we must suffer watching the 2024 Chicago Bears break our collective hearts.
Coming off his second consecutive Pro Bowl nod, Jaylon Johnson is certainly solidifying himself amongst the league's top CB’s. Now, it is time for him to build on that momentum with a signature performance against the Bears all time rival. Unfortunately, last time we played GB, Johnson was on the wrong end of such a performance when he tripped covering Christian Watson and let up a 60-yard pass with just over 4 minutes remaining to put GB in position to take the lead. Jaylon remembers that play and there is no love lost for his rivals, whom he has never beaten as a Bear. I expect an...
