By: Chris Freeman
On Sunday, January 7th, millions of American’s eyes will be locked into small-town Wisconsin where Jordan Love has the opportunity to compete in the oldest rivalry in the NFL. Oh yeah.. it also happens to be a win-and-in game against the arch-nemesis Chicago Bears. Each team, with its own set of motivations, adds layers of meaning to what is promised to be more than just a playoff-clinching battle, but one of the more important games in the recent history of this rivalry.
At 3:25 pm CT, all Green Bay natives and Packers fans worldwide will have their heart rates accelerate and will be on the edge of their seats for the next 3 and a half hours. Packers fans know this feeling all too well, a win-and-in game against the Detroit Lions last year felt like a slow boil death of the old guard in Green Bay. The Detroit Lions, like the Bears this year, have nothing to play for but to spoil Green Bay’s postseason dreams.
Leading into the 2023-2024 NFL season the expectations for the Green Bay Packers varied in great amounts from fan to fan. Some thought that this team would be in complete rebuild mode and this season would be a throw-away, but others like me had different expectations. I was expecting to see a team that, contingent on quarterback play from first-year starter Jordan Love, would be a fringe wildcard team. A team that was extremely young and inexperienced on offense, would have to rely on the experienced defense to go out and keep them in games.
While I ended up being right about it not being a rebuilding year, with a chance to book a ticket to the playoffs in week 18, the expectations for each side of the ball have been the exact opposite of previous expectations. As the season went on, the Packers offense, the youngest in the league (and not particularly close), has grown up in front of our eyes into a formidable force. A group of young wide receivers who have been plug-and-play type players going in and out of the injury report weekly. From young rookies like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks to undrafted studs like Bo Melton, they have all found a way to contribute.
The narrative surrounding this team has been a rollercoaster for most of this year. Starting 2-1 to then dropping to 3-6, halfway through the season it turned into a debate on whether Jordan Love was the right guy. Fans found themselves at a crossroads: should the team throw in the towel for a high draft pick, or is there still something worth salvaging from the remainder of the season?
From that point on, the Packers' offense stepped up, delivering standout performances and managing to outscore opponents, even as the defense struggled to provide support. At a juncture when fans were questioning why the team didn't surround Jordan Love with proven talent in skill positions, the offense seemed to catch a second wind and elevate their game.
A significant shift in play-calling played a pivotal role in this resurgence. Head Coach Matt LaFleur demonstrated unwavering trust in his first-year starter, Jordan Love. The deep passing game gained momentum, empowering Love to make critical checks at the line of scrimmage. LaFleur wasn't hesitant to place the fate of the game in Love's hands during pivotal moments, marking a clear display of confidence in the young quarterback.
The importance of a young quarterback knowing that his head coach, play-caller, has the utmost trust in his abilities, is enough confidence to see a noticeable shift in play. With the assurance of his coach's belief, the hesitation to throw deep balls disappeared, and the quarterback's pocket awareness soared. Playing off-script became second nature, unveiling a quarterback evolving before our eyes.
For Packers fans nationwide, witnessing this offensive transformation has been incredibly gratifying. The team now stands at the precipice of making a definitive mark in the NFC North, affirming that the Packers' era as a formidable force in the league is far from over.
On the flip side, the Chicago Bears approach this game with no playoff hopes or seeding implications. Yet, the external pressure is heavy; there's an undeniable yearning to finally beat the Packers in Lambeau once again. As aptly put by Aaron Rodgers, "This is their Super Bowl," and indeed, it holds that weight. Immersed in a sea of Chicago Bears fans during my upbringing, it's evident that, short of winning a Super Bowl, this scenario is their dream. Defeating the Packers, in Lambeau, on the final week of the season, offers them the chance to conclude both teams' seasons.
Not only is there pressure on them to complete the task that the Lions did in week 18 to the Packers last year, but their quarterback, Justin Fields, is facing what is likely a career-saving game. I do not doubt in my mind that if he plays well and wins this game the organization will opt to re-sign Fields and move forward with him in the future. On the contrary, if he loses this game the Bears would probably ship him off to a different team and will pick up some draft equity in return.
The Bears organization is in a very unique situation right now. They are in what seems like a perfect limbo, in keeping Justin Fields and already seeing what the floor value with him is, or drafting a generational quarterback talent in Caleb Williams with the 1st overall pick. Not only do they have this decision to make, but they also will have cap space to build a strong team with whatever they decide to do at quarterback.
The impact of this game extends across vastly different time frames for each franchise. For the Packers, a loss would mean acknowledging that they surpassed expectations in the eyes of many fans. However, the heartbreak would be unmissable, missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year, especially after having a win-and-in game against a division rival. The repercussions of such a loss would linger in the short term, leaving a bitter taste to the rollercoaster-like season.
The Bears face a longer-lasting effect as an organization. The fallout of this game will reverberate for years to come, influencing future personnel choices and organizational decisions. It's not just about the immediate disappointment; it's about the enduring impact on the trajectory and makeup of the team moving forward. The stakes are high, and the repercussions for the Bears go beyond just the win-loss record of this single season.
As Jordan Love gears up to have his full complement of playmakers around him for the first time in months, the stage is set for a showdown against a surging Chicago Bears team. The Bears, particularly on the defensive front, have found their rhythm, coupled with improved quarterback play from Justin Fields. The pivotal question looms: What gives first?
The Packers’ offense, buoyed by the return of key playmakers, faces the daunting task of compensating for their porous defense. Can they put enough points on the board to counteract defensive vulnerabilities, or will the resurgent Bears defense be able to stifle the young Packers' offensive prowess?
Amidst the battle on the field, an off-field decision casts a long shadow over the matchup. The choice to retain Joe Barry as the defensive coordinator comes to a focal point, raising questions about its potential repercussions for Matt LaFleur in the years to come. As the game unfolds, the decision's impact on the defensive performance will be scrutinized, leaving lingering uncertainties about its consequences for the Packers season.
As the curtain falls on the season, all eyes are on Jordan Love, presented with the opportunity to clinch victory in the final game. It's a familiar scenario—last season, Aaron Rodgers couldn't secure the win in this critical moment. Now, the stage is set for Jordan Love to inscribe his own chapter in the team's narrative. The shadows of last season linger, adding an extra layer of excitement to Love's shot at making a lasting impact on the Green Bay Packers' story. It's a defining moment, a chance to create a legacy and open a new chapter in the team's history.
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