Bears Anticipate the Start of a Fresh Chapter in Rivalry with Packers
Packers week has descended upon the Bears, and while the occasion holds unique meanings for individual players, they all share one urgent need: a victory.
Mired in a 10-game losing streak, the Bears are desperate for a win as they enter the 207th installment of this historic NFL rivalry. The game takes on additional weight as it's the first against the Packers since Aaron Rodgers moved on. Among current Bears, only safety Eddie Jackson, guard Cody Whitehair, and long snapper Patrick Scales have tasted victory against Green Bay.
The Packers have had the upper hand for eight consecutive matchups, and the Bears are hoping that this game will signal a turning of the tides. The only time the streak has been longer was when Brett Favre led Green Bay to 10 consecutive wins against Chicago. From Favre to Rodgers, Green Bay has been dominant, winning 48 of the last 63 games against their rivals.
"This is a matchup I've been eagerly anticipating. I haven't been on the winning side against them, which isn't great. Time to change that," said Bears tight end Cole Kmet. "Divisional games are always crucial, but this one holds special significance. The rivalry is historic, and I can't wait for the action to unfold."
But it's not just about defeating the Packers. General Manager Ryan Poles set a clear objective for the team: "take the North." For that to happen, the Bears need to snap an 11-game losing streak in NFC North matchups, dating back to a win against the Lions on Thanksgiving 2021.
Still, it's the Packers' supremacy that the Bears are especially eager to dismantle. Over the last eight games in the series, they've been outscored 200-130, with just a single win in the last 14 matchups. Their most recent win came back in 2018, with an Eddie Jackson end-zone interception that clinched the division title against a Packers squad that had already parted ways with coach Mike McCarthy.
No Bears team has defeated a Packers team under the guidance of Matt LaFleur, adding another layer to the contest.
"I'm just pumped to get on the field," said Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones, who had some choice words for Packers fans during the offseason. "That's all that needs to be said at this point."
Quarterback Justin Fields, who holds an 0-6 record against the Packers, is among those particularly keen for a win. "He gets what this means�for the team, the city, and everyone involved," said head coach Matt Eberflus. "And he can't wait to make it happen."
| POLL | ||
5 SEPTEMBRE | 21 ANSWERS Bears Anticipate the Start of a Fresh Chapter in Rivalry with Packers Who will win in week 1? | ||
| Bears | 17 | 81 % |
| Packers | 4 | 19 % |
| List of polls | ||
