With the Packers fate sealed in the seventh seed, most starters sat out on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bears played all starters as they were playing for seeding. Even though the Bears lost, the Eagles also did, securing the Bears the second seed.
For the Packers, you cannot script a more disastrous month for a franchise. Losing their all-in piece in Micah Parsons has felt like the Packers chances for a Super Bowl are insurmountable. However, all you need is a chance. The Packers have that chance in the playoffs.
For the Bears, this has been a redemption season. A true storybook year as the pieces have seemingly fallen into place. Ben Johnson is the right head coaching hire, Caleb Williams has improved, there is a dominant offensive line and run game.
This is all setting up for round three to have all the hype and more. With the first two games, coming down to mere seconds, we are in for an epic NFC North match.
The Path to Victory for the Packers is there
In both games, the Packers led the Bears the entire time. However, in the second game, the Packers led for 58 minutes. All that was needed was to catch an onside kick. Once again, the Packers suffered yet another special teams blunder.
This team is capable of winning even without Micah Parsons. However, injuries have decimated the team and there is hardly any depth left. This makes it difficult for the starters to keep their foot on the gas.
For the defense, Rashan Gary must step up in a massive way. Due to his play, it is most likely that he will be released. He has a chance to set the pass rush up for success. With all the talk he has done, backing it up on the biggest stage will help.
The cornerback room is as slim as can be. The Packers had to make a move in claiming Trevon Diggs, the former all pro cornerback from the Cowboys off the waivers. While Diggs has been less than stellar this season, sometimes a change of scenery is all that is needed. Diggs also has an opportunity to change his narrative in a storied rivalry.
Jordan Love must continue to lead the offense with poise and command. While Love has not played in two and a half weeks, he does not expect rust to be an issue. If Love plays anything like he did in the first two games before his concussion, he will be fine.
Overall, this game has the makings of a cinematic masterpiece on our hands. One of the NFL’s most historic rivalries, storied franchises and devoted fanbases. A win or go home game in the playoffs, just like God intended.
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