National Football League

Packers beat Bears: Breaking down each side of the ball

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:39 p.m. ET

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Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports

With all the storylines going into the game, the Packers had to put all of that aside because they had the Bears coming into town.

Coming off a tough loss against the Cowboys, and a lot of tough criticism, Aaron Rodgers had to have a bounce back game or it would be all out panic in Packers Nation.

Everyone seemed to be pointing fingers. Although both losses came to tough opponents and division leaders, Packers fans expect greatness and that’s what Rodgers showed Thursday night, and it could have been better.

The Packers had some first half struggles but were able to come out in the second half and move the ball with efficiency.

Aside from that, the Packers were out several key starters. Included in this group were the Packers top two corners, and both running backs Eddie Lacy, and James Starks.

The Packers went into the half up 6-3, after settling for field goals on two drives. One on which Cobb had appeared to score a touchdown and the defender was able to strip the ball out at the last second, and another drive which resulted in a turnover on downs after the Packers were unable to convert on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) hands off the ball to wide receiver Ty Montgomery (88) in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/The Post-Crescent via USA TODAY Sports

Backfield

Fortunately enough the Packers were able to get the job done with Ty Montgomery and Randall Cobb out of the backfield.

Montgomery Led the way with nine carries for 60 yards, including a couple beautiful runs. He broke off a nice 30-yard dash to follow a Bears touchdown on an Aaron Rodgers fumble.

The Packers had planned on using recent call up Don Jackson, however he left early in the game with injury and from there on out it was the Ty Montgomery show on the ground. Randall Cobb was also able to tote it for a few decent carries. He had five for 21 yards and a nice 14-yard scamper.

Montgomery: 9 carries, 60 yards
Cobb: 5 carries, 21 yards

Passing game

Not a bad night on the ground for what they had to work with. Through the air the Aaron Rodgers was able to spread the ball around and move the ball with great efficiency, especially in the second half. The Packers had three receivers with 10 catches with Davante Adams leading the way, though Cobb had two big missed opportunities which would have resulted in touchdowns.

Rodgers: 39/56, 326 yards, 3 TDs
Adams: 13 catches, 132 yards 2 TDs
Cobb: 11 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD
Montgomery: 10 catches, 66 yards

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Nick Perry (53) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Defense

On the defense side of the ball the Packers looked good for the most part. LaDarius Gunter appeared to regain his confidence after being exposed last week against the Cowboys. He drew Alshon Jeffery tonight and he used his leverage, wingspan and athletic ability to win that matchup.

On the other side Demetri Goodson was very quiet, which is a good thing because they were not able to expose him. Same goes for several guys we didn’t hear from tonight, but that usually means they are doing there job. Tonight we did hear from Nick Perry, who seemed to be in on a lot of big plays and recorded and interception.

Early in the game Clay Matthews knocked out quarterback Brian Hoyer, who suffered a broken arm on the play. This may have helped ease any pressure the Packers defense may have had coming. With Hoyer out the Bears had to call on Matt Barclay. Barclay the original third stringer, and apparently for a reason, was not able to get a lot going offensively. The Packers were able to expose Barclay on a deflection from Morgan Burnett which was intercepted by Blake Martinez.

Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks for a receiver in the first quarter during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Summary

While the first half score was close, the Packers were able to control the game flow. Despite only being up six points it felt like they could have been up more. However, the feel going into half was still the same as previous weeks, the questions were still there. Could the Packers blow this game? Is the offense going to figure it out?

Sure enough the first drive Aaron Rodgers was strip sacked for a touchdown, and it felt like last week, “oh boy here we go again.”

Then, they all of a sudden turned it around. They drove down the field scored. They stopped Chicago, went down and scored. The offense finally captured rhythm and were able to put the Bears away. The defense was able to shut out the Bears.

Hot-Lanta

They will now travel to Atlanta which features Julio Jones along with a number of weapons. They are on to the next test. They will have ten days to install Knile Davis along with the offense and try and regain some guys like Damarious Randall and Jared Cook. Hopefully they can keep it going and escape from Atlanta victorious.