Breaking Down the Bears’ Offense Ahead of Packers Clash
With the Thanksgiving win over Detroit firmly in the rearview mirror, the Green Bay Packers turn their attention to a familiar NFC North foe: the Chicago Bears. And while we’ll dive into the Bears’ defense tomorrow, today we’re taking a hard look at what their offense brings to the table - and why it presents a unique challenge for Green Bay’s surging defense.
Bears Passing Game: A Tale of Time and Tension
Let’s start with what jumps off the page: Chicago ranks dead last in time to throw, averaging 3.19 seconds per dropback. That might not sound like much, but in NFL terms, it’s an eternity.
For comparison, the 31st-ranked team, the Eagles, are at 2.99 seconds - and that 0.2-second gap is the same as the one between Philly and the 22nd-ranked Commanders. That’s a big deal.
So what does that mean? Simply put, Caleb Williams is holding onto the ball longer than any other quarterback in the league.
Some of that’s by design - the Bears run play action at the third-highest rate in the NFL, which naturally extends time in the pocket. But even accounting for that, Williams tends to stretch plays out, looking for something big rather than settling for the checkdown.
That could spell opportunity for Micah Parsons and the Packers’ pass rush, which hasn’t had many chances to pin its ears back lately. Since Parsons joined the fold, opposing offenses have leaned heavily into quick game to neutralize his impact. But with Williams extending plays and the Bears not built around a lightning-fast passing rhythm, Green Bay’s defensive front might finally get a few clean shots at the quarterback.
Despite the long time to throw, the Bears’ passing attack has been efficient and productive:
- 6th in passing yards per game
- 13th in EPA per pass
- 11th in yards after catch
- 10th in pressure rate allowed
- 7th in sack percentage
That’s a solid mix of production and protection. The offensive line has held up well, and the receivers - especially after the catch - are making plays. But again, the long-developing nature of the passing game could be the opening Green Bay needs to disrupt the rhythm.
Bears Rushing Attack: Elite on the Edge
Now here’s where things get really interesting. Chicago’s run game is no joke - it’s one of the most dangerous in the league, and not just in terms of volume, but efficiency and explosiveness too.
Check the numbers:
- 1st in 10+ yard runs
- 1st in success rate
- 2nd in rushing yards per game
- 5th in EPA per rush
- 4th in percentage of runs outside the tackles
- 11th in stuffed run percentage
- 31st in percentage of runs inside the tackles
The Bears have built a run game that thrives on the perimeter. They’re not pounding the rock between the guards - they’re stretching defenses horizontally, getting to the edge, and letting their athletes go to work in space.
That’s a big test for the Packers’ edge defenders and perimeter tacklers. **Setting the edge and winning one-on-one matchups in space will be critical.
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Here’s the wrinkle: Chicago’s most effective runner isn’t a running back - it’s Caleb Williams. He’s second among quarterbacks in rushing yards over expectation, and his ability to scramble has been a game-changer. That helps explain the Bears’ high outside-the-tackles run rate - many of those plays are broken pass plays that Williams turns into chunk gains.
As for the actual backfield? It’s a mixed bag.
The two primary backs essentially cancel each other out in terms of EPA (Expected Points Added), with one being more efficient but getting fewer touches, and the other getting volume but not producing at the same level. It’s Williams’ legs that have really elevated the Bears’ ground game into elite territory.
What It All Means for Green Bay
The Packers have already shown they can handle explosive backfields - they bottled up Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery twice this season. But this matchup is different. The Bears’ offense isn’t just about designed runs - it’s about improvisation, misdirection, and forcing defenders to make plays in space.
If the Packers can keep Williams in the pocket, contain the edge, and make the Bears win with traditional runs and quick throws, they’ll be in good shape. But if Williams starts extending plays and breaking contain, it could be a long day for the defense.
Bottom line: this is a test of discipline as much as talent. The Bears’ offense isn’t conventional, but it’s effective - and the Packers will need to be sharp across all three levels to keep it in check.