As the Green Bay Packers prepare for a high-stakes showdown at Lambeau Field, they know exactly what’s coming: a Chicago Bears team that has found its identity on the ground-and isn’t shy about leaning into it.
The Bears' resurgence has been one of the more intriguing storylines of the season, and it starts at the top with first-year head coach Ben Johnson. After building a reputation as one of the NFL’s most creative offensive minds in Detroit, Johnson has brought that same energy to Chicago.
His blueprint? A ground game that wears defenses down and controls the tempo-something Packers fans have seen before.
In Detroit, Johnson helped craft a dynamic backfield duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Now in Chicago, he’s working similar magic with D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai. The results speak for themselves.
“It’s gotten a lot of people’s attention,” said rookie defensive lineman Nazir Stackhouse, referring to the Bears’ surging run game.
And it’s not just the rookies taking notice. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur had high praise for what Johnson has built in Chicago, calling it “a great challenge” and noting, “they’re the best in the league right now in doing it.”
Technically, the Bears aren’t leading the league in rushing-yet. They’re averaging 153.8 rushing yards per game, which ranks second in the NFL behind only the Buffalo Bills (155.7). But make no mistake: Chicago’s ground game is rolling, and it’s going to test every inch of Green Bay’s front seven.
That said, the Packers aren’t exactly pushovers when it comes to stopping the run. In fact, they’ve quietly put together one of the league’s more effective run defenses, giving up just 98.3 rushing yards per game-good for a tie at seventh-best in the NFL alongside the Colts.
Yes, there have been moments where the unit has sprung a leak, but overall, this is a defense that knows how to plug gaps and swarm to the football. Just look back at what they did on Thanksgiving.
Jahmyr Gibbs-who had torched the Giants for 219 yards and two touchdowns the week before-was bottled up by the Packers to the tune of 68 yards on 20 carries. That’s 3.4 yards per carry for those keeping score at home.
Now, Green Bay will have to replicate that kind of effort without Devonte Wyatt, who’s been a key presence on the defensive line. His absence is significant, no doubt about it. But the Packers still have plenty of muscle up front.
Edge rushers Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary aren’t just pass-rushers-they’re both strong run defenders who can set the edge and force runners back inside. Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker have been sideline-to-sideline machines this season, showing elite instincts and closing speed in the run game.
And don’t overlook the impact of the safeties. Xavier McKinney brings a physical presence in the box, while Evan Williams has made a habit of blowing up plays behind the line of scrimmage.
The talent is there. The scheme is in place. Now it’s about execution.
This weekend’s matchup isn’t just another chapter in the storied Packers-Bears rivalry-it’s a test of strength, discipline, and identity. Chicago will try to impose its will with a punishing ground attack. Green Bay will look to stand tall and force the Bears to win through the air.
If the Packers can bottle up Swift and Monangai the way they did Gibbs, they’ll give themselves a real shot at controlling this game. And if recent weeks are any indication, they’re trending in the right direction.