If the Green Bay Packers are going to make a statement this Sunday against the surging Chicago Bears, it’s going to start with one thing: stopping the run. And that’s no small task.
The Bears are fresh off a dominant Black Friday win over the Eagles, where they racked up a jaw-dropping 281 rushing yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry - against one of the NFL’s most physical front sevens. That wasn’t just a good day at the office; it was a showcase of what this Bears offense is built to do.
Head coach Ben Johnson has crafted a run-heavy attack that blends misdirection, motion, and old-school physicality in the trenches. Credit also goes to the offensive line - Darnell Wright and Jonah Jackson were tone-setters in that game, opening up lanes and keeping the Eagles on their heels.
This wasn’t a one-off performance, either. Chicago comes into this week ranked second in the league in rushing yards per game (153.8), and they’re fourth in offensive rushing DVOA, per FTN Fantasy. While the spotlight has often been on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, it’s the ground game that’s given this team its identity and made them a legitimate NFC threat.
And that’s exactly what makes this matchup so intriguing for Green Bay. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is facing one of his toughest tests of the season - and he’ll have to do it without some key pieces up front.
Devonte Wyatt is out with a broken ankle, and it looks like Lukas Van Ness will remain sidelined with a lingering foot issue. That’s a serious blow to a defensive line that’s already been stretched thin.
But here’s the silver lining: help is on the way. Quay Walker, Karl Brooks, and Nate Hobbs are all trending toward playing after missing time.
Walker’s return, in particular, could be the difference-maker. He’s had his ups and downs since arriving in Green Bay, but this season has marked a turning point.
He’s been more consistent, more disciplined, and more productive. According to PFF, his missed tackle rate is down in the single digits, and he’s on pace for a career high in defensive stops.
Edgerrin Cooper is another name to watch, especially if Chicago looks to bounce runs outside. But maybe the biggest X-factor in Green Bay’s effort to contain D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai is second-year safety Evan Williams.
Williams has quietly become one of the most versatile and dependable safeties in the league. He’s tied for fifth among NFL safeties with 14 defensive stops and is closing in on the league leader, Las Vegas’ Jeremy Chinn.
What makes Williams so valuable isn’t just the numbers - it’s the way Hafley uses him. His ability to rotate between the box and deep coverage, often alongside Xavier McKinney, gives the Packers the flexibility to disguise coverages and keep offenses guessing.
That could be crucial in forcing Chicago to abandon the run and put the game in Caleb Williams’ hands.
And that’s exactly what Green Bay wants.
Despite his athleticism and ability to avoid sacks, Caleb Williams hasn’t been the most efficient passer this season. According to RBSDM, he ranks 21st in EPA per play and 31st in CPOE among 32 qualified quarterbacks.
The tools are there, but the production hasn’t matched. If the Packers can get Chicago into obvious passing situations, they’ve got the edge talent - especially with Micah Parsons on the outside - to make life uncomfortable for the rookie.
The formula for Green Bay is clear: get ahead early, stay aggressive on offense, and force the Bears to play from behind. But that only works if the defense can hold its ground against one of the league’s most dangerous rushing attacks.
The good news? For the first time in a while, the Packers look like they’ve got a defensive coordinator who’s ready for this kind of challenge.