Five Things to Watch: Packers vs. Bears in a Classic NFC North Clash
As the Green Bay Packers gear up to face the Chicago Bears on Dec. 20 at Soldier Field, there’s more at stake than just another divisional matchup. This game could be pivotal for Green Bay’s postseason hopes and a chance to continue their recent momentum. Here are five key storylines to keep an eye on as the Packers head to Chicago.
1. Is Josh Jacobs the Packers’ Next Downfield Weapon?
It might’ve flown under the radar for some, but the Packers may have quietly unlocked a new wrinkle in their offense - and it comes in the form of Josh Jacobs as a vertical receiving threat.
Last week against the Broncos, Jacobs hauled in a 14-yard touchdown that turned heads. It wasn’t a routine catch out of the backfield.
With linebacker Dre Greenlaw draped all over him, Jacobs extended and plucked the ball out of the air like a seasoned wideout. That kind of grab doesn’t happen by accident - it takes strong hands, body control, and confidence.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich summed it up nicely: “He’s got phenomenal hands.”
Jacobs hasn’t been heavily involved in the passing game this year, largely due to nagging calf and knee injuries. And when he has been targeted, it’s mostly been on short stuff - check-downs, screens, swing passes. But with opposing defenses shifting into more zone looks to slow down Green Bay’s wideouts, pushing Jacobs deeper downfield could be a smart counter.
We’ve seen Matt LaFleur do this before with Aaron Jones - lining him up in the slot or sending him on wheel routes to stretch linebackers and safeties. If Jacobs is healthy enough to handle the extra work, the Packers may have found a way to keep defenses honest and open up the middle of the field.
The caveat, of course, is his health. Jacobs is still battling a knee issue and may be on a pitch count, assuming he suits up.
But if he’s active and moving well, don’t be surprised if the Packers test the Bears’ linebackers with Jacobs running routes deeper than five yards. One or two of those could change the complexion of the game.
Stay tuned for the full breakdown of all five storylines - including how Jordan Love is handling pressure, the chess match between Matt LaFleur and Matt Eberflus, and which young Packers defenders are stepping up in crunch time.