Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for Week 17 vs. Packers

4. Chicago Bears defense helps keep the game close

The Chicago Bears defense got embarrassed by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense. In addition to the five touchdowns allowed, the defense gave up 393 yards on offense. Rodgers could do whatever he wanted.

This is a defense with great pride so the players want to make up for that first game. The unit has taken a lot of criticism throughout this season. This hasn’t been the dominant defense we’re used to seeing. It’s still a good defense, but it hasn’t played to the level it did back in 2018 or even last season.

Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano could be on the hot seat. We hear all this talk about head coach Matt Nagy getting axed but Pagano could be the one exiting after the season. After Vic Fangio departed for the head coaching job with the Denver Broncos, he left an elite defense for Pagano.

Pagano had the reputation of being an aggressive play-caller and he had the personnel in Chicago to succeed with that aggressiveness. However, we haven’t seen that aggressiveness in his two seasons with the Bears. In the first half last week, he kept dropping edge rushers Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack back in coverage.

Mike Glennon, who no one considers a good quarterback, was completing pass after pass, and late in the first half the game was tied. The Bears defense straightened up with an interception just before halftime and the offense converted it into a field goal. Then the rout was on.

The defense will be more aggressive with Rodgers this week. This is what had them keep him off-balance in recent seasons. He won’t throw many interceptions but the pressure will force him to try to throw the ball away. When he gets into that mode, he has a tendency to commit grounding. Also, the pressure can force him to throw before he wants to, thus allowing the secondary to make some big plays.

The Bears were without Akiem Hicks in the first matchup. We saw how important he is to the defense. His pressure helps Mack and Quinn do their thing. The “Three Amigos” will be ready for this game. This is the reason why they are getting paid the money they are. Throw in the incredible Roquan Smith and the Chicago Bears defense will come through this Sunday.

Prediction: Bears sack Rodgers three times and intercept a pass.