The Chicago Bears travel to play the Green Bay Packers for the first time in a meaningful game since the 2010 NFC Championship game.
“Packer” Dave Rusch was kind enough to join SRN’s Steve Leventhal for a discussion previewing Sunday’s game between the NFC leading Bears, a place they have not been in for fifteen years. Zack Pearson of the Bear Report was our guest as we discussed Chicago success in the 2025 season.
Listen to our discussion of the upcoming game, including audio from Matt LaFleur, Jordan Love, DJ Moore D’Andre Swift, and Colston Loveland.
The Bears’ Success
It would appear the Bears’ resurgence is due on leadership, a solid run game, improved quarterback play, and a defense that has capitalized on turnovers.
1. The Ben Johnson Effect: Culture Change
The biggest shift came off the field with the hiring of Head Coach Ben Johnson. He didn’t just install a new scheme; he installed a new mindset.
- Resilience and Discipline: Johnson has cultivated a locker room centered on physicality and accountability. This culture shift is visible in the team’s ability to stay composed and fight through adversity.
- The Difference Maker: The Bears lead the NFL in fourth-quarter points scored, showcasing their commitment and belief until the final whistle.
2. A Dominant Rushing Attack
The Bears’ success starts and ends on the ground. The revamped offensive line and the contributions of running backs like D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai have made this a truly punishing unit.
- Top-Tier Production: Chicago ranks 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game. This dominance controls the clock, tires out opposing defenses, and opens up the play-action passing game.
- Controlling the Narrative: When the Bears run the ball effectively, they dictate the pace and flow of the game, exactly as Johnson intends.
3. Clutch Quarterback Play
While his raw passing numbers might not shatter records, QB Caleb Williams has proven to be the ultimate competitor in high-pressure moments.
- The Comeback Kid: Williams leads the NFL with an incredible five fourth-quarter comebacks this season. His ability to execute “big plays”—passes over 20 yards and crucial scrambles—is what separates him.
- Winning Mentality: His composure in late-game situations is the single biggest reason the Bears are 6-1 in one-score games this year.
4. The Takeaway Defense
The defense doesn’t always pitch a shutout, but they always get the ball back. They are opportunistic and incredibly effective at creating game-changing plays.
- League Leaders: The Bears lead the entire NFL in takeaways (26), proving that while yards may be given up, points and possessions are highly valued.
- Playmaking Prowess: Veterans like Kevin Byard (6 interceptions) and Nahshon Wright (5 interceptions) have spearheaded a unit that forces mistakes, giving the offense crucial extra possessions.
⚔️ The Ultimate Showdown: Bears vs. Packers Preview
The biggest test of the Bears’ new identity comes on Sunday as they travel to Lambeau Field to face the 8-3-1 Green Bay Packers in a battle for the NFC North crown. Here are the three biggest factors to watch:
| Area of Focus | The Bears’ Challenge | The Key Matchup |
| Bears’ Run Game vs. Packers’ Defense | The Bears must establish the run to succeed, but they face a highly-ranked Packers defense (4th in total yards) that limits explosive plays. | Bears’ Offensive Line vs. Micah Parsons. Can the O-Line neutralize the Pro Bowl edge rusher to protect the run lanes and give Williams time? |
| Turnover Battle | Chicago’s success hinges on taking the ball away, while Green Bay is generally efficient and avoids mistakes at home. | Bears’ Secondary vs. Jordan Love. Can the Bears’ opportunistic defense force a critical interception or fumble from the Packers’ QB, which has been the key ingredient in Green Bay’s few losses? |
| Mental Toughness | The Bears are without their leading receiver, Rome Odunze, and must perform in a hostile, rivalry environment where the Packers have a recent edge. | Coaching & Game Plan. Will Coach Johnson’s culture of resilience hold up under the pressure of Lambeau, ensuring the team stays focused and avoids penalties in key moments? |
