For over 100 years and almost at the same time as the founding of the National Football League, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers have met in regular duels. The local proximity in the north on Lake Michigan and the quality of play across all decades make this duel the oldest and most exciting rivalry in the NFL.
For many decades, the Bears maintained a lead in the all-time series record. But quarterback Aaron Rodgers initiated the change and took the lead with his teammates in recent years. The Packers have led the series for six years.
But on Sunday Green Bay will play against Chicago at Lambeau Field without former star Rodgers for the last playoff ticket in the NFC. Jordan Love then meets mobile playmaker Justin Fields. The 208th game between the Packers and the Bears will be broadcast live on free TV on RTL from 10:25 p.m. and promises to be a very special one due to the rivalry.
Aaron Rodgers: “Owner” of the Chicago Bears
Aaron Rodgers had many special moments against Chicago and they were all positive. 13 years ago, he defeated the Bears in the NFC Championship Game and then won his first and only Super Bowl. In 2013, the Packers were able to secure their place in the playoffs on the last day of the game with a comeback shortly before the end and an almost legendary deep pass over the middle for 48 yards to Randall Cobb.
For the Bears, the game-winning touchdown just a few seconds before the end was the beginning of an odyssey that lasted ten years. The legendary franchise swallowed up three head coaches and two general managers, as well as 14 different starting quarterbacks over the next ten years. The playoffs were only reached twice. To date, the multiple champion has not managed a victory in the postseason.
Due to Aaron Rodgers’ continued dominance, the media eventually became willing to declare him the secret “owner” of the Chicago Bears, which Rodgers happily embraced. The Packers have held the lead in the all-time series for six years, largely thanks to their future Hall of Fame quarterback, and have been able to expand this to 106 wins, 95 defeats and five draws. Green Bay won nine games in a row in what had long been a hard-fought rivalry.
Justin Fields new hopeful
But that should be over now. Justin Fields was selected 10th overall in the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears two years ago. After initial teething problems and an ongoing debate about whether Fields was the right quarterback for the moody diva from the Windy City, he has really played back into shape in the last few weeks following his injury.
Since returning six weeks ago, Fields has averaged over 200 passing yards through the air and an additional 65.5 yards on the ground per game. He scored eight touchdowns during this time, but also threw three interceptions and lost the ball six times due to fumbles.
The former is now making fans rave. They have great hope that Fields could be the new hope in Chicago that the franchise has been missing for so long. Others look at the turnovers and the first overall pick just received from the Carolina Panthers in the upcoming draft and would like to see further change at the most important position in American football.
The game against Green Bay in particular takes on a very special meaning. Because the outcome of the game will determine the sports news in Chicago for the next few weeks and accordingly create a mood for or against his quarterback. While that shouldn’t affect general manager Ryan Poles in the many important decisions he has to make this offseason, head coach Matt Eberfluss’s fate will also be tied to some extent with the outcome of Sunday’s Rivalry Game.
Green Bay Packers with new leader
The chances of victory are better than they have been for a long time. Because Green Bay has changed its face since the departure of Aaron Rodgers. Their new quarterback Jordan Love has gathered many young receivers around him and has achieved a balanced record of 8-8.
Despite poor defensive performances in recent weeks, when they allowed over 30 points each against the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team is fighting for a place in the playoffs. A win against Chicago and they would be in. There is a lot at stake for Jordan Love and his Packers.
The 25-year-old quarterback is only half a year older than Justin Fields and has also won four of his last six games. During this time he also achieved over 260 total yards per game and even threw for 16 touchdowns, although he only threw one interception.
Those in charge also hope to have found the new face of the franchise in Love and his performances in the second half of the season suggest that he can be that. But for him it is also true that the outcome of the most important game of the year so far will define what the public will think of him in the next few months.
There is a lot at stake for both
If the Green Bay Packers triumph again over the Chicago Bears, they will move into the playoffs and Jordan Love will finally usher in the changing of the guard after the Aaron Rodgers era. For Justin Fields, a clear defeat would mean the end in Chicago.
In return, a glorious victory from the number one Bears would mean he stays. If Justin Fields makes a turnaround in a rivalry that has been lost for Chicago for years, the decision-makers can’t help but keep him as well as their head coach Eberflus. But that would require the Bears’ first win at Lambeau Field in over eight years.
There is a lot at stake for both quarterbacks and their teams. On Sunday it’s not just about the question of whether the Green Bay Packers will make it into the playoffs, but also about the future of the rivalry and who will lead the Chicago Bears at quarterback and head coach in the coming years. The set is set for what will hopefully be another legendary chapter in the NFL’s oldest rivalry.
Philip Forstner