The Green Bay Packers were fortunate to escape Chicago with a 20-19 victory. While they’re not about to apologize for the win, it’s clear they have some work to do if they want to compete with the league’s heavyweights.
This type of performance may have been enough to edge out the rebuilding Bears, but it won’t cut it against playoff contenders. The Packers’ 7-3 record looks good on paper, but if they’re serious about a Super Bowl run, here are three issues they must address after Sunday’s lackluster showing.
1. Getting After the Quarterback
Heading into their matchup with Chicago, this game seemed tailor-made for the Packers’ struggling pass rush to find its groove.
The Bears came in as one of the league’s worst teams at protecting the quarterback, fielding a patchwork offensive line missing several starters. Add in Caleb Williams’ tendency to hold onto the ball a bit too long, and the ingredients were there for a breakout day from the Packers’ front seven.
Instead, the Packers’ pass rush barely registered. They brought Williams down just three times—two of which came on the final possession—and rarely forced him out of his comfort zone.
To be fair, the Bears’ offense leaned heavily on a quick passing game to neutralize pressure. But even when Williams held onto the ball, Green Bay’s defensive line couldn’t shed blocks or collapse the pocket. This has been a recurring issue all season and one that must be resolved if the Packers want to be taken seriously.
An elite pass rush has the potential to be a game-wrecker, and right now, Green Bay’s isn’t wrecking much of anything. If they can’t figure out how to generate consistent pressure, their defense risks becoming a liability against high-powered offenses.
2. Red Zone Woes
Green Bay’s offensive struggles weren’t confined to time of possession (they held the ball for a season-low 23 minutes and 39 seconds)—they carried into the red zone as well. Despite converting three of their five trips into touchdowns, the other two squandered opportunities nearly came back to haunt them.
One missed chance began with promise. On first and ten from the Bears’ 14-yard line, Josh Jacobs broke off a nine-yard run, setting up a manageable second and one at the five. Then, the wheels fell off.
Elgton Jenkins was flagged for an ineligible man downfield, pushing the Packers back to the 10. On the next play, Jayden Reed was sent on a trick run to the outside that fooled no one and resulted in a five-yard loss.
Now facing third and eleven from the 15, Jordan Love dropped back to pass and missed Tucker Kraft, who was wide open seven yards past the line of scrimmage. Instead of hitting his target, Love’s throw sailed high and landed in the arms of a Bears defender for a deflating interception.
3. Catching the Football
At times, it seems like the Packers have developed an allergic reaction to catching the football. It’s a team-wide affliction, affecting everyone from Romeo Doubs to Tucker Kraft to Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks. No one has been immune, and the numbers back it up.
After their narrow and sloppy win over the Bears, the Packers now rank third in the NFL in drops with 23—trailing only the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. That’s hardly the company Green Bay wants to keep. To make matters worse, their drop percentage is the worst in the league, with nearly eight percent of all throws slipping through their fingers.
Doubs was Sunday’s most glaring example. On a crucial third-and-three from their own 47-yard line midway through the second quarter, Jordan Love delivered a perfectly placed pass to Doubs on an out route near the sideline. The ball hit Doubs right in the hands and then fell harmlessly to the turf.
The Packers salvaged the drive thanks to a Bears offsides penalty on fourth down, but it was still a disappointing moment for a receiver who’s supposed to be one of Love’s most reliable targets.
Doubs isn’t alone in his struggles. Wicks (seven drops) and Reed (six drops) lead the team in this frustrating category, but the reality is that everyone in the receiving corps has contributed to the problem.
As Green Bay looks ahead to the playoffs, this has to be cleaned up. The postseason is unforgiving, and the Packers can’t afford to fight themselves while trying to overcome their opponents. If they want to make a legitimate run, securing the football is a good place to start.