Bouncing Back

By : Mike Rifkin

After getting beat by a division rival in week 1, the Packers responded by beating a division rival in week 2, defeating the Bears 27-10. Aaron Rodgers who last season claimed “he owned the Bears” was 19-25 for 234 yards and two touchdowns. But to be an effective offense the Packers need to utilize their running backs and on Sunday night that’s what they did. Aaron Jones 170 total yards and two touchdowns ( 1 rushing, 1 receiving). In the loss to the Vikings Jones had eight total touches, compare that to Sunday night where he had 18 touches. AJ Dillon had 19 touches for 67 yards. It was also a welcome return to the lineup for Allen Lazard, who missed week one with a ankle injury, he had two catches for 13 yards and a touchdown. The Packers as a team ran the ball for 203 yards and averaged 5.3 yards per carry.

For Chicago Justin Fields was 7-11 for 70 yards and an interception. He did have a rushing touchdown and came very close to a second one. Fields was sacked three times by the Packer defense. Chicago did run for 180 yards and averaged 6.7 yards per carry. David Montgomery had 122 yards and averaged 8.1 yards per carry. The Bears went seven plays for 71 yards and scored a touchdown on their opening drive, but after that were held to a field goal the rest of the game. See a lot is made of the Packers young receivers and how their connection with Aaron Rodgers is developing, but who is Justin Fields throwing to? The Bears need to figure out who on the outside will make plays for their quarterback. Next week the Bears will play the Houston Texans and former coach Lovie Smith. While the Packers take a trip to Tampa Bay and play Tom Brady and the Bucs.