During Week One we saw the Chicago Bears pull off one of the most exciting upsets I have been able to watch as a Bears fan. This week they go up against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, the most storied rivalry in the NFL. The Bears have lost the last six games against the Packers, but three key players can change that pattern this week.
1. Jaquan Brisker – Safety
During week 1 the Bears rookie safety played an exceptional game even if the stats don’t pop out. Brisker recovered a fumble, had a tackle for loss, and blitzed better than nearly any other safety I have seen. He made some rookie mistakes of course, but the physical and mental talent he showed in his first game is truly promising, and he can be a huge piece in turning the Bears secondary into a truly elite unit. This week, we will get to see what Brisker can do against one of the greatest and smartest quarterbacks in NFL history, and likely in weather much more friendly to quarterbacks. I know how excited I am to watch this guy play, and you should be too.
2. Khalil Herbert – Running Back
I was surprised to see Herbert only get 9 touches last week, but I can say for certain he will be a vocal point for the Bears running attack this week. Against the Niners Herbert averaged 5 yards per carry for a total of 45 rushing yards and the only rushing touchdown of the evening. Montgomery had a miserable 1.5 yards per carry last week for only 26 yards. One thing we know about Eberflus is that he does not play favorites, and I would be shocked if Herbert gets anything less than 15 touches this week. My prediction is that he will have at least 70 all purpose yards, and potentially snag himself the RB1 position if he plays well enough.
3. Kyler Gordon – Corner
Kyler Gordon had himself a game on Sunday, 6 solo tackles for a corner, and he played as aggressive as a linebacker setting the edge. Gordon is the perfect man for a 100% effort defense like this Bears defense, and his aggressive edge play style is perfect against the Packers checkdown plays which have killed the Bears in past games. If the Bears want any chance of winning he is going to be a massive part of it, and it is sure to be exciting for us fans.
