The Chicago Bears were able to clinch the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoff picture and are making their final preparations for Saturday night’s Wild Card showdown at Soldier Field against the Green Bay Packers.
For the third time this season, the bitter NFC North rivals will face off against each other. In the first two games this year, the two teams each picked up a win. However, the Bears were nearly swept by the Packers.
Caleb Williams and company have a chance to make a strong statement. They can make it clear that they’re a legitimate contender in the NFC. On the other hand, a loss to Green Bay would be devastating for Chicago.
Read more: Browns Insider Reveals Astronomical Price for John Harbaugh
With that being said, the Bears are much healthier heading into this weekend’s game. They will be playing a Packers team without its best defensive player in Micah Parsons and a team who is limping into the playoffs on a four-game losing streak.
Keeping that in mind, Chicago has been hit with a stern warning before this major showdown.
During an appearance on “First Things First,” Chris Broussard spoke out with strong words for the Bears. It’s a warning the team should heed.
“It is utterly disrespectful! You guys are healthier. You got the hot, young coach,” Broussard said. “You have the #1 draft pick! You have the great run game! The Packers are missing their best player.”
On paper, the two teams are fairly evenly matched. Even though Green Bay is hurt and missing key pieces, Jordan Love will be back on the field and there is still a lot of talent on both sides of the football. The Bears simply cannot afford to take the Packers lightly this week.
Read more: Surprising NFL Team Emerging as Possible Top John Harbaugh Target
Ben Johnson will need to have his team laser-focused in order to move forward with a win over Green Bay.
It will be interesting to see whether or not Chicago can make a statement and advance. Should the Bears end up losing to the Packers, there will be more questions about what to do in the offseason. A win would prove that Chicago is back on track and that the future could not be brighter.
For more on the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
