Overlooked Reason Justin Fields Will Beat Packers Through The Air

Chicago Bears quarterbacks have a long, ugly history. The Super Bowl era has been particularly bad, with only occasional sprinkles of decent play from the position. No team has done a better job of exposing every QB for this team than the Green Bay Packers. Since the start of the 1980s, no Bears signal-caller has managed a passer rating in the 80s or higher against them. Let that sink in. Justin Fields is currently in that same group, posting a rough 70.7 rating against the Packers. Opening day at Soldier Field next week will be his fifth attempt to beat them for the first time.

There is a lot of pressure on him. Green Bay will be prepared for his usual scrambling. The game plan will be straightforward: keep him in the pocket and make him win the game with his arm. Plenty of experts don't see that happening. However, there are reasons to think this time will be different. Yes, a big part of it is the arrival of wide receiver D.J. Moore. He gives the Bears far more credibility at the position than they've had in some time. Their offensive line also saw some upgrades in Darnell Wright and Nate Davis.

Those are the obvious points. There are, however, two others not being talked about enough.

Justin Fields won't be facing a healthy Packers defense.

Two key players in their starting lineup face injury issues. Pass rusher Rashan Gary tore his ACL midway through last season. Though he is back practicing, expectations are he'll only play limited snaps to start the season. It is unlikely he will be the same player he was before the injury, at least not for a few weeks. The other is cornerback Eric Stokes. While he may not be the star Jaire Alexander is, Green Bay felt his absence after an ankle injury ended his season. Check out their pass defense before and after his exit.

• Packers defense with Stokes: 181.88 yards per game
• Packers defense without Stokes: 231.87 yards per game

This doesn't even account for the exit of safety Adrian Amos, their most dependable coverage safety. He signed with the New York Jets this off-season. Green Bay is replacing him with career backup Rudy Ford, who allowed three touchdowns on only 20 targets last season. If the Bears can keep Justin Fields protected in this game, that secondary isn't nearly as formidable as it's been the past few years. There has never been a greater opportunity for him to send a message that things will be different this time.