The Green Bay Packers were hit with the worst news possible last weekend. Micah Parsons, their prized acquisition from the Dallas Cowboys, tore his ACL against the Denver Broncos. Just like that, their best pass rusher was done for the season. While this doesn't automatically kill their hopes of making the playoffs, many believe it cripples any chance they had of reaching a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Packers can't afford to worry about that now because they have a pivotal rematch with the Chicago Bears up next.
The problem is their issues on the injury front may not be over. It's not only the defense that has serious concerns. The offense is in danger of losing two of its best players for Sunday. Running back Josh Jacobs has been battling a knee injury for weeks, but seemed to aggravate it against Denver. Tackle Zach Tom also left that game with a knee injury of his own. Neither has practiced yet this week. Head coach Matt Lafleur made it sound like both are 50/50 at best to play on Sunday.
The Chicago Bears are well-positioned to exploit those losses.
Jacobs is the true engine of Green Bay's offense. They are 4-1-1 when he has at least 80 yards rushing in a game this season and 4-3 when he doesn't. His primary backup, Emmanuel Wilson, is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry this season. Everybody remembers the critical 21-yard run Jacobs had against the Chicago Bears to set up Green Bay's winning score. As for Tom, he is their best pass protector up front by a significant margin. The last time he missed a game, the Packers allowed 19 pressures on Jordan Love.
None of this guarantees a victory for the Bears. Green Bay still has a quarterback who is playing some of his best football and is well-coached. They will make numerous adjustments to conceal these losses. It is up to the Bears to ensure they can't. If Jacobs doesn't play, stuff the run and force the Packers into long down and distance situations. If Tom is out, work to overwhelm his replacement with constant stunts and blitz looks. Good teams capitalize on opportunities like this. It's time to prove it.
