The Chicago Bears defense announced their return to elite status last year. They offered a preview of things to come in the first half of opening night against the Green Bay Packers when they pitched a shutout and also knocked Aaron Rodgers out of the game courtesy of a sack from defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris.
Rodgers came up limping on the play and eventually left on a cart to the locker room. Eventually he did return and led the Packers on a heroic comeback to steal the game 24-23. However, it was apparent for most of the remaining season that he was never quite right.
As it turns out, the extent of the damage done by Robertson-Harris was considerably greater than people thought.
Roy Robertson-Harris now has a special place in Bears-Packers rivalry
Rodgers didn't miss a game last season, which is a testament to his toughness. However, he also didn't play at his customary elite level for large stretches as well. He was more okay-to-good and less great-to-incredible. Seeing that gives Bears fans visions of 2013 all over again when Shea McClellin shoot up the football world when he sacked Rodgers, at Lambeau Field, and broke his collarbone.
Rodgers again returned from that injury and got his team back on track, but didn't quite look like himself, especially in big games. That time he ruined the Bears' year with a last-second win at Soldier Field. This time around, the defense didn't let lightning strike twice, allowing just 17 points and intercepting him in the end zone to put it away.
