LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The Bears open their season Sunday by hosting the Packers in the 205th regular-season meeting of the NFL’s longest-standing rivalry. Here are three storylines to follow in the game.
Fields vs. Love
For the last three decades, this rivalry has featured former Green Bay stars Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers facing off against a Chicago team that's usually had a revolving door at quarterback. This year, there’s fascinating uncertainty for both teams.
The Bears have high hopes for third-year quarterback Justin Fields, who's carrying the weight of great expectations to transform into a franchise star. The Packers have begun a new era with fourth-year quarterback Jordan Love under center after after Rodgers departed in a trade to the Jets in the offseason. The 24-year-old Love has played in just 10 NFL games, making only one career start.
The Bears and the Packers are both wondering whether they have their long-term answers at quarterback. In Chicago, the 24-year-old Fields understands this season could define whether he'll become a star or fall short of expectations.
“I just try to be the best version of myself, try to get better each and every day," Fields said when asked about the big picture. "So, whatever that may look like, that’s what it is.
“We come in every day creating that championship mindset.”
Rodgers was 25-5 (including playoffs) in his career against the Bears, and the Packers have won eight straight games in the rivalry. Chicago hasn't beaten Green Bay since Dec. 16, 2018, when it clinched the NFC North crown with a win against the Packers during Matt Nagy’s first season as head coach.
The Bears and the Packers each believe they can win a wide-open NFC North in 2023. Ultimately, the play of their young quarterbacks will dictate whether those aspirations are realistic.
Sunday will directly pit Fields and Love against each other for the first time as the Bears and the Packers turn over a new leaf in their rivalry.
DJ’s debut
Over five seasons with the Panthers, new Bears receiver DJ Moore posted 364 receptions for 5,201 yards and 21 touchdowns. Statistically speaking, he would be the best receiver in Bears history if he had produced those numbers for Chicago.
Moore was acquired by the Bears in March as part of the blockbuster trade that sent the No. 1 overall pick to the Panthers. In those trade negotiations, Bears general manager Ryan Poles stood firm in his stance that he coveted Moore more than a first-round pick in 2025.
Moore, 26, is the proven No. 1 receiver that Fields and the Bears have lacked. He made a strong first impression in the Bears' preseason opener on Aug. 12 by producing a 62-yard touchdown on a screen pass on his third play from scrimmage. Now, Moore must produce during the regular season.
"All the weapons that are here to get this going and rolling with Justin, it's just going to be one to watch,” Moore said.
Moore will likely find Packers star cornerback Jaire Alexander across from him Sunday. It will be a key matchup to watch, as Moore called Alexander a “top-five” cornerback in the NFL.
Monsters of the Midway?
Bears coach Matt Eberflus prides himself on instilling a certain type of defensive identity, one with a commitment to fundamentals, hustle and creating takeaways. The Bears fell well short of his vision last season.
The Bears ranked dead last in scoring defense and 29th in yardage surrendered in 2022. In particular, their run defense was gashed – including by the Packers, who rushed for a combined 335 yards in their two matchups. Chicago made key upgrades to its defense in the offseason by signing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, linebacker T.J. Edwards and pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
The Bears are seeking significant improvement on defense this season. The first test will come against Love and an unfamiliar look from the Packers’ offense.
“Everything is on us -- how we prepare, how we go out there, how we attack this thing," safety Eddie Jackson said. "And that’s how we’re going to determine our results on how we play.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.