GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers open their regular season Sunday in Chicago against the Chicago Bears.
Matt LaFleur is 8-0 as Packers head coach against Chicago. His first win was at Soldier Field in 2019. LaFleur said that career record against the Bears doesn’t mean much on Sunday.
“Nothing. It’s about going 1-0,” said LaFleur. “We all know the rivalry, and not only the rivalry, but it’s an NFC North opponent. Week one has a different feel to it always, the intensity. It just has a playoff-like feel. Everybody’s geared up, the fans are geared up, our players are geared up, everybody’s ready to roll in and kick off the season.”
“It’s awesome to be a part of that rivalry, be a part of that history,.” said running back A.J. Dillon. “For a lot of these guys, continue winning and imposing their dominance.”
A lot of attention will be on new Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love. He knows that Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers tormented the Bears while Chicago started 35 different starting quarterbacks. The torch has been passed to Love.
“I’m excited for it,” said Love. “It’s always exciting to open the season, get the first game rolling, but also an NFC opponent rivalry game. It’ll be very exciting playing there in their stadium. I’m sure it’ll be a packed house. Everybody will be excited for week one and ready to put on a show.”
As cool of a customer as Love is, he admits Sunday is not just another game.
“There’s definitely always nerves going into any game, especially the first game of the season,” said Love. “I’m sure there’ll be those. It’s getting out there and getting your feet wet and being able to relax and stay calm.”
Love has plenty of support from his coaches and teammates in the locker room.
“We’ve had a long period of time knowing that this day was coming,” said LaFleur. “I think he’s excited. I think he’ll be the same guy. I’ve got complete confidence, just seeing how he responded a year ago when he went into that Philly game. I thought he’s been outstanding throughout the course of the preseason. I think he’s a guy that has shown improvement each and every week. Really, just really excited for him to get that opportunity.”
“This guy is the right guy for this,” said Packers running back Aaron Jones. “He doesn’t get rattled. He doesn’t get shook. He’s always poised. I’ve been trying to get up under his skin. I can’t make sense of it. There’s nothing. I haven’t been able to get under it. I’ve been trying to. Although he may be a little nervous, he’s calm, cool, collected. He’s more than ready and we’re ready to help him.”
Wide receivers Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs didn’t practice on Wednesday. Both were listed with hamstring injuries. LaFleur said they’d be given all week to see progress.
“We got to prepare like we’re all going to play every snap,” said Packers receiver Samori Touré. “No matter who’s out there, just got to make sure we’re all locked in. The young guys have been great during the preseason, learning the playbook and all that stuff. I feel like everyone’s ready to go out there and perform.”
The Packers have lost their last two openers on the road, so starting fast has been stressed.
“Definitely, that’s what we wanted to emphasize,” said Packers linebacker Kingsley Enagbare. “I say the main emphasis this year is effort, whether the offense or defense. Just get to the ball, make an extra block, do the extra things, and that pretty much will help us.”
David Bakhtiari didn’t practice Wednesday for rest. The Packers injury report said linebacker Rashan Gary was limited. The Packers are hoping he can play a bit on Sunday.