Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers: Essential matchups

Cameron Meredith versus Packers Safeties and Cornerbacks

No receiver in the NFL has been more productive than Cameron Meredith over the last two games. The unheralded second-year man has caught 20 of his 27 targets for 243 yards and a touchdown during that stretch.

The 6-foot-3 Meredith has exceeded most people’s expectations since taking over for the injured Kevin White as the type of weapon that has displayed a keen awareness for getting open as well as outstanding elusiveness after the catch.

His run-after-catch skills were put to good use versus the Jaguars where he was made multiple defenders miss on a 36-yard completion.

Unlike many other young pass catchers trying to establish themselves at the next level, the one-time college quarterback catches everything in his hands and not allowing balls to get within the frame of his body.

Expect the Packers to use a variety of defenders and coverages to keep Meredith in check since Micah Hyde lacks the size and athletic ability to limit the ascending receiver in man coverage.

The University of Iowa product has become a valuable component that specializes in covering tight ends and making plays close to the line of scrimmage.

Green Bay’s corners, safeties and linebackers must be quick to the ball whenever the ball is headed in Meredith’s direction and they cannot afford to miss tackles.

The Packers’ depleted pass defense currently ranks 21st in yards allowed while giving up the seventh-most touchdown passes (10).

Advantage: Bears