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Green Bay Packers 2018 opponent preview: Chicago Bears

By Freddie Boston

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 31: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears passes the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings on December 31, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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What can the Green Bay Packers expect from their oldest rivals in 2018?

The Green Bay Packers have dominated this rivalry in recent years, but that could be about to change. After a strong offseason, the Chicago Bears are a team with potential.

What can we expect from Matt Nagy’s Bears? Are they finally ready to compete in the NFC North?

Let’s take a closer look.

Last season

The 2017 season was one to forget for the Bears. They finished bottom of the NFC North with a 5-11 record. As a result, head coach John Fox was fired.

Mike Glennon was the starting quarterback in Week 1, but he didn’t play well. Glennon played just four games, threw four touchdowns with five interceptions, and was soon benched in favor of second overall pick Mitch Trubisky.

When are the games?

The first game will be played in Week 1 under the lights at Lambeau Field. It’s the first Sunday Night Football game of the season, and will begin at 7:20 p.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 9.

The second meeting between the two teams is in Week 15. It should be a frozen afternoon at Soldier Field. The game will be played at 12 noon CT on Sunday, Dec. 16.

Offseason additions

Few teams had as strong an offseason as the Bears.

First, they replaced John Fox with Matt Nagy as the head coach.

General manager Ryan Pace then added a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball. He beat the Packers in the bidding war for star wide receiver Allen Robinson, and also signed tight end Trey Burton and wide receiver Taylor Gabriel.

Chicago also re-signed cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara, which was important.

On paper, it’s hard to fault Pace’s work in the draft. First-round pick Roquan Smith should improve their defense right away. The Bears also found a replacement for Cameron Meredith in third-round pick Anthony Miller. Chicago has lots of talent at wide receiver now, which wasn’t the case a year ago.

Last meeting with Packers

Nov. 12, 2017: Packers won 23-16 at Soldier Field

Player to watch

Mitch Trubisky: The Bears have made a number of smart moves this offseason. Pace has made it a priority to surround Trubisky with talent. Now it’s on him to deliver.

Can the second-year quarterback make good on his potential and lead the Bears into the playoffs in the near future?

In Week 1, we’ll get an idea of just how good Trubisky can be in Matt Nagy’s offense. But it will only be an idea, as a lot can change as the season goes on.

By the time Green Bay visits Soldier Field, we’ll know a lot about Trubisky and the Bears. Will they be making a late push for the postseason?

Next: Top 30 moments in Green Bay Packers history

The Bears’ offense has a ton of talent. It’s now on Trubisky to make it all work.

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