Packers: Five players to watch vs. Bears in Week 1

5. Clay Matthews, OLB

We have no idea what a Green Bay Packers Mike Pettine defense will look like. Looking back at old Jets and Browns film could give us an idea, but with a new set of players and a fresh perspective, Pettine can give teams something they haven’t seen.

One thing Pettine hasn’t had during his time as a play caller is a player like Clay Matthews. Matthews can rush the passer from all ends of the field as well as cover. His play has been on a downward slope the past two years, but that can also be contributed to injuries and a bland, outdated scheme fielded by former coordinator Dom Capers.

Despite having offseason surgery to clean up his knee, Matthews has been available for every practice and looks to have a good season in a contract year. Matthews will have to bet on himself and show he’s the player he’s been in the past.

One team Matthews has loved to play is the Bears. He recorded 5.5 sacks against the Bears in 2012 alone, and he has a total of 8.5 against former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

If Matthews can harass new QB Trubisky in the same manner as he did Cutler, the Packers can look to continue their winning ways against the Bears.