The Chicago Bears held bragging rights over the Green Bay Packers after two comeback wins in the final month of last season, including in the Wild Card Round. This was the perfect chance for Green Bay to remind Chicago who runs the rivalry. Well, they did just that, thanks to quarterback Jordan Love.
On Sunday, the Packers dominated the Bears to pick up a 31-7 victory and improve to 3-2. Love had a huge game, throwing for 367 yards and two touchdowns while completing 25 of 31 passes. His touchdowns came on 42- and 53-yard passes to wide receiver Christian Watson.
If you thought those numbers looked good already, there are more statistics available that show just how impressive a game Love had at the expense of the hated Bears.
Jordan Love had one of the best deep passing performances by a QB in over a decade
According to Next Gen Stats, Love completed six of eight deep pass attempts (20 air yards or more) for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Love's total yards on those deep pass attempts are the most by a quarterback in the Next Gen Stats era (2016), since Russell Wilson did so in Week 2 of last season.
For those curious, that performance from Wilson was when he was the starting quarterback for the New York Giants in a 40-37 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson threw for 264 yards on deep passes. Overall, Wilson threw for 450 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
But wait, there's more for Love. The Packers quarterback completed five of six passes of 30-plus air yards for 227 yards and two touchdowns, according to ESPN Insights. Additionally, the outlet revealed that Love and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger are the only players with five completions of 30-plus air yards in a game since they tracked the stat in 2006.
Jordan Love saved best performance of season for the Bears
Yes, the Bears still don't have Caleb Williams back after he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2, but they were still winning games. Look no further than their decisive victories over the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets. But at Lambeau Field, the Bears did not show up.
As for Love, he didn't have the best of starts this season. He contributed to the brutal collapse in Week 1 against the Vikings and couldn't get anything going against the Falcons in Week 3. It was no coincidence that his offensive line struggled, especially with offensive tackle Zach Bako-Bewele being out for the season due to a knee injury.
For his best and cleanest performance of the season, he did so in a game that is always a must-win, regardless of positioning in the NFC North standings. The Bears, feeling confident ever since last season, were humbled on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Love played a huge role, taking the top off Chicago's defense and showcasing his arm strength and accuracy. The Packers are now tied for second place with the Bears and Detroit Lions as they look to gain ground on the undefeated Vikings.
This was the game Love and the Packers needed, and it could ignite their season.
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