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The NFL knew exactly what it was doing when it scheduled the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers for opening day this season. It’s the oldest rivalry in the league and never fails to draw ratings. There is also never a lack of heat between the two teams. Aaron Rodgers fueled it two years ago when he declared his ownership of the Bears after yet another victory. Chicago hasn’t beaten their hated enemies since 2018. It’s becoming a source of deep frustration for the organization. Rather than cower in fear of what’s to come, though, some on the roster have decided to come out swinging. Justin Jones declared Packers fans “shitty” and “obnoxious.” Now Green Bay pass rusher Preston Smith chose to fire back.
He was asked about predictions that Chicago would beat the Packers on opening day, according to Adam Rank of NFL.com. His reply wasn’t bombastic, but it certainly made a point.
It’s true. Smith has played the Bears a total of ten times in his NFL career between Washington and Green Bay. He is 10-0 in those games with 7.5 sacks. It is easy to understand why he is so confident. However, it’s worth noting that he no longer has his ace in the hole.
Preston Smith doesn’t have the advantage at quarterback.
In those ten previous meetings, Smith had the good fortune of playing with the superior QB. It was Kirk Cousins in Washington and Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. The offense scored at least 24 points in eight of those ten meetings. It is far easier to win games when you rarely have to be almost perfect on defense. That reality might be changing. Jordan Love is the new quarterback in town for the Packers. While he might be good too, recent impressions suggest that isn’t the case.
It doesn’t help Preston Smith and his defense also took a step back in 2022, finishing 17th in the league. He has zero reasons to fear the Bears. However, the reality of sports is nothing lasts forever. There is a first time for everything. Merely mentioning that he is undefeated against Chicago isn’t something he wants to put out into the ether. Not when it looks like the Bears might be closing the talent gap between the two teams. Chicago is hungry, and they’re tired of being the whipping boys.
Smith better hope he wins on opening night. Otherwise, that clip will circulate social media for the rest of the season.
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