Bears defense enters the weekend bracing for uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers and the ways Arthur Smith may shape his attack
The Chicago Bears still don’t know for sure which QB they’ll be facing on Sunday.
The Chicago Bears are still preparing for anything going into the weekend regarding the status of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a deep history against the Bears.
Rodgers left the Steelers game last Sunday with a left wrist injury but tests showed he would not have to undergo surgery to repair the fracture. The four-time MVP is reportedly pushing to play on Sunday at Soldier Field but was officially listed as questionable on the team’s final injury report.
“Obviously, there’s a little uncertainty in terms of what his availability is going to be so you’re studying, in particular, the scheme,” Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen told reporters on Thursday. “You’re preparing for the scheme and yet you understand how each quarterback likes to operate. We’ve spent a lot of time on it.”
To get more of an insight both into how Rodgers has played this season prior to the injury and what to prepare for the most when facing Arthur Smith’s scheme in general, I spoke with Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Pittsburgh to see what Chicago needs to be ready for, one way or another.
What areas of Aaron Rodgers’ game can the Bears look to exploit if he plays on Sunday?
“Aaron Rodgers certainly is no longer the player who won back-to-back MVPs at the start of the decade. However, outside of the Chargers game, he was far and away the Steelers’ offensive MVP through the first half of the season.
His ball location and velocity are still top-tier. But if there was one area to exploit, it’s mobility. Rodgers just can’t move the way he once did, and it has caused him to have one of the fastest times to throw in the league, and he is unwilling to stand in and take shots. Factor in that Rodgers would be playing through a fractured left wrist if he’s manages to suit up, his mobility will be in question even more as he looks to avoid bracing himself using that hand if/when he goes down.” – Gregson
In what ways can Arthur Smith use his personnel to stress the defense, regardless of who’s at QB?
“With LG Isaac Seumalo getting healthier by the week, expect the Steelers to spam their jumbo personnel package. That’s where backup left guard Spencer Anderson becomes a de facto TE and lines up alongside Darnell Washington to create an offensive line that weighs over 2,100 pounds. The Bears better be ready for some heavy personnel.” – Gregson
What’s the current state of the Steelers defense with some new additions joining the mix?
“The Steelers’ defense still lives and dies based on turnovers, but there is something to be said for forcing opposing offenses into turnover-worthy plays. Those have become much more common ever since the Steelers started playing more split safety looks and moved Jalen Ramsey to safety alongside the recent trade acquisition in Kyle Dugger.
The combination of those two players in the backend have allowed the pass rush unit just an extra tick to get after the passer, and that has made all the difference in the world.” – Gregson
Final Takeaways
Regardless of who’s playing quarterback, the Steelers are going to lean into the heavy packages with this offense. Outside of DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh really has no other wide receivers that pose a threat, but the tight end trio of Washington, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth certainly do.
With a banged up linebacker core going into this game, the Bears defense will have to rely heavily on the defensive line to win some tough matchups, and if Rodgers is at quarterback, they’ll need to win quickly because he’s going to be getting the ball out quick. This side of the ball will be won or lost depending on if the defensive line shows up with some urgency on Sunday.
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