Why the Packers' first game against the Bears in 2022 will have a little extra spice
When the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears meet in week two of the regular season, the matchup will have a little extra (historical) spice. That's because the Packers will have a shot at becoming the NFL's all-time winningest team in week two against the Bears. Green Bay currently has the second-most wins of […]
When the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears meet in week two of the regular season, the matchup will have a little extra (historical) spice.
That's because the Packers will have a shot at becoming the NFL's all-time winningest team in week two against the Bears.
Green Bay currently has the second-most wins of all time with 782. They're just one behind the current all-time leader, which is….the Chicago Bears.
I'd love to tell you that I first noticed this wild stat, but it was actually pointed out by NFL.com senior researcher Jack Andrade.
The Bears franchise has concluded each of the first 102 seasons of NFL football as the all-time leader in regular-season wins by any team. The 1920 Decatur Staleys won a league-best 10 games, relocated to Chicago for a championship-winning season in 1921, then were renamed the Bears in 1922.
Seventy years later, Chicago entered the 1992 season with 85 more wins (561) than the Packers and Giants (tied for second with 476 wins each). However, 30 seasons of Hall of Fame quarterback play have allowed the Packers (782) to close the gap on the Bears (783) to one win entering the 2022 season.
With a win (at Vikings) and Bears loss (vs. 49ers) in Week 1, the Packers could tie their division rivals and add a compelling subplot to the Week 2 Sunday Night Football Bears at Packers matchup.
It seems inevitable that Green Bay will pass Chicago this year. And they'll probably never look back.
The Bears have one of the worst rosters in the NFL as they're in the midst of a rebuild. The rebuild under new general manager Ryan Poles offers hope for Bears fans, but there's no guarantee it will lead to a resurgence of the historic franchise.
Green Bay, meanwhile, shows no signs of slowing down. Even if/when Aaron Rodgers retires in the coming years, the Packers are still set up to have long-term success thanks to a front office that routinely puts the team in the best position to win.
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
