Chicago Bears: Keys to victory against Packers

4. Shutdown Devante Adams

In 2018, Devante Adams was the best wide receiver in the NFC North with 1386 receiving yards while also catching 111 passes. What’s clear is that over the last three seasons, Adams has been the primary target for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game.

In 10 career games against the Bears, Adams has a total of five touchdowns. With the Packers having an unproven receiving core outside of Adams, it’s clear that Rodgers will target Adams heavily on Thursday night.

With Chuck Pagano taking over as defensive coordinator, slowing Adams down is a perfect first test for the Bears secondary. Things are expected to be different under Pagano, who could decide to play more man coverage.

Adams wins one-on-one matchups in a variety of ways, however, if you watch him closely, he uses basketball-like double moves in order to escape from cornerbacks. On Thursday night, it remains to be seen who’s going to be assigned to cover Adams the whole game, however, it could end up being the veteran Prince Amukamara.

If the Bears can shut down Rodgers main asset in the passing game, there’s no reason to think that this team can’t emerge victorious. However, while Adams will draw a considerable amount of attention, the Bears secondary cannot forget about other receiving options like Jimmy Graham in the Packers offense.