Chicago Bears: Keys to victory against Packers

6. Biggest difference-maker on defense: OLB Leonard Floyd

Much like we just listed Mitch Trubisky as the player that will need to step up on offense if the Bears want to win, we’ll do the same each week on defense. This week, it’s fourth-year outside linebacker Leonard Floyd who will need to have a big game for the Bears defense.

The Packers will be focused on figuring out how to stop Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks which means that Floyd should see more one-on-one opportunities against Packers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga.

For the first time since his rookie season, Floyd didn’t spend the offseason rehabbing from any significant injuries. His rookie season was filled with concussions on various occasions, while his 2017 season ended early due to a knee injury. Then in 2018, he broke his hand in preseason once again hurting his development.

Besides just being healthy, Floyd was the best player on the Bears in terms of production over the final five games of the 2018 season. He’d finish the season with three sacks, 18 tackles, five tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits.

For Floyd, things are getting to the point where he’s going to need to live up to his top-ten draft status in order to earn a new contract. As of right now, he’s under contract with the Bears until at least the end of the 2020 season. If he produces in 2019 and has a big year, the Bears will ultimately decide to renew his contract at the end of the year.