Bears Will Play Packers in First Game of 2019

The Bears and the NFL both celebrating their 100th seasons this year (the early days of the NFL are discussed in our Pillars of the NFL book). 

The NFL will begin the season with a Thursday night game on September 5th featuring the Chicago Bears versus their arch-rival Green Bay Packers. Sure to be a very popular game in Chicago and nationally with many up and coming players on the Bears and their successful coaching staff.  On the other side of the field there will be many questions marks as Packer fans will like miss several of the personalities that have made the Packers--well, the Packers. First, the fiery Packer's coach Mike McCarthy is gone. McCarthy was that fit the city by the blue-collar bay.  

Then, eight year Packer veteran wide received Randall Cobb has signed with the Dallas Cowboys. And ten year veteran Clay Matthews has signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Cobb has been one of Aaron Rodgers's most reliable targets and was there when the hobbled Rodgers led the Packers to a come from behind victory at home in the first game of the season in 2018. Likewise, Bears fans may be glad to see the often-posing Clay Matthews who has certainly been a problem for the Bears over the years.  Some believe Matthews is "over-the-hill," but let's keep in mind stat-wise that the NFL was adjusting to new rules last year that hurt some players like Matthews.  Also there should be some benefit to Matthews playing more game in a warmer climate. The Rams are also written about as a team that needs depth and certainly the former USC great can help  fill that need.