Thanksgiving Football: team needs for the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears
By Jon Dove
It’ll be fun to watch the Green Bay Packers take on the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving where I’ll be keying on team needs.
The Packers are in the middle of a playoff run while the Bears are in a semi-rebuild and have more needs. However, this year hasn’t been a cakewalk for the Packers where several areas of concern have arisen.
Green Bay seems to have had an issue at inside linebacker for several years running. This year isn’t any different as they were again forced to move Clay Matthews inside. The Packers aren’t at their best when Matthews isn’t focused solely on rushing the quarterback.
There are a few inside linebackers in the 2016 NFL draft would be able to step in and allow the Packers to move Matthews back outside. UCLA’s Myles Jack, Alabama’s Reggie Ragland and USC’s Su’a Cravens should all be on the Packers radar.
Chicago’s list of team needs is much bigger than the Packers. They have glaring holes on both sides of the ball that must be addressed. Most of the biggest issues are on defense where they lack a pass rush, have holes in the secondary and could use a difference maker at inside linebacker.
The issues generating pressure might be the most pressing need. Pernell McPhee is the team’s most dangerous pass rusher and is starting to see increased attention. Unfortunately, the 2016 draft doesn’t have great pass-rush options at outside linebacker.
This means that Chicago may need to use their 1st round pick to mix other problems. Notre Dame’s Jaylon Smith would represent a major upgrade at inside linebacker. His an elite athlete who consistently makes impact plays.
Florida’s Vernon Hargreaves III is also an option to come in and improve the talent at the cornerback spot.
Chicago’s offensive needs are tougher to figure out because of the several key injuries. The receiver position has not been good this season, but Alshon Jeffery has missed several games and 2015 1st round pick Kevin White has yet to see the field.
If the Bears look to bring in some offensive players it’s more likely that they add a guard or a young quarterback.