Good news is Bears can score; not-so-good news is their defense is vulnerable

Like Jay Cutler before him, former Bears cornerback Jerry Azumah provided a public-service announcement for Bears fans this week on Twitter before their team’s wild-card playoff game against the Packers on Saturday at Soldier Field: “When the Bears Offense is on the field, please be quiet so they can work!”

That any Bears fans have to be reminded of this is an indictment of the Bears’ woeful history of offensive football, of course. But it’s also a positive sign. Under Ben Johnson, the Bears have an offense that makes this advice relevant. They were sixth in the NFL in total yards this season — their highest ranking in a playoff appearance since 1977, when NFL MVP Walter Payton was just about the entire offense.

The flip side is that for the first time in almost any current Bears fan’s life, the opposite is true. The team’s defense makes you nervous. This defense struggles to stop the run (27th in the NFL), stop the pass (22nd), rush the passer (21st) or hold on third down (21st). And it gives up the big play — 26 pass plays of 30 or more yards, second-most in the NFL.

That’s a new world for Bears fans, as well. The defense has always been the Bears’ best hope in the playoffs. In fact, the defense has ranked in the top 10 for every playoff appearance (14 of them) since 1979, except for the 2020 COVID season, when the Bears were a non-threatening seventh-seed participant at 8-8, ranking 14th in total defense.

Under new coordinator Dennis Allen, the 2025 Bears rank 23rd in scoring defense and 29th in total defense. In fact, they are the only team in the bottom 15 in scoring defense this season to make the postseason. They’ve survived on their knack for takeaways — an NFL-leading 33, including an NFL-leading 23 interceptions, with two pick-sixes.

But that can be a tough trump card to play in the postseason. The Packers had 13 turnovers in the regular season, third-fewest in the NFL. The Bears are vulnerable when they’re not taking the ball away. They’re 0-2 when they have zero takeaways and 2-6 when they have fewer than two.

But here’s another difference this year: The Bears’ defense doesn’t have to win this game; it just can’t lose it. The onus is on the offense to make the difference. The defense allowed the Lions to control the clock (35:45-24:15) and gave up 433 yards last week, but it was effective in the red zone, allowed 19 points and had the fourth-quarter takeaway that gave the offense a chance to do its job and win the game.

“[It’s about] consistency and getting off the field on third down. That’s probably the biggest issue we’ve had,” Allen said. “We’ve played some really good offenses the last couple weeks. And yet last week, we held [the Lions] to 19 points. Ultimately, that’s what the goal is — to limit points and give yourself a chance to win.”

If cornerback Kyler Gordon returns as expected after missing five games with a groin injury, the Bears will play with Gordon and cornerback Jaylon Johnson for only the second time this season. The only other game they played together, the Bears held the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles to 15 points and allowed 317 yards, 5.1 yards per play and four of 12 third-down conversions and let the offense take care of the rest in a 24-15 victory.

Sounds like a plan.

When the Bears have the ball

The stakes are higher, but the situation is similar to last week’s game against the Lions: The Bears need a fast start on offense, preferably with possession time, to keep Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense from setting the tone and establishing control against a vulnerable Bears defense.

The opportunity should be there against a Packers defense that has allowed an average of 32.3 points and 401.7 yards in its last three games with starters playing and All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons out. The unit allowed 34 points to the Broncos (their second-highest point total of the season) and 41 to the Ravens (their highest offensive total of the season).

The catch is that the Bears have struggled against the Packers’ defense — with and without Parsons — especially early. The Bears trailed 14-3 and 6-0 at halftime in two regular-season matchups before rallying late in a 28-21 loss at Lambeau Field and a 22-16 overtime victory at Soldier Field.

Therein lies the challenge: The Bears, despite not scoring on their opening drive in their last nine games, were sixth in the NFL with 102 first-quarter points and ninth in scoring overall. The Packers allowed an NFL-low 26 points in the first quarter and were 11th in scoring defense overall.

One significant difference: The Bears will be close to full strength this time with the return of wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) and left tackle Ozzy Trapilo (quad). Odunze missed both regular-season matchups. Luther Burden also missed the rematch at Soldier Field but will play Saturday.

When the Packers have the ball

The Bears’ defense, which ranked 23rd in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed in the regular season, will be on the spot against Love and the Packers’ offense. Love has a 126.5 passer rating in four games he has started and finished against the Bears, with a completion percentage of 71.3, 264 yards per game, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Love will play for the first time in three weeks since suffering a concussion.

The Bears’ defense has covered up its deficiencies with an uncanny knack for takeaways. It led the NFL with 33, including a league-high 23 interceptions. But that’s a dicey proposition in the playoffs. The Packers had the third-fewest turnovers (13), with two in two games against the Bears.

Two key factors could determine the outcome: the Bears’ defense against running back Josh Jacobs, and their defense against Love on third down. Jacobs said he’s full-go after struggling with injuries recently. He had just 12 carries for 36 yards against the Bears on Dec. 20 and four carries for three yards against the Ravens on Dec. 27. Right tackle Zach Tom, who missed the rematch at Soldier Field, is expected to play.

The Packers’ offense ranked 16th in points and 15th in yards but was second in third-down conversions (48.8%). The Bears’ defense was 22nd in third-down conversions (40.8%).