The Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, and head coach Matt Eberflus wants them to be prepared for the 18-plus week journey.
“I talked to them today, this morning about rhythm and routine,” Eberflus said via the team on September 4. “It’s a rhythm and routine of an NFL player, of an NFL coach. You have to visit with your loved ones about that rhythm and routine, and what that means to you to get yourself prepared and ready to go for these 17 Sundays that are so important to every one of us.”
Matt Eberflus to Bears: Rhythm & Routine ‘Matters’
Eberflus has talked about his belief in being up-front and honest with his players. Defensive tackle Justin Jones also opened up about what kind of leadership the Bears have in their locker room this year, even when it comes to getting everyone to give maximum effort.
Jones said that it can come from “anybody” which should help maintain the rhythm and routine.
“That just tells you how close our team is,” Jones said on August 30. “At the end of the day, we want the best for each other.”
“It matters,” Eberflus said. “And details matter, and your preparation matters. And that’s the phase they’re in right now. They’re preparing, watching the film studying their opponent, studying the guy they’re going to go against, looking at their matchups. … Putting themselves in the game plan: where they fit in and where their plays are to be made during that time.”
Bears Getting Healthier
Eberflus also updated the status of a pair of key defensive playmakers in safeties Jaquan Brisker and Eddie Jackson, both of whom have missed substantial time this summer and preseason.
While he was non-committal, he did suggest that both were heading in the right direction to play in Sunday’s regular-season opener.
“Like I said last week, he is right there, he’s progressing right, and Wednesday’s going to be a big day for him,” Eberflus said. “But it looks on the positive side right now. So we’re looking at that. He had really good workouts this weekend, and as did Eddie. And so we’re looking at both those guys in a positive way and Wednesday will tell us more.”
Wednesday is the first day of pads in practice this week.
In what is a good sign, Brisker spoke with the media on Monday which would indicate he is on track to play in Week 1. He also seemed to be in good spirits about being on the field for Week 1.
Jaquan Brisker ‘Itching’ to Face Packers
“I’m itching. This is Packers week, so I know it’s gonna be live in the stadium,” Brisker said after Monday’s light practice. “Fans everywhere, it’s gonna be loud. People hate Green Bay. I hate Green Bay. I know I can’t wait. They ain’t get to see me last year. They’re gonna get to see me this year, though.”
Brisker played in the first meeting between the two teams last season at Lambeau Field, a 27-10 Bears loss. But he missed the second meeting at Soldier Field.
The Bears lost that game 28-19 after giving up 18 fourth-quarter points.
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It sounds like Brisker believes the outcome would have been different had he been out there. He will face a different Packers team, though. One without Aaron Rodgers and many of the key weapons from those meetings last season, some of whom have joined the Bears.