Bears vs Packers: Causes for concern in Week 11 matchup

After a chaotic and catastrophic three weeks that also saw the Chicago Bears slip below .500 and have to fire their offensive coordinator, it's time to turn the page. In Week 11, they'll finally begin their run against all of their NFC North divisional opponents, starting with their bitter rival, one of the longest-tenured rivalries in sports, the Green Bay Packers.

Undergoing a major coaching change, with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron being fired by the Bears this week, after just nine games with the team, and Thomas Brown being named his replacement. It'll be the second time in as many seasons that Brown will have the opportunity to call plays, as he did so last year in a short stint with the Carolina Panthers.

The Bears come into the Green Bay matchup looking to put their disastrous slide behind them, but will have a tough task ahead of them not only for the chaos going on with their team. But the recent track record between the two teams. Here are three of the biggest reasons of concern for the Bears as they welcome the Packers to Chicago on Sunday.

Matt LeFleur's track record against Chicago

If a singular stat could paint the picture for this weekend's matchup, Matt LaFleur's record against Chicago (10-0) should be the one. With the Bears undergoing changes to their offensive staff, and fans at Soldier Field chanting for the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus in last week's home loss to the New England Patriots, one team is desperate for success, while LaFleur knows nothing but success against Chicago. No matter who he has had at quarterback, LaFleur has been superior in comparison to whoever has manned the sideline for the Bears. That's also why Green Bay is fighting for a playoff spot, and the Bears are desperately hoping to end their season with a bit of respect.

Jordan Love's recent success with play-action

Not everything remains the same season to season, but the last time these two teams met, Jordan Love was perfect against the Bears off of play-action passing. With the defense being put through the ringer over their three-game losing streak, the Bears' offense can do them a major favor bv keeping Jordan Love on the sidelines for as long as possible, but any hope for an offensive rhythm is currently lost. If Love and LeFleur recognize what worked so well last season, it could be a very long day for the Bears defense once again.

Unknown offense with Thomas Brown in charge

There's no denying a change had to be made in Chicago for the offense to at least gain some of their respect and production back, but just how much better will it get? Thomas Brown has had a very short and brief history in calling plays at the NFL level, and while he's well respected by players he's coached at the collegiate and NFL level, there is a major sense of urgency to turn the offense around. Not only will there need to be better production, but Brown will have to find a way to get everyone involved, from star receiver DJ Moore, to getting back to running back D'Andre Swift as a multi-threat out of the backfield, and maybe most importantly, tight end Cole Kmet.

Not many games are as important each year as the Green Bay Packers, from the ownership and upper management, to the coaching staff and players, and quite possibly most importantly, fans of the Chicago Bears. There may not be a fix to all of the problems that have doomed this team for the 2024 season, but if they can keep it a competitive game against the Packers, and not once again embarrass themselves, maybe there's something to hang their hat on.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears vs Packers: Causes for concern in Week 11 matchup