In a recent press conference on January 3, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields took a playful jab ahead of the upcoming Green Bay Packers clash.
“It’s going to be a fun environment to walk into their home field,” Fields said in response to media questions about the game.
“I know their fans are going to be loud because there’s not much to do in Green Bay except watch football, but it’s going to be a great environment to us, for us to play in and hopefully have a great game and get the W on Sunday.”
While it was meant as a light-hearted remark, Fields’ words have ignited tension and backlash as Packers fans rise to defend their city. The comment also adds more to the already-heated long rivalry between the Packers and Bears.
This is not the first time Bears players have targeted Packers supporters in the 2023 season. Previously, in June, defensive tackle Justin Jones labeled Green Bay fans as “s****y,” “obnoxious,” and claimed, “half of them don’t even know football.” Just like with Fields, Jones’ comments sparked a backlash among Packers fans, who felt that his remarks were unfair and disrespectful.
The Bears will be heading to Lambeau Field this Sunday for their regular-season finale against the Packers.
On the other hand, the home team must secure a win to clinch either the sixth or seventh seed in the NFC playoffs, as a loss would mean missing the postseason. This will be their challenge, especially with the Bears’ sole motivation now to play spoiler and thwart the Packers’ postseason aspirations.
Heated history
The Packers and Bears rivalry is among the oldest and most storied in professional sports. On top of numerous memorable moments and iconic battles since their first meeting on November 27, 1921, when the Bears (then known as the Staleys) defeated the Packers 20-0.
The rivalry’s roots lie in the natural geographic connection between the cities of Green Bay and Chicago, with the Packers symbolizing small-town charm and the Bears representing bustling city life.
Additionally, since 1970, the Bears and Packers have shared the same conference or division, leading to regular meetings between the two teams.
Marked by intense competition, both teams boast successful quarterbacks and strong running games. Both have contributed to a closely contested all-time series of 106-95-6, with the Packers holding a slight edge.
If the Bears claim victory in this weekend’s big rivalry game, it would break a winless streak against the Packers since 2018. Furthermore, it would also serve as a poetic conclusion to the 2023 season, especially considering the disastrous 0-4 start that followed the Week 1 setback against Green Bay.
“It would mean a lot to the team, the fans, the city,” Fields said via 670 The Score’s Chris Emma. “I think it would be great. We know Green Bay is playing for a lot at stake. They’re playing for a playoff spot right now. So, I just think with all that on the table, it would be a great feeling to end the season with a win at Lambeau.”
With Fields as the starting quarterback, the Bears have faced nine consecutive losses overall and five consecutive defeats with Fields as the starting quarterback. Securing his first win against them could be a decisive factor for the Bears in opting to retain him as the starter beyond this season rather than using the draft's first pick on a quarterback.