Rodgers Could Add to Impressive Division Resume Against the Bears

As if the accolades he's racked up over an impressive 13-year career with the Green Bay Packers wasn't enough, quarterback Aaron Rodgers could add to his eye-popping totals Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.

The last game Rodgers quarterbacked against the Bears was just last December. He connected with receiver Jordy Nelson on a 60-yard pass that ultimately set up Mason Crosby for the game-winning field goal. It was win No 15 against Chicago, giving him the most against any one of the 31 opponents he's faced in the NFL. Obviously, the most against the NFC North as well.

Historically, Rodgers has shredded the Minnesota Vikings. He has the highest completion percentage (68.29%) against them than any other NFC North team, as well as most touchdowns (39), best touchdown-to-interception ratio (6.5:1) and most passing yards (4,553). However, the Bears aren't far behind.

In his career against the Bears, Rodgers has completed 67.65 percent of his passes, thrown for 4,417 yards along with 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions. A win Thursday night would finally give the Packers the edge in the all-time series with 95 wins to the Bears' 94. Currently, the series is tied at 94-94-6. The Packers haven't had the lead since 1932.

Along with the mind-blowing statistics, Rodgers could earn his 40th win against an NFC North team. He's currently 39-13 against divisional opponents as the Packers' quarterback. 

Even if Rodgers' dominance against division teams was disputable, his career totals against each of Green Bay's three rivals would quickly put any refutation to rest. He's thrown for over 13,000 yards against the NFC North, 111 touchdowns and a measly 21 interceptions. 

He has a higher passer rating against division rivals than he does any other division, which, mathematically, is absurd considering he has a much larger window for failure due to the six divisional games he plays in annually.

He'll likely also be getting receiver Randall Cobb back in time for the game, who was the Packers' leading receiver entering week three before he was sidelined with a chest injury suffered in the loss to the Atlanta Falcons a week prior. He was a full participant in Tuesday's practice for the first time since mid-September.

Aaron Rodgers (12) and Randall Cobb (18) embrace after a touchdown pass. (Benny Sieu/USA TODAY Sports)

Cobb was on the receiving end of 11 receptions in last year's Thursday Night Football game against the Bears at Lambeau Field. He helped Rodgers complete a large chunk of his 56 attempts that night en route to a career-high and team-record 39 completions. He'd immediately help bolster a passing game that has performed in suboptimal fashion in the first halves of games this season.

The Packers are ranked 30th in first-half scoring through three weeks. They've mustered an average of 4.7 points, all of which coming in the first quarter -- they haven't scored a single point in the second in any game so far. It's an odd switch-up considering the Packers were one of the most efficient second-quarter teams a year ago. They were ranked third in average second quarter points by season's end.

There's no absolute certainty that Cobb will be at the disposal of the Packers' offense Thursday night, but if he is, that's one step towards ensuring a slow start doesn't plague the offense early. If history is on the Packers' side, Rodgers could be in for a big night.

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (16)

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LayingTheLawe's picture

September 27, 2017 at 11:00 am

And with a win the Packers can take the all time lead in the Packers-B*#rs series. That is a feat that seemed impossible 20 years ago and really shows how much the Pack has owned the B*#rs in recent years.

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Mojo's picture

September 27, 2017 at 12:46 pm

It's been 85 years since GB last had the lead in the series.

After over eight decades of being forced to listen to the derision from an inferior fan base the Packers and their adherents have the opportunity to strike a blow for truth, justice and the American way. They need to defeat Chicago Thursday night and once again convert them back to what they are - Ursa Minor.

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Big Moe's picture

September 27, 2017 at 02:17 pm

Ursa Minor I love it! lol

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Ibleedgreenmore's picture

September 27, 2017 at 11:19 am

I lived close to Bear country growing up, that was a big time rivalry with Gale Sayers and others. Its time we put the Bears where they belong in the basement gotta love watching it what a blast.

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Razer's picture

September 27, 2017 at 11:22 am

Never been much for stats. Recent bad teams by both the Vikings and Bears have given us an edge and inflated numbers. We will need to earn every yard against both those teams this year and with an injured O-line they will be tough yards. Of course, Rodgers will be the key. If he is sharp and gets this erratic offense going early, the Bears will need to take chances to keep up.

Beyond that, I wouldn't put much into the rivalry thing. Most of these guys play for contracts, winning seasons and play-off opportunities. This is a divisional game, its the next game and it keeps your season moving forward. Cobb's lockerroom interview gives us insight into this whole rivalry hype.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 27, 2017 at 04:32 pm

Well said.

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Tommyboy's picture

September 27, 2017 at 11:54 am

39-13? I'm lost. If he's played two games per year in the regular season for 13 years, that's 26 games. I know there are a couple playoff games as well but....am I wrong (probably)? Sorry- just confused

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TarynsEyes's picture

September 27, 2017 at 12:10 pm

You're not wrong, the writer mistakingly forget to separate the records. ..Rodgers vs Division and Bears .

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Point-Packer's picture

September 27, 2017 at 02:05 pm

Oh good, I thought I blacked out for a decade.

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tvos's picture

September 27, 2017 at 02:12 pm

I was confused also. He is 15-4 against the Bears.

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Finwiz's picture

September 27, 2017 at 01:07 pm

That's pretty pathetic at 4.7 1st half avg. points scored. What happened to this offense. Maybe Lacy had more of an effect than we though, and maybe Monty isn't all we thought he was going to be. Not to mention the injuries to the OL, particularly the tackles. I sure wish they could solve this injury problem. IMO, given the limited practice rules in training camp, they have no choice but to roll the dice at some point, and start playing guys in preseason games to get them in shape and sharpen up the timing. No other alternative.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 27, 2017 at 02:09 pm

I don't think Eddie Lacy's absence is the problem..Seattle sure doesn't see him as the solution to their offensive woes.

Monty has been one of the bright spots on offensive. His versatility and speed is a huge asset.

I see the problem as play-calling. MM always comes out super conservative. Doesn't open things up until the second half when the score is close or the Pack are down. He's never had a killer instinct, which is part of the reason why #12 doesn't have another SB notch on his belt (see Seattle NFC championship).

And then of course, our anemic offensive line depth doesn't help.

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4thand1's picture

September 27, 2017 at 03:39 pm

It usually takes 3 reg season games to find your stride. MM has to come up with a game plan to protect AR, especially if BAHK doesn't play. I think they are going to be very careful with Bahktiari so he will be around later than never.

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Point-Packer's picture

September 27, 2017 at 05:28 pm

I understand that, but GB can't keep falling behind to awful teams like Cincinnati in the first half and expect to have a miracle comeback. If the Pack continue to do that, they go 11-5/10-6 and are forced to go to Atlanta to get to the SB. And we likely know how that goes.

That pick 6 to Cinci was the perfect example of MM calling a play that GB has run god knows how many times on 3rd and 5/6. DB gambled and jumped it, likely partially due to the fact that there is ample tape of GB running that play on 3rd and moderate. It almost happened again on Jordy's tying TD!

I get the need to run your bread and butter, but sometimes you need to throw a flee flicker in there.....

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cheesycowboy's picture

September 27, 2017 at 08:46 pm

Aaron Rodgers seems to set another record every week.
I expect no less from the team Thursday evening with this rivalry. Great game to witness for the fans in attendance,
I've noticed the season ticket holders selling seats for profit to anyone currently and have heard more boos, untimely cheering (yell your ass off on defense, shut the hell up on offense please). If our quarterback has to tell the crowd what to do, it's obvious the people of Green Bay care more about the buck than the team. A lot more opposing team colors than in my 40 years of watching from afar and wishing my local high school was as supportive as the Great Packers Fans showing up, or used to. Stockholder and able to witness one game in person. November 2014 and spent the entire week. Packers 26 Patriots 21. I wanted to shovel snow on Saturday but got out voted. Do you take the extreme hard work and dedication over the last 98 years for granted?

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Since'61's picture

September 27, 2017 at 10:17 pm

We need to sweep the Bears this season to not only take the lead but to gain the 2 game edge on the Bears. More importantly the Lions and Viqueens will be difficult to defeat on the road this season. We will need every division win we can get to claim the division title this season. Rodger's records will come but win the games first and foremost. Go Pack Go! Thanks, Since '61

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