Bears DT blasts Aaron Rodgers, Packers fans

Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets in late April, paving the way for fourth-year QB Jordan Love to take over as the Packers' starter this season. Green Bay and Chicago will open and close the regular season against each other, with the Bears playing host in Week 1 on Sept. 10 and the Packers welcoming their rivals to Lambeau Field in Week 18.

Green Bay lost a host of other players to Gang Green this offseason in addition to the four-time MVP, including wide receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb, as well as safety Adrian Amos (who reportedly joined New York on a one-year deal on Tuesday).

Behind promising young quarterback Justin Fields, plus an offense that brought in running back D'Onta Foreman and wideout D.J. Moore in the offseason, expectations are high for Chicago, who finished last in the NFL at 3-14 during the 2022 campaign.

As the Packers took a step back last season, the Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North with a 13-4 mark, behind quarterback Kirk Cousins, wide receiver Justin Jefferson and running back Dalvin Cook. Minnesota released Cook last week though to presumably hand over the starting job in the backfield to Alexander Mattison.

The Detroit Lions were arguably the biggest surprise in the NFL last year, nearly making the playoffs with a 9-8 record. With 2022 No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson on defense and quarterback Jared Goff, wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs on offense, coach Dan Campbell is looking to take the next step in 2023.

Jones is still relatively new to the Bears-Packers rivalry, as he signed with Chicago in March 2022. The 26-year-old was one of the Bears' best defenders last year, as he tied his career high in sacks (3.0) while recording career bests in combined tackles (52), tackles for loss (team-high 12), quarterback hits (seven) and passes defended (four) as well.