Jordan Love, the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback, suffered a concussion during last week’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, resulting in his early exit in the second quarter. Consequently, he will not be participating in this week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Love’s injury hasn’t just impacted the Packers; it has also drawn attention to the physical play of the Bears’ defense.
Bears defensive lineman Austin Booker has faced disciplinary action for his aggressive hits on Love, receiving two fines totaling $11,636. The first offense was for using his body weight on the quarterback, while the second fine stemmed from a head blow that resulted in Love’s concussion. Additionally, Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson was fined $6,111 for a late hit on Love during the same game. These fines highlight the intense physicality displayed by the Bears’ defense, particularly in their approach towards Love.
Despite the financial penalties for these infractions, which are intended to maintain player safety, they do little to change the outcome of the game. Love’s absence during the pivotal moments of the match undoubtedly influenced the resulting Bears’ overtime victory over Green Bay.
Moreover, the Packers have faced a streak of late decisions from the NFL regarding calls that should have benefitted them. In previous weeks, the league acknowledged mistakes involving player fines that indicated missed calls during games. For instance, after Week 14, Bears receiver Luther Burden was fined for an altercation related to a play involving Packers’ Keisean Nixon. Similarly, Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga was penalized in Week 15 for unnecessary roughness on a hit against Love, which had gone uncalled during the game, denying the Packers an essential 15 yards and a potential first down.
Even with these struggles, the Packers remain determined to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matchup. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the team is focused on maintaining their competitiveness as they embark on this next stage of the season.