The tape has shown a quiet simplicity to Mitchell Trubisky’s revival as the quarterback of the Chicago Bears over the last month and a half. Trubisky hasn’t magically improved, and coach Matt Nagy isn’t suddenly calling the perfect plays, but everything about the Bears offense is trending in the right direction because Trubisky is making the simple play and improvising his way out of the bad ones.

Therefore, the goal for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field is pretty straight forward: Keep Trubisky guessing before the snap, and make sure he stays in the pocket after the snap.

Over the last five weeks, Trubisky passed the football efficiently in two games against the Detroit Lions and then for a third time last Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. The decimated Lions defense kept almost everything simple before the snap, while the Cowboys rarely disguise what they’re doing in coverage before the snap. On most plays, it was clear Trubisky knew exactly where to go with the ball before the ball was even snapped, and his first read was typically the right one.

And when it wasn’t, he found scrambling opportunities or bought time to find a target in the scramble drill.

The New York Giants, however, did tons of disguising pre-snap, and Trubisky had problems figuring out where to go with the ball on time.

Several Packers players said it after the Week 1 win: They wanted to make Trubisky play quarterback. The same idea applies in Week 15. The goal should be to make everything look confusing to Trubisky before the snap so there’s hesitation about where to go with the ball. And then the Packers’ rush lanes have to be executed correctly so there are limited escape routes from the pocket.

The plan worked brilliantly in Week 1, and it can work again Sunday. If Trubisky figures out the pre-snap disguises and coverages and makes plays from the pocket, so be it. The Packers can live with that. This isn’t the game to play conservatively on defense. Pettine has to throw the book at the Bears quarterback. If he does, and the Packers execute consistently on the backend, they’ll have ample opportunities for sacks and turnovers – and a chance to make Trubisky’s last few games look like nothing more than a mirage.

Film notes

– The Bears offensive line is not a strength. They’ve played well in spurts but the five starters coming to Green Bay on Sunday should be overmatched at almost every spot by the Packers defensive front. In Week 1, the Packers controlled the game with a dominant rush, and Sunday’s result could hinge on a similar performance. Also, as tempting as it will be for Mike Pettine to consistently only rush four players, he should blitz. The Bears have really struggled against extra rushers. Pettine has to force Mitchell Trubisky to consistently make the right checks at the line.

– It’s hard to watch Allen Robinson on tape and not wonder what the Packers offense would look like today if GM Brian Gutekunst had signed Robinson – who wanted to be in Chicago – instead of tight end Jimmy Graham in March of 2018. Robinson is truly one of the game’s most underrated offensive weapons. He’s subtle and clever running routes, with terrific hands and a rare toughness after the catch. There’s just an edge to him that separates him from other receivers of the same ability level. Make no mistake about it, Robinson and Davante Adams would be a dynamite duo. Expect to see plenty of Jaire Alexander on Robinson on Sunday. That’s a primetime one-on-one matchup.

– Former Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix looks like an improved tackler. He’ll swing and miss occasionally with diving arm tackles, and he still doesn’t actively seek out contact in a mass of bodies, but he’s been more consistent getting people to the ground. Credit him for patching up a big hole in his game.

– The Bears will be without stud inside linebacker Roquan Smith, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury last week, but Nick Kwiatkoski, No. 44, is a really underrated player. He does just about everything asked of the position at an above-average level. His toughness in the run game and movement ability in space really jump off the tape. Keep a close eye on him. He’s a free agent after this season, and the Packers have a major hole at inside linebacker.

– Running the football against this defense is possible, but it won’t be easy, especially if Akiem Hicks returns. However, the Bears might not have Roy Robertson-Harris, who made a bunch of plays up front in the first meeting. The Packers will have to find ways to get the outside zone working. It will be tough sledding inside.

– Cordarrelle Patterson is an ace special teams player. Not only is he the league’s most dangerous and productive kick returner, but he’s one of the best gunners. His size and speed combination helps him to get down the field and disrupt returners. He’s also been good at finding the football on punts inside the 20-yard line and downing the ball deep.

– Second-year receiver Anthony Miller is starting to come on. He’s a shifty route runner with a fearlessness about making catches in traffic, and Trubisky is really starting to trust him down the field. Miller against Tramon Williams in the slot could be a key matchup.

– Cornerback Kyle Fuller is having a hit-or-miss season. He’s given up a ton of yards, but there’s no denying his ball skills and aggressiveness. Aaron Rodgers must be aware of No. 23 at all times. He still has really good eyes and instincts, especially on balls thrown underneath and to the perimeter.

– Kicker Eddy Pineiro has made his last four field goals, but even the Bears must be nervous about how he’ll operate in the freezing temperatures expected Sunday. The elements can provide a significant mental challenge, especially for a young kicker who grew up in South Florida. The Packers should have a huge advantage in the kicking department.

– Don’t be surprised if the Bears have a trick or two up their sleeves on special teams. This is a team that desperately needs a win, and desperate teams are willing to try anything to find an edge. Bears special teams coach Chris Tabor is one of the best in the business. The Packers have to be on high alert in all situations on Sunday.