The Chicago Bears concluded their 2024 season on a triumphant note, overcoming a 10-game losing streak against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers, with a thrilling 24-22 victory at Lambeau Field. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams orchestrated a masterful final drive, culminating in Cairo Santos’s game-winning 51-yard field goal as time expired. This dramatic win not only salvaged a challenging season for the Bears, finishing with a 5-12 record, but also etched a historic moment, marking the end of an 11-game losing skid against the Packers.
The game’s final moments were a rollercoaster of emotions. Green Bay, already playoff-bound, took a 22-21 lead with 54 seconds remaining courtesy of Brandon McManus’s 55-yard field goal. The Bears, with one timeout remaining, faced the daunting task of moving the ball into field goal range. Despite an initial setback with a sack on Williams, a critical horse-collar penalty against the Packers gifted the Bears 15 yards, shifting momentum in their favor.
From their own 35-yard line, Williams connected with fellow rookie Rome Odunze for a crucial gain, moving the ball to midfield. The ensuing plays were a testament to Williams’ composure and accuracy. Despite a negated gain due to an illegal shift penalty, Williams, under immense pressure with no timeouts left, found D.J. Moore for an 18-yard completion, setting up Santos’s game-winning attempt. The kick sailed through the uprights, sparking jubilant celebrations for the Bears and their fans.
The Bears’ victory added an unexpected twist to the NFC playoff picture. The Packers’ loss, coupled with the Washington Commanders’ victory, dropped Green Bay to the seventh seed, forcing them to face the formidable Philadelphia Eagles on the road instead of the Los Angeles Rams. This ripple effect underscored the significance of the Bears’ upset, impacting the playoff landscape beyond their own divisional rivalry.
Beyond the dramatic finish, the Bears showcased moments of brilliance throughout the game. A standout play was Josh Blackwell’s electrifying 94-yard punt return touchdown, a deceptive play that left the Packers defense bewildered. The illusion of a second returner catching the punt completely fooled Green Bay, allowing Blackwell to scamper untouched for the score, showcasing the Bears’ innovative play-calling. This trick play was not only a highlight of the game but also ranked among the best trick plays across the entire league throughout the season.
Individual performances also contributed to the Bears’ success. Williams demonstrated poise and precision, completing 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown to Moore. Moore, a key target for Williams, recorded nine receptions for 86 yards. D’Andre Swift also contributed significantly to the Bears’ offensive efforts, rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. These combined efforts ensured a balanced attack, keeping the Packers defense on their toes.
For the Packers, the game was marked by an unexpected quarterback change. Starting quarterback Jordan Love exited the game prematurely due to an elbow injury, paving the way for Malik Willis to take over. Willis performed admirably, completing 10 of 13 passes for 136 yards. Josh Jacobs, a consistent offensive threat for Green Bay, added another touchdown to his season tally. Despite these efforts, the Packers were unable to overcome the resurgent Bears, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the NFL and the importance of playing a complete game.
