Bears vs. Packers: Studs and Duds from Week 18 Win
The Chicago Bears ended the 2024 season with a thrilling 24-22 victory over Green Bay Packers. This victory brought an end to a long and agonizing 10-game losing streak for the Bears, who started the season remarkably well at 4-2. More importantly, it put a full stop to an 11-game losing skid against the Packers, a much-needed reprieve for the team and its fans. Interim head coach Thomas Brown can now breathe easy after recording his first win in five games since taking over the reins from Matt Eberflus.
The significance of this game was quite different for both teams. The Bears had nothing but pride to play for, while the Packers were aiming to secure a favorable playoff position. Despite some errors, the Bears put together their most complete game since before the bye week – the last time they tasted victory. It’s noteworthy that the Bears were just inches away from securing a season sweep against the Packers, which was thwarted by a blocked field goal.
As in any game, there were some standout performances, both good and bad. Let’s dive deeper into the studs and duds from the Chicago Bears’ victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Stud: K Cairo Santos
A game-winning field goal attempt by Cairo Santos against the Packers had previously been blocked, contributing to a series of brutal losses. However, this time Santos successfully connected from 51 yards out, securing the Bears’ first win over the Packers since December 16, 2018.
Dud: Run Defense
Despite a solid overall performance by the Bears’ defense, their inability to stop the Packers’ running game was a low point. The Packers managed to accumulate nearly 200 yards on the ground, including 73 yards from Emanuel Wilson and 59 yards from Chris Brooks.
Stud: WR DJ Moore
Had it not been for a field goal, a costly fumble by DJ Moore could have turned him from hero to villain. Fortunately, the offense stepped up to put the Bears in a position to win, with Moore making a crucial 18-yard reception on third-and-11 to set up Santos’ game-winning field goal. Moore finished the game with nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, leading the Bears in receiving.
Dud: WR Keenan Allen
Despite being a reliable target for Caleb Williams, which could very well earn him a one-year contract extension this offseason, Allen’s performance in this game was below his usual standard. He caught all three passes thrown his way for a total of 25 yards, but his costly interception on a trick play where he inexplicably threw the ball, despite his target, Rome Odunze, being covered, was a low point.
Stud: PR Josh Blackwell
The Bears’ special teams played a significant role in the win over the Packers, led by Josh Blackwell. Thanks to some clever scheming by special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, Blackwell managed to return a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, setting the tone early in the first quarter.
Stud: QB Caleb Williams
Williams’ numbers might not pop off the page – completing 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown with a 95.7 passer rating – but his composure in leading the Bears to a game-winning field goal attempt is commendable. Williams became the first Bears quarterback to defeat the Packers since Mitch Trubisky in 2018.
Stud: S Kevin Byard
Kevin Byard was the standout performer on the Bears defense. He led the team with 14 total tackles and managed to strip sack Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis off a blitz. This marked Byard’s second sack of the season and the Bears’ 13th fumble recovery of the season, their most since 2017.