Bears vs. Packers: Studs and Duds from Week 18 Win
The Chicago Bears concluded the 2024 season with a triumphant 24-22 win over the longtime rivals, Green Bay Packers. This victory ended the Bears’ distressing 10-game losing streak from their promising 4-2 start, as well as an 11-game losing skid against the Packers. Interim head coach Thomas Brown managed to secure his first win, bringing his record to 1-4 since taking over for Matt Eberflus.
Despite having no significant stakes in the outcome of the game, the Bears played with a will to win against the Packers who were vying for a playoff position. This victory was a sweet revenge six years in the making. What’s more, the Bears were tantalizingly close to sweeping the Packers this season, thwarted only by a blocked field goal.
The game demonstrated both commendable and lamentable performances. Let’s delve into the studs and duds from this remarkable Chicago win against Green Bay.
Stud: K Cairo Santos
In a thrilling turn of events, Cairo Santos, who had previously experienced a game-winning field goal being blocked by the Packers, finally had his moment of glory. From 51 yards out, Santos launched a game-winner that brought the Bears their first victory over Green Bay since way back on Dec. 16, 2018.
Dud: Run Defense
Despite their overall solid performance against Green Bay, the Bears’ run defense was found lacking. They allowed a substantial 200 yards on the ground to Green Bay. The Packers raked in 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including 73 yards from Emanuel Wilson and 59 yards from Chris Brooks.
Stud: WR DJ Moore
Despite a near-costly fumble that almost saw the Packers winning the game, DJ Moore proved his worth in the final moments of the match. He delivered an 18-yard reception on a third-and-11 play that set up Santos’ game-winning 51-yard field goal. With nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown, Moore was the leading receiver for the Bears.
Dud: WR Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen, Caleb Williams’ trusted target, had a less than stellar performance. Despite catching all three passes thrown in his direction for 25 yards, he made a costly interception on a trick play, throwing the ball despite his target, Rome Odunze, being covered.
Stud: PR Josh Blackwell
Josh Blackwell played a significant role in the Bears’ surprise victory over the Packers. Thanks to some artful deception by special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, Blackwell managed to run back a punt 94 yards for a touchdown, leaving Green Bay’s defenders in his dust.
Stud: QB Caleb Williams
Though his numbers weren’t record-breaking, Caleb Williams delivered a winning performance. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown, achieving a 95.7 passer rating. Williams led the Bears to another game-winning field goal attempt, this time successfully kicked by Cairo Santos. He became the first Bears quarterback to defeat the Packers since Mitch Trubisky in 2018.
Stud: S Kevin Byard
The Bears’ defense was on fire in this season finale, with Kevin Byard leading the secondary. Accumulating 14 total tackles, Byard also executed a strip sack of Packers’ backup quarterback Malik Willis. This marked Byard’s second sack of the season and the team’s 13th fumble recovery, their highest number since 2017.