Bears vs. Packers: Studs and Duds from Week 18 Win
The 2024 season closed on a thrilling note for the Chicago Bears (5-12), who ended a 10-game losing streak, securing a 24-22 victory over the formidable Green Bay Packers (11-6). This victory, aside from being a morale booster for the team, also served to break an 11-game losing streak against Green Bay. Interim head coach Thomas Brown now holds a 1-4 record after filling in for Matt Eberflus.
The Bears, despite having nothing to play for, demonstrated a spirited performance against the Packers, who were vying for playoff positioning. This victory symbolized a long-awaited revenge for the Bears, one that had been brewing for the past six years. Despite a series of errors, the Bears’ game was the most cohesive since prior to their hiatus week, when their last victory occurred. Intriguingly, the Bears narrowly missed sweeping the Packers this season, a feat only prevented by a blocked field goal.
A slew of exceptional performances, both good and bad, marked this victory. Let’s delve deeper into the studs and duds from Chicago’s notable triumph over Green Bay.
Stud: K Cairo Santos
Kicker Cairo Santos emerged as a significant contributor to the Bears’ victory. In a previous encounter with the Packers, Santos’ attempt at a game-winning field goal resulted in a block, extending a series of crushing losses for the Bears. However, this time, Santos successfully landed a 51-yard kick, securing the first victory for the Bears over the Packers since December 16, 2018.
Dud: Run Defense
Despite a commendable overall defense performance against the Packers, the Bears’ run defense was a letdown, allowing nearly 200 yards on the ground to Green Bay. The Packers racked up 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including 73 yards from Emanuel Wilson and 59 yards from Chris Brooks.
Stud: WR DJ Moore
Wide Receiver DJ Moore risked featuring on the duds list with a costly fumble that could have handed the victory to the Packers. However, a swift response from the offense put the Bears back in a winning position. Moore’s 18-yard reception on a third-and-11 situation set up Santos’ game-winning 51-yard field goal. Moore led the Bears with nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Dud: WR Keenan Allen
Although Keenan Allen had emerged as Caleb Williams’ most dependable target, his performance in this game was subpar. Allen caught all three passes directed at him for 25 yards, but a costly interception on a trick play marred his performance. Allen’s intended target, Rome Odunze, was covered, but he proceeded with the throw, which resulted in the interception.
Stud: PR Josh Blackwell
Josh Blackwell played a pivotal role in the Bears’ upset over the Packers, thanks to a clever play drawn up by special teams coordinator Richard Hightower. After the Packers punted, DJ Moore feigned receiving the punt, drawing defenders his way. This diversion allowed Blackwell to field the ball on the other side of the field and run it back 94 yards for a touchdown.
Stud: QB Caleb Williams
Quarterback Caleb Williams may be emerging as a potent weapon against the Packers. Despite a modest statistical performance of completing 21-of-29 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown, Williams led the Bears to a potential game-winning field goal. This time, unlike in November, Santos secured the field goal, thus giving the Bears the win. Williams is officially the first Bears quarterback to defeat the Packers since Mitch Trubisky in 2018.
Stud: S Kevin Byard
Safety Kevin Byard spearheaded the Bears’ defensive efforts against the Packers in this season finale. Byard made 14 total tackles and stripped Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis of the ball in a blitz. This was Byard’s second sack of the season and the Bears’ 13th fumble recovery, their highest since 2017.