Bears vs. Packers: Studs and Duds from Week 18 Win
The Chicago Bears’ riveting 24-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 of the 2024 season was a game to remember. This victory ended a 10-game losing streak for the Bears since their 4-2 start, as well as an 11-game losing run against the Packers. What made it more interesting is that the Bears had nothing to play for while the Packers were aiming for playoff positioning, making this win even more of a sweet revenge for the Bears.
Several noteworthy performances stood out in this triumphant victory, both good and bad. However, the game’s most complete performance was probably the Bears’ first over the Packers since Dec. 16, 2018. Despite the team’s mistakes, they executed a strong game, landing them just a few inches short of sweeping the Packers this season.
Stud: K Cairo Santos
Pride of place among the Bears’ performers goes to K Cairo Santos. Santos had previously experienced the heartbreak of a blocked game-winning field goal attempt against the Packers, which had contributed to a series of crushing losses. However, this time Santos had his redemption, scoring the winning points from 51 yards out, and leading his team to a long-awaited victory against the Packers.
Dud: Run Defense
Despite the win, concerns remained over the Bears’ run defense which had been their Achilles heel throughout the season. Against the Packers, they allowed nearly 200 yards on the ground. The Packers succeeded in gathering 183 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding to the Bears’ defensive woes.
Stud: WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore’s performance was another highlight of the game. His 18-yard reception on third-and-11 set up Santos’ 51-yard game-winning field goal. Despite a costly fumble, Moore’s overall performance was impressive, leading the Bears with nine catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Dud: WR Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen had a less than stellar game. Despite catching all three passes thrown his way for 25 yards, he made a critical error when he threw an interception on a trick play. Although he has been a reliable target for Caleb Williams, his error potentially jeopardized the Bears’ victory.
Stud: PR Josh Blackwell
Special mention must go to Josh Blackwell. His 94-yard touchdown, following trickery devised by special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, set the tone early in the first quarter and played a significant role in the Bears’ victory.
Stud: QB Caleb Williams
It would be remiss not to mention Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback who might just have found the formula to success against the Packers. Williams, who completed 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards and one touchdown, led the Bears to a game-winning field goal attempt. Williams is the first Bears quarterback to defeat the Packers since Mitch Trubisky in 2018.
Stud: S Kevin Byard
Finally, Kevin Byard’s contribution to the Bears’ defense was pivotal in the season finale against the Packers. Leading the team with 14 total tackles, his strip sack of Packers backup quarterback Malik Willis off a blitz was a game highlight. It marked Byard’s second sack of the season and the 13th fumble recovery of the season, the Bears’ most since 2017.