There are few things better than the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears, and a cold night at Soldier Field. When those three come together, the result is usually electric games and a look at one of the most iconic rivalries in football.
Jan. 10 isn’t only the Bears vs. Packers playoff game, but it marks 4 weeks until Super Bowl LX, the biggest football game of the season. The winners of the Super Bowl have been consistent with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Rams, and other teams sprinkled in here and there.
Chicago had not won a playoff game in over 16 years heading into its matchup against Green Bay, a stat that feels more painful every time it’s repeated. So, naturally, expectations were low. Still, this is football, and weird things tend to happen when rivals meet.
The Bears opened the game with a field goal, only for the Packers to answer with a touchdown and extra point. Down 7-3 early, Chicago looked competitive, and the game appeared promising.
That feeling faded quickly. By halftime, the offensive line struggled to create running lanes for running back D’Andre Swift, turnovers accumulated, and confidence waned. I left after the second quarter fully prepared for another long offseason of disappointment.
The defense didn’t help. Known for inconsistency, it seemed determined to keep that reputation alive. Missed assignments and poor tackling made it hard to believe this team was still alive in the playoffs.
Then, somehow, everything changed.
With two minutes left in the fourth quarter, quarterback Caleb Williams lofted a high pass to DJ Moore, who secured the go-ahead touchdown. Soldier Field erupted as the Bears took a 31-27 lead, and suddenly hope returned.
The Packers drove downfield as seconds ticked by. Seven remained. Green Bay reached the Bears’ 20-yard line. The Bears’ defense has been bad enough all game; what makes people think they would change in the last couple of seconds?
But you know what they say, “You can get blown away in the Windy City”! I just made that up, actually, but it’s more than fitting because the Packers quarterback drops the ball off the snap and is scrambling to get rid of it like a hot potato as the defense closes in. He scrambled under pressure and threw the ball away. No catch. No miracle. Bears win.
The Bears advanced, Chicago celebrated, and the rivalry delivered yet another unforgettable matchup. The Bears’ next opponent is still pending, but the city of Chicago can rejoice as the team advances in the bracket.
Whoever is next, better be ready because it’s Chicago, Bear Down!
