Bears end the 2024 season on a high note by ending 10-game losing streak and accomplishing something they haven't done in nearly a decade
The Chicago Bears ended the 2024 season in the best way possible by getting back in the win column for the first time in a long time against a bitter division rival.The Bears 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 was the team's first win since Week 6 on October 13th, snapping […]
The Chicago Bears ended the 2024 season in the best way possible by getting back in the win column for the first time in a long time against a bitter division rival.
The Bears 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 18 was the team's first win since Week 6 on October 13th, snapping a 10-game losing streak.
Chicago's win on Sunday was also the team's first win against the Packers since 2018, ending an 11-game losing streak against their top rival, and marked the team's first win at Lambeau Field since November 26th, 2015.
As if that wasn't enough drama to end the season, how the Bears came away with the win was just as nerve-racking. The game started off with a three-and-out by the Bears' offense, the unit's 12th game in which they did not record a single first down on the opening drive.
However, the special teams provided the first spark for Chicago with a blast from the past. Heading into Sunday, special teams coordinator Richard Hightower set the tone for the game and the importance of finally beating Green Bay, and he came prepared with some tricks of his own.
On the Packers' second punt of the game, DJ Moore faked like he was fielding the punt only for Josh Blackwell to make a backwards catch and return it 94-yards for a touchdown.
Next up, the defense brought the fire by forcing a fumble thanks to a Jaylon Johnson "Peanut Punch" and a solid return by Jonathan Owens. Three plays later, the offense found the endzone on a touchdown run by D'Andre Swift, his sixth rushing touchdown of the season, his most since his rookie season in 2020.
The game then had some sloppy back and forth moments that included a Keenan Allen interception and Kevin Byard steamrolling Packers' backup QB Malik Willis for a strip sack. Eventually, a fourth quarter catch and run TD by DJ Moore gave the Bears a brief 21-13 advantage but Green Bay battled back to take a 2-point lead with less than a minute remaining.
On the final drive, the ball was in the hands of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to lead the team down the field and close out a game-winning drive for the first time since Week 1. A six play drive was just enough to get into field goal range for a walk-off game-winner by Cario Santos, who had a potential game-winner blocked back in Week 11 the last time these two teams faced off.
It wasn't the season anyone hoped for, but you can tell how badly the players in the locker room needed this win. Now, sights are set to the offseason to see how this team can do all the things needed to turn this organization around.
