Chicago Bears (4-6) – Green Bay Packers (7-3): 19-20
Faced with a historically mediocre offensive line, the Packers exposed their enormous difficulties in putting pressure. We had to wait until the very end of the match to see the defensive line finally disrupt Caleb Williams (23/31, 231 yards, 9 carries, 70 yards). And despite that, Green Bay's defense still almost collapsed. Unable to stop an attack even though it was at its worst before the match. Williams with his back to the wall, with less than 2 minutes to play and a 3rd attempt and 19 yards, chained passes to put his team in a winning position. A streak of 10 straight defeats against rival Wisconsin that could come to an end. That will wait. Karl Brooks' hand saves Green Bay.
Carried by an untenable Josh Jacobs (18 races, 76 yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 58 yards), the Packers attack nevertheless managed a solid Chicago defense well. But as usual, they were too messy in the red zone. Between interception and 4th failed attempt, they left points on the way and made life complicated.
Love spoils
If the week off did Jordan Love good physically, his wanderings in his throws have not disappeared. Despite a successful start, where he found Jayden Reed for an 18-yard touchdown, and some nice passes, the quarterback fell back into his ways. In the red zone, an overdose ball lobs its isolated target and finds the arms of a Bears player. Love (13/17, 261y, 1 TD, 1 Int) threw one interception (at least) in each of his first eight games of the season (Editor's note: he missed weeks 2 and 3). This is the worst series by a Green Bay quarterback since 1944.
A wasted opportunity to take a break. Especially since Chicago took the opportunity to react. Roschon Johnson strongly concludes a well-run series. With the possibility of a double possession lead, the Packers return to the locker room trailing 10 – 7, with Chicago ball to follow.
blow for blow
In good shape at the start of the season, the Packers defense has clearly slowed down since the beginning of November. Unable to put pressure on Williams, they also fell back into their ways on the ground. And when Josh Jacobs performs and gives his team the advantage, Chicago responds immediately with Swift.
Green Bay's offense, 29th in the red zone, continues to let points slip away. 4 attempts checked less than 10 yards from the goal. Yet when Love plays clean, Green Bay's offense moves forward well. Between efficient runs and successful laser passes, they moved forward and even took the lead 3 minutes from time. After a huge run after Watson's reception, it's Love who finishes strong on the ground.
Taking advantage once again of a permissive defense, Chicago offers itself the possibility of a comeback, led by their lively rookie pitcher. A field goal for the win to finally bring down the rivals. But Karl Brooks deflects the leather and saves Green Bay which wins by the smallest of gaps.
