Green Bay Packers (9-8) – Chicago Bears (7-10): 17-9
Destiny in hand, the Packers had to win to validate their ticket to the playoffs.
Effective in moving the chains, Green Bay did not manage to quickly take off in the match despite several opportunities. This inability to convert the domination into big points created suspense until the final moments despite a match largely controlled by the men from Wisconsin. However, the defense, without being brilliant, was applied particularly on the line, and limited Justin Fields, sacking him in particular 5 times.
Jordan Love (27/32, 316 yards, 2 TDs, 1 lost fumble) was surgical and perfectly supported by Aaron Jones (22 races, 111 yards, 5 receptions, 30 yards) definitely back at his best level. The decisive runner especially at the end of the match to hold the leather and control the clock. For his first season as a starter, Love will discover the playoffs next week.
Love in mastery
The Green Bay attack is strong during the first act, and moves the chains, but between clumsiness and bad choices, the Packers return to the locker room with only 7 points. Love multiplies the targets, and the game alternates between passes and races. If the first possession is spoiled by a missed field goal, the second is a hit. The quarterback finds Dontayvion Wicks. They had the opportunity to break away before the break despite having barely over a minute on the clock. But despite a rapid rise in the field, Matt LaFleur's choices at the gates of the red zone do not allow them to conclude. Worse, a bad choice of play and the clock runs out without even having time to add 3 points.
Backed up to jump better. Leather in hand upon recovery. The Packers produce a surgical drive and Love once again connects with Wicks for the rookie's 2nd touchdown of the evening.
The defense holds
Yet in the running to deprive the historic rival of the playoffs, the Bears seem to be spectators of the meeting. Little impact in defense, bland in attack, they are satisfied with two field goals before the break. Justin Fields takes a lot of pressure and cannot fully express himself.
Put back in the saddle by a fumble from Love at the very end of the 3rd quarter, Chicago gives the feeling of finally taking the match from the right end. But once again, the Green Bay defense bends but does not break and limits the breakage to 3 points. As a symbol, this defense, rightly criticized throughout the season, and particularly in recent weeks, allows the Packers to keep the playoffs in their sights. Love finishes the job on the last two possessions. A field goal then a meticulously reassembled field to control the clock and Green Bay returns to the playoffs. A fairly improbable scenario just 2 months ago.
