Image Source: Henry McKenna
Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Bears made a comeback against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round, winning 31-27.
- Caleb Williams’ second-half performance, including a 27-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-8, was a key factor in the Bears’ win.
- The Packers’ second-half collapse, including Jordan Love’s penalties and missed kicks, will lead to questions about Matt LaFleur’s job security.
- The Bears will host their next playoff game in Chicago, potentially against the Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams.
- The Packers will spend the offseason trying to figure out how to smooth out the inconsistencies in their play and potentially making changes to their coaching staff.
Introduction to the Game
The Chicago Bears spent the regular season perfecting their comeback efforts, and it was no surprise that they made another one against the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round on Saturday night. With Caleb Williams throwing two touchdowns in the second half, the Bears won 31-27. As Henry McKenna noted, "This throw from Caleb Williams defined the game… It was a reminder that the Bears still had their magic. And they could – and would – battle themselves back into contention." The biggest surprise might not have been Williams’ second-half performance, but the Bears defense’s dominance in the second half, during which they held quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers offense to just six points.
The Bears’ Comeback
The Bears’ comeback was fueled by Williams’ 27-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-8 with almost six minutes left in the game. As McKenna described it, "Williams broke free from the pocket and rolled to his left. He spotted wide receiver Rome Odunze and — falling over — hucked the ball over a pair of Packers defenders who were in solid position." This play was a catalyst for the Bears’ comeback, and it helped them to overcome a 27-16 deficit. Williams’ performance was not perfect, as he completed just 50% of his passes, but his ability to make big plays when it mattered most was a key factor in the Bears’ win.
Matt LaFleur’s Job Security
The Packers’ second-half collapse will lead to questions about Matt LaFleur’s job security. LaFleur’s decisions, including his timeout management and play-calling, will be scrutinized. As McKenna noted, "Matt LaFleur’s second-half decisions will be a hot topic in Wisconsin after losing to the Bears." LaFleur’s comments at halftime, in which he noted that the Bears are a good comeback team and the Packers couldn’t let off, were ironic given the Packers’ subsequent collapse. The missed kicks by Brandon McManus, including two field goal attempts and an extra point, will also be a point of contention.
Ben Johnson’s Fourth-Down Struggles
The Bears’ fourth-down struggles, including a 1-of-4 conversion rate in the first half, will be a point of concern for coach Ben Johnson. As McKenna noted, "Johnson is among the most aggressive decision-makers — and he clearly wants his offense (and definitely not his defense) to dictate the outcomes of games." However, the Bears’ inability to convert on fourth down, including a failed attempt from their own 32-yard line, will lead to questions about Johnson’s decision-making. McKenna noted that "maybe this game — and the first half — will give him pause" and cause him to re-evaluate his approach to fourth-down conversions.
Jordan Love’s Performance
Jordan Love’s performance, including 323 passing yards and four touchdowns, was not enough to overcome the Packers’ second-half collapse. Love’s penalties, including two for intentional grounding and one for delay of game, were costly and will be a point of concern for the Packers. As McKenna noted, "The counting stats looked good: 323 passing yards and four touchdowns. But those numbers failed to account for the streaky play." Love’s inability to maintain a consistent level of play will be a point of focus for the Packers in the offseason.
What’s Next
The Bears will host their next playoff game in Chicago, potentially against the Philadelphia Eagles or the Los Angeles Rams. As McKenna noted, "The Rams are my pick to make the Super Bowl, so that’s not a great matchup for the Bears." The Packers, on the other hand, will spend the offseason trying to figure out how to smooth out the inconsistencies in their play and potentially making changes to their coaching staff. The return of defensive star Micah Parsons will be a welcome boost, but the Packers will need to find a way to cope without him if his recovery hits a setback. As McKenna noted, "Clearly, the Packers cannot run it back. But hopefully, they won’t need to make wholesale changes."
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