In a nail-biting finish at Soldier Field, the Green Bay Packers narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears 20-19 on Sunday, thanks to a late touchdown by Jordan Love and a crucial blocked field goal by Karl Brooks. The Packers, now 7-3, continue their grip on the historic rivalry, securing their 11th consecutive win over Chicago.
A Rivalry Fueled by Drama
The game was a classic back-and-forth battle. The Packers took an early 7-3 lead, but mistakes, including Love’s 11th interception of the season, kept Chicago in the game. The Bears capitalized on Love’s misstep, with Roschon Johnson bulldozing into the end zone for their first touchdown since Week 8.
Still, it was clear this game would come down to the wire.
Christian Watson, who set a career-high 150 receiving yards, electrified the Packers’ offense in the fourth quarter with a jaw-dropping 60-yard catch. Watson, untouched after the initial grab, bolted to the Bears’ 14-yard line, setting up Love’s go-ahead touchdown run from the 1-yard line.
“It wasn’t perfect by any means, but we stayed together,” Love said postgame.
The Bears, determined to snap their losing streak, fought back with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams showing poise under pressure. Two clutch completions to fellow rookie Rome Odunze got Chicago deep into Packers territory, setting the stage for a potential game-winning field goal.
Karl Brooks Delivers at the Buzzer
As the clock ticked down, the Bears sent Cairo Santos onto the field for a 46-yard attempt. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Enter Karl Brooks. The Packers’ defensive lineman, who had been quiet most of the game, found an opening, surged through the line, and raised his left hand to swat away Santos’ kick. The block sealed Green Bay’s victory and left Soldier Field in stunned silence.
“I just knew I was going to block this,” Brooks said. “It was a feeling. And I told my teammate exactly what to do so I’d get the chance.”
Bears’ Offense Shows Signs of Life
Despite the loss, the Bears had some bright spots, especially after a turbulent week that saw offensive coordinator Shane Waldron fired and replaced by passing game coordinator Thomas Brown.
Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick, threw for 231 yards and added 70 on the ground. D’Andre Swift also delivered a spark with 71 rushing yards, including a 39-yard touchdown run that gave Chicago a 19-14 lead late in the third quarter.
“There were a lot of positives to build on,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “We finally played complementary football today.”
Packers’ Defensive Standouts
Green Bay’s defense proved pivotal, with three sacks on Williams and consistent pressure throughout the game. Rashan Gary, T.J. Slaton, and Brenton Cox—making his season debut—each recorded a sack. Cox’s performance, in particular, stood out, providing an unexpected boost.
The Packers’ ability to contain Chicago’s offense in critical moments was key. Even as Williams marched the Bears into scoring range late, Green Bay’s defense stepped up when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead
With the win, the Packers maintain pace in the NFC North, staying within reach of the division-leading Detroit Lions. Green Bay will need to address issues like Love’s persistent interceptions as they prepare for the challenging stretch ahead.
The Bears, meanwhile, drop to 4-6 and face mounting questions about their ability to finish games. Despite flashes of improvement, their four-game losing streak underscores the work ahead for a team trying to build around its young quarterback.
Key Stats:
| Team | Record | Top Performer | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay | 7-3 | Christian Watson: 150 yards | Karl Brooks’ FG block |
| Chicago | 4-6 | Caleb Williams: 231 yards, 70 rushing yards | Swift’s 39-yard touchdown run |
The Packers next face the San Francisco 49ers, while the Bears will take on the New Orleans Saints. For now, Green Bay can savor another chapter of dominance in one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries.
