The Chicago Bears didn’t have much to play for Sunday in Green Bay other than ruining the Packers’ playoff berth.
But with this being the last game of the Bears’ 2024 season, all the stops were made…even on special teams.
The first touchdown scored in this game was the result of a punt return trick by the Bears, as Josh Blackwell scored from 94 yards out untouched after the Packers had no idea he had the ball.
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Chicago Bears’ Josh Blackwell celebrates with fans after scoring on a punt return against the Packers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
That’s because the Bears sent two returners near the end zone, and one of them acted like the ball was going his way.
Meanwhile, Blackwell was running down the left wing and saw the ball coming towards him. So, while his teammate acted like he was just going to drop the ball and hope it resulted in a touchback, Blackwell caught it and began running toward the end zone at the other end of the field.
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It wasn’t until Blackwell had a bunch of blockers in front of him that the Packers saw what was happening, and only Green Bay punter Daniel Whelan knew what was happening. He didn’t get a chance to beat Blackwell, however, as two Bears players blocked him to seal the first touchdown of the game.
Blackwell found some Bears fans in the back of the end zone and attempted a “Lambeau Leap” to rub some salt in the Packers’ wound.
Chicago safety Kevin Byard III forces Packers quarterback Malik Willis to fumble, which was recovered by the Bears, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
While the Bears have nothing but the NFL Draft to worry about with a 4-12 record coming into the game, the Packers do have some positions to look at in the NFC playoff picture.
The Packers are in the playoffs, but a win and a loss for the Washington Commanders would put them in the No. 6 seed instead of the final wild card No. 7. Washington is in a tight matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on the road at AT&T Stadium.
Chicago’s 2024 campaign began with a lot of optimism, most surrounding No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, and the team started 4-2, leading to plenty of playoff speculation.
Chicago Bears’ Josh Blackwell, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring on a punt return during the Packers’ game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
But the Bears have lost 10 straight games since then, ultimately leading to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles. Once again, they are thinking about the future as they aim to continue building around Williams.
