Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) – Chicago Bears (9-4) : 28-21
Keisean Nixon is a hero! While the Bears had the equalizing ball in the last seconds of the match, the cornerback intercepted an incomprehensible pass from Caleb Williams (19/35, 186 yards, 2 TD, 1 int) in the end zone. Knee on the ground, Green Bay won but was scared in the second period. Rather good in this match, Jordan Love (17/25, 234 yards, 3 TD, 1 int) took advantage of Chicago’s defensive generosity. Three times, the quarterback found the end zone over long distances: 23 yards, 41 yards and 45 yards! The Bears safeties were notably absent. Green Bay takes the lead in the division.
If Chicago must attempt this late equalization, it is also because of Josh Jacobs (20 races, 86 yards, 1 TD). Eight minutes from the end on a 3e and 2, the runner gets the ball, three defenders charge at him behind the line and the game seems lost. But, as if by magic, Jacobs leaves everyone there and gains 21 yards on this play. At the end of the drive, it is again he who falls into the end zone at the cost of a huge effort. Green Bay has just regained a 7-point lead and leads 28-21. Enough to wake up a cold Lambeau Field, and for good reason! Chicago had just equalized on a marvelous drive directed by coach Ben Johnson on the previous possession.
Caleb Williams not progressing
This latest action will leave a bitter taste for Bears fans. The pass attempted by Caleb Williams is, at best, very inaccurate. At worst: it is incomprehensible. The quarterback only has two yards to go on the ground and seems to have the rods to gain them. Even more frustrating, DJ Moore is completely unmarked and closer than Cole Kmet who was targeted in the end zone. At this point in the match, it is the equivalent of an own goal with the golden goal rule.
This is also one of the lessons of this match: the Bears’ aerial game was problematic. Ben Johnson had pointed it out as a priority area for improvement. Of improvement, we saw bits and pieces but nothing more. Caleb Williams threw 32 yards in the first half with a 6/13 passing performance. Fortunately, the offensive line offered some nice gaps to its running duo, especially at the end of the game: 63 yards for D’Andre Swift, 57 yards for Kyle Monangai.
The bit of improvement was a drive with 43 passing yards on his first possession after returning from the locker room. Concluded with a touchdown pass for Olamide Zaccheaus in the end zone so precise that it seemed intercepted at first glance. But it finishes well in the hands of the receiver and Chicago then comes back to within three points of the Packers at 14-11 at the start of the third quarter.
See you in 15 days
For Green Bay, regaining the lead in the division was a first objective which was achieved. But not everything is perfect. The defense was taken by surprise for a long time after returning from the locker room and almost offered an unexpected comeback to its opponents. And even if the statistics are flattering for Jordan Love, they are inflated by Chicago’s defensive wanderings. Few certainties for the Packers at the end of this match other than the undeniable contribution of Josh Jacobs to the race. For the rest, these two teams meet again in two weeks for the revenge. Meanwhile, the Bears face Cleveland and the Packers go to Denver. The division is far from over.
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