Bears Rally from 21-3 to Beat Packers 31-27, Advance to Divisional Round
Chicago erased a 21-3 deficit, outscoring Green Bay 25-6 in the fourth, winning 31-27 to advance to host an NFC divisional playoff game next weekend.
FOX NewsBears' Ben Johnson gives fiery message to team after playoff win: 'F--- the Packers!'
Chicago TribuneHow the Chicago Bears pulled off another improbable comeback win to KO the Green Bay Packers from the playoffs
Chicago Sun-TimesBears' late rally stuns Packers, raises questions about Matt LaFleur's future in Green Bay
Chicago Sun-TimesBears' late rally stuns Packers, raises questions about Matt LaFleur's future in Green Bay
Overview
Bears overcame a 21-3 deficit to beat the Packers 31-27 in a wild-card playoff at Soldier Field, securing their first postseason victory since 2010.
Chicago scored 25 fourth-quarter points, including D'Andre Swift's five-yard touchdown and a clutch 25-yard TD to D.J. Moore, overturning a 21-3 deficit.
Caleb Williams was 24-of-48 for 361 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions (71.6 rating), engineering a 76-yard drive with a touchdown and two-point conversion late.
Jordan Love returned to throw for 323 yards and four touchdowns (103.8 rating), while rookie Matthew Golden and Doubs, Watson and Reed scored early; Packers' missed kicks hurt.
The NFC North champion Bears (11-6) will host a divisional-round game Jan. 17-18 against the Rams or Eagles; coach Ben Johnson celebrated a seventh fourth-quarter comeback.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Bears' playoff victory as a testament to Caleb Williams' leadership and resilience, emphasizing his role in orchestrating the comeback. The narrative highlights the Bears' strategic adjustments and Williams' pivotal plays, while also acknowledging Green Bay's errors. This framing underscores a balanced view, celebrating Chicago's triumph while noting the Packers' shortcomings.