The Chicago bears didn’t have much to play for on Sunday in Green Bay other than ruining the Packers’ playoff seeding.
But with this being the Bears’ final game of the 2024 season, all the stops were pulled out… even on special teams.
The first touchdown scored in this game was the result of a punt return deception by the Bears, when Josh Blackwell scored untouched from 94 yards out. the Packers had no idea he even had a football.
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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 returning players into the end zone, and one of them faked the ball going their way.
Meanwhile, Blackwell ran back down the left sideline and saw the ball coming his way. So while his teammate pretended to just drop the ball and hoped it would result in a touchback, Blackwell caught him and started running toward the end zone on the other side of the field.
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It wasn’t until Blackwell had a ton of blockers in front of him that the Packers saw what was going on, and only Green Bay punter Daniel Whelan knew what was going on. However, he had no chance to pick off Blackwell as two Bears players blocked him from sealing the game’s first touchdown.
Blackwell found some Bears fans in the back of the end zone and attempted a “Lambeau Leap” to pour a little salt in the wound for the Packers.
Chicago safety Kevin Byard III forces Packers quarterback Malik Willis to fumble the ball, which was recovered by the Bears, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
While the Bears have nothing to worry about other than the NFL Draft with a 4-12 record entering the game, the Packers do have some seeding to watch in the NFC playoff bracket.
The Packers are in the playoffs, but a win and a loss to the Washington Commanders would put them in sixth place instead of the final No. 7 wild-card slot. Washington is in a close matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on the road at AT&T Stadium.
Chicago’s 2024 campaign started with plenty of optimism, most of it involving the No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williamsand the team started 4-2, causing much speculation about the playoffs.
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)
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But the Bears have since lost ten straight games, ultimately leading to the firings of head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles. Once again they are thinking about the future as they want to continue building around Williams.
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