The Chicago bears didn’t necessarily play spoilers on Sunday when they took on the Green Bay Packers, but there was still a lot to play for as they looked to end the season on a high note.
That’s exactly what happened thanks to Cairo Santos who had to drill a 51-yard field goal to beat the Packers24-22, snapping Chicago’s 10-game losing streak and finishing the season with a 5-12 record.
It was also a historic kick from Santos as the Bears finally defeated their NFC North foe, snapping an 11-game losing streak for the Packers.
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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates his game-winning 51-yard field goal against the Packers, Jan. 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (Dan Powers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
The game-winning drive came after the Packers’ Brandon McManus drilled a 55-yard field goal to put Green Bay up 22-21 with 54 seconds to play in the game.
Caleb Williams and the Bears offense knew they had one timeout left and needed the right distance to get into range for Santos to run away from. The ride didn’t start well when Williams was dismissed, but a costly penalty changed everything.
A horseneck tackle was called, leading to a 15-yard swing that put Chicago on the 35-yard line instead of back on their own 13. The next play saw Williams connect with fellow rookie Rome Odunze to get the Bears at midfield place with 40 seconds to play.
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Then, on 3rd-and-6 from the Green Bay 46-yard line, Williams found DJ Moore for 12 yards, but an illegal shift was called to nullify the gain that would have given the Bears enough yards for Santos.
So on 3rd and 11, with 15 seconds left and no timeouts left, Williams dropped back and found Moore in the middle of the field for an 18-yard pickup. Chicago rushed to the line of scrimmage and spiked the ball with two seconds left, giving Santos a chance to win the ball.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn images)
The kick was shot with sufficient distance and the correct trajectory, and the celebration ensued at Lambeau Field.
And while the Packers were already in the playoffs, the loss, coupled with the Washington commanders‘ own game-winning drive, lifted Green Bay to No. 7 in the NFC. They should go to Philadelphia to take on the No. 2 Eagles instead of going to Los Angeles to take on the No. 3 Rams.
In the box score, Williams went 21-for-29 for 148 yards with a touchdown pass to Moore, who had nine catches for 86 yards. D’Andre Swift also found the end zone on one of his 20 rushes for 65 yards.
Chicago also had one of the league’s best trick plays of the season when Josh Blackwell returned a punt 94 yards for the game’s first touchdown after going virtually untouched while the Packers thought a second Bears punt returner would get him catch.
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos kicks a 51-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 5, 2025 at Lambeau Field. (Dan Powers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
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Jordan Love initially started this game for the Packers, but was ruled out as a precaution with a so-called elbow injury. Malik Willis took over and went 10-for-13 for 136 yards. Josh Jacobs found the end zone again for Green Bay this season.
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