In a dramatic overtime finish, the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers 22-16, with Caleb Williams delivering a 46-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore.
A Wild Finish
Williams’ throw to Moore came after a fumble by Packers backup Malik Willis on a fourth-and-1 at the Chicago 36. The Bears took over at the 36 and, four plays later, Moore caught the winning pass with Keisean Nixon draped over him. The play gave the Bears their sixth win of the season and extended their NFC North lead to 1½ games.
The Comeback
Chicago trailed 10-0 in the fourth quarter and faced a 10-point deficit late in the game. After a 43-yard field goal by Cairo Santos brought the score to 16-9, the Bears forced an onside kick that Josh Blackwell recovered. With 24 seconds left, Williams beat a blitz on fourth down and lofted a 6-yard touchdown to Jahdae Walker, tying the game at 16-16. Santos kicked the extra point instead of a two-point conversion.
Coaches and Players Speak
“I knew it was good,” Williams said after the game. “You’ve got that belief… It was pretty identical to practice. When the play gets called and the moment comes up like that, it’s time to go hit it. It’s time to go win the game.”
Coach Ben Johnson added, “This is a special group… It’s rare. It really is.”
Matt LaFleur, the Packers’ coach, said, “It should hurt because these guys, all of us, we put a lot into this thing and we had opportunities. You’re up two scores late in the game and unfortunately, it flipped pretty quick.”
Key Stats and Injuries
- Caleb Williams: 19 of 34 passes, 250 yards, 2 touchdowns, 8 career fourth-quarter comebacks (tied NFL record for Q1-Q2 quarterbacks).
- DJ Moore: 97 receiving yards, 46-yard OT touchdown.
- Jordan Love: Concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit by Austin Booker; left the game.
- Malik Willis: 9 of 11, 121 yards, 1 touchdown.
- Romeo Doubs: 84 yards, 1 touchdown catch; injured wrist.
Injuries for the Packers included linebacker Kristian Welch (ankle), tight end John FitzPatrick (Achilles tendon). The Bears lost cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee) in the fourth quarter.
Key Takeaways
- Bears win 22-16 in overtime, extending NFC North lead.
- Caleb Williams ties NFL record with 8 fourth-quarter comebacks.
- Packers lose quarterback Jordan Love to concussion.
The victory brings the Bears closer to their first postseason appearance since 2020 and marks the sixth straight home win since a season-opening loss to Minnesota.
Closing
With the win, the Bears continue to build momentum in a rivalry that has seen them 7-30 against the Packers since 2008. The team will look to keep the streak alive as they prepare to face San Francisco on December 28.
