Bears’ game-winning field goal vaults Packers into NFC playoff seed, snaps 10-game losing streak
The Chicago Bears didn’t necessarily play spoiler on Sunday when they faced the Green Bay Packers, but there was still a lot to play for as they looked to finish the season on a high.
That’s exactly what happened thanks to Cairo Santos’ 51-yard game-winning field goal packers24-22, snapping Chicago’s 10-game losing streak and finishing the season 5-12.
It was also a historic shot by Santos as the Bears finally defeated their NFC North foe, snapping an 11-game losing streak to the Packers.
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Chicago Bears quarterback 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 scored on a 55-yard field goal to put Green Bay up 22-21 with 54 seconds left in the game.
Caleb Williams and the Bears quarterback knew they had one timeout left and needed the proper yardage to get into range so Santos could go. The drive didn’t get off to a good start as Williams was sent off, but a costly penalty changed everything.
A horse collar was called, leading to a 15-yard drive that put Chicago on the 35-yard line instead of returning to its own 13. On the very next play, Williams connected with fellow rookie Romeo Odunze to set the Bears up the middle of the field with 40 seconds to play.
BEARS SHOCK PACKERS WITH TRIKER PUNT RETURN FOR TOUCHDOWN
Then on 3rd and 6 from Green Bay’s 46-yard line, Williams found DJ Moore for 12 yards, but an illegal turnover was called to nullify a gain that would have given the Bears enough yards for Santos.
So on 3rd and 11 with 15 seconds left and no timeouts remaining, Williams dropped back and found Moore in the middle of the field for an 18-yard gain. Chicago rushed to the line of scrimmage and inbounded the ball with two seconds left, giving Santos a chance to win it.
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 shot was made with enough distance and the right trajectory, and a celebration ensued at Lambeau Field.
And while the Packers were already in the playoffs, the loss, along with the Commanders from Washington‘ own game-winning drive dropped Green Bay to No. 7 in the NFC. They have to go to Philadelphia to face the No. 2 Eagles instead of going to Los Angeles to face the No. 3 Rams.
In the box score, Williams was 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 runs for 65 yards.
Chicago also had one of the best trick plays in the league this season as Josh Blackwell returned a punt 94 yards for the first touchdown of the game after being left almost untouched with the Packers thinking the Bears’ second returner would fire it.
Chicago Bears’ Cairo Santos kicks the game-winning 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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For the Packers, Jordan Love originally started this game, but was pulled as a precaution with what is being called an elbow injury. Malik Willis took over and went 10-of-13 for 136 yards. Josh Jacobs found the end zone for Green Bay again this season.
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