The Chicago Bears he had nothing to play for Sunday in Green Bay other than ruining the Packers’ playoff berth.
But since this was the last game of the Bears’ 2024 season, everything was pulled … even on special teams.
The first touchdown of the game was the result of a punt return trick by the Bears, as Josh Blackwell scored from 94 yards untouched after packers he had no idea he even had a soccer ball.
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Chicago Bears’ Josh Blackwell celebrates with fans after scoring 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 returners near the end zone, and one of them acted like the ball was going their way.
Meanwhile, Blackwell was running back down the left and saw the ball coming his way. So while his teammate was acting like he was just going to let the ball drop and hope it would result in a touchback, Blackwell caught it and started running toward the end zone at the other end of the field.
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It wasn’t until Blackwell had a bunch of blockers in front of him that the Packers saw what was happening, and only Green Bay punter Daniel Whelan knew what was going on. He didn’t have a chance to bring down Blackwell, however, as two Bears players blocked him to seal the game’s first touchdown.
Blackwell found some Bears fans in the back of the end zone and attempted a “Lambeau Leap” to rub some salt in the Packers’ wound.
Chicago safety Kevin Byard III forces Packers running back Malik Willis to fumble the ball, which the Bears took over, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
While the Bears have nothing but the NFL Draft to worry about with a 4-12 record coming into the game, the Packers have some schedules to look at in the NFC playoff bracket.
The Packers are in the playoffs, but a win and a loss against the Washington Commanders would put them in the 6th seed instead of the final 7th wild card spot. Washington is in a tight matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on the road at AT&T Stadium.
Chicago’s 2024 campaign kicked off with a lot of optimism, most of it surrounding pick No. 1 overall Caleb Williamsand the team is off to a 4-2 start, leading to tons of playoff speculation.
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 10 straight games, eventually leading to the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles. They are once again thinking about the future as they look to continue building around Williams.
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