The Green Bay Packers fought the Chicago Bears for the NFC north championship title on 98.3 WRUP. Aaron Rodgers led the Packers onto Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on December 29th for the last game of the regular season. With less than a minute left in the game, the Green Bay Packers pulled ahead (33-28) to secure their spot in the playoffs.
Starting strong, the Chicago Bears ran the ball for a 44 yard return, then quickly brought the game into Green Bay territory. However, Green Bay’s defense halted Chicago’s progress. After an incomplete pass on the third down, the Bears were forced to give up the ball. Two minutes into the game, Green Bay’s offense stepped onto the field with several successful plays. The Packers tried to score but the pass was intercepted in the end zone by the Bears. Then, a 37 yard throw brought the bears inside the 10 yard line of the Packers. A touchdown followed promptly, putting Chicago on the score board (7-0).
The Packers started the second quarter with a 32 yard pass play. However, the next pass was intercepted and the Bears started at their 20 yard line. Unable to counter Green Bay’s offense, the Bears tried to punt but the ball came loose! The Packers started their drive at Green Bay’s 40 yard line. A defensive penalty helped bring the Packers into the red zone. After a time out, Green bay threw an incomplete pass then settled for a field goal bringing the score to 7-3 (Bears). In a drive laden with mishaps, a penalty caused Chicago to start just over their 10 yard line. They were quickly sacked and brought on special teams for a short punt. Green Bay took the ball at the 41 yard line of Chicago with 6:01 left in the half. In an unorthodox play, what appeared to be an incomplete pass was called as a fumble which was scooped up for a Packers touchdown. The Packers took the lead 10-7. Chicago’s drive was interrupted by the two minute warning. Afterwards, a fumbled ball was picked up by the packers. With a 14 yard return, Green Bay’s offense started again at the Chicago 28 yard line. With 11 seconds left in the half, the Green Bay’s attempt at reaching the end zone resulted in a field goal bringing the score to 13-7 (Packers).
Although the Packers started the third quarter with the ball, Chicago’s defense quickly prevailed. Green Bay punted the ball 48 yards before the Bears ran all 48 yards on the return! Using this encouraging field position, the Bears scored a touchdown taking the lead (14-13). The Packers retaliated with a touchdown of their own after a 41 yard run brought the game to the red zone. The Packers bounced back into the lead 20-14. In another big play for the Bears, a 67 yard pass play brought the line of scrimmage inside one yard of a touchdown. The Bears scored the touchdown on the very next play. The Bears now led by one point (21-20). Green Bay’s progress was slow. A necessary 18 yard pass was called incomplete. Although the Packers challenged the ruling, they were unable to change the outcome. The Bears took control of the ball and easily made a first down. The third quarter ended with the Bears offense at Green Bay’s eight yard line and Chicago leading by one point.
Crossing the last eight yards, the Bears started the fourth quarter with a touchdown. A few necessary plays by the Packers brought them into the red zone. Rogers and Lacey scored bringing the Packers back into the game 28-27 (Bears) with 11 minutes left on the clock. A false start by the Bears offense costs them five yards, but didn’t hinder their progress down the field. However, the next penalty called (a five yard penalty on offense ) gave the Packers a chance to change the outcome of the game. Green Bay’s defense forced a turnover. Time slipped off of the clock as Green Bay’s offense inched down the field. With 48 seconds left in the game, a 47 yard pass play from Rogers to Cobb resulted in a touchdown! The attempted two point conversion was not completed and the Packers led 33-28. The Bears attempted a long throw into the end zone but Green Bay deflected the pass. Chancing a throw into the end zone one more time resulted in an interception by Sam Shields, securing the game. The Green Bay Packers won the division championship 33-28!
The Packers will continue to the playoffs! Tune in to 98.3 WRUP on Sunday, January 5th at 4:40pm (ET) to cheer on the Packers as they battle the San Fransisco 49ers.