Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 16): Bears 22, Packers 16 F/OT – Chicago Stuns Green Bay in Final Two Minutes to Take Over First Place

The Bears were down by 10 points to the Packers with under three minutes left in the fourth quarter Saturday night at Soldier Field. From that point on, they scored 16 consecutive points to force overtime and then stunned Green Bay on a diving touchdown catch by WR D.J. Moore to win the game.

Both squads drove deep into the red zone in their opening possessions and each were stopped on fourth down. The Packers put together two time-consuming drives in the second quarter but each of them ended on Brandon McManus field goals that put them in front 6-0. Quarterback Jordan Love was forced to leave the game with a concussion after a helmet-to-helmet hit by Austin Booker on the second scoring drive before halftime.

The Bears finally got on the scoreboard to start the third quarter on a 46-yard field goal by Cairo Santos. Green Bay’s backup QB Malik Willis looked very comfortable under center and connected with Romeo Doubs for a 33-yard TD at the end of the third-quarter to put the road team ahead 13-3.

Another Santos field goal, this one from 51-yards out, got Chicago back within seven points but the Packers responded with their own field goal to go ahead 16-6 halfway through the fourth quarter. The Bears third field goal again cut the deficit to a touchdown at 16-9 just after the two minute mark.

Since the two minute warning had already passed, coach Ben Johnson was forced to go for an onside kick. Doubs, who had caught the touchdown, had his hands on the attempt but could not hold on and Josh Blackwell recovered for Chicago at the Green Bay 45 yard line. Caleb Williams led his team into the red zone and hit undrafted rookie Jahdae Walker for the tying touchdown with just 18 seconds remaining.

The Packers got the ball first in overtime but Willis fumbled the snap on a 4th down and one turning the ball over to the Bears at their own 35. Williams drove his team past midfield and then fired a deep shot to Moore who made a spectacular diving catch for the 46-yard touchdown that won the game and put his team into first place. (Box score)

Why the Bears Won

They did not fold when the odds really seemed stacked against them and took advantage of the mistakes the Packers made down the stretch. The offense also suddenly came to life in the final two minutes and overtime.

Key Moment

Onside kick attempts are successfully recovered only 8% of the time in the NFL but the Bears did just that Saturday and it completely turned the game on its head. What looked like a sure defeat became a huge victory.

Stats That Matter

• Williams caught fire in the fourth quarter after doing very little most of the game, finishing with 250 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
• Walker was forced into action with the Bears top two wide receivers out injured. He picked a very good time for his first two NFL receptions, especially his first career touchdown on the second grab.
• The much-maligned Santos made all three of his fuel goals and an extra point in very treacherous wind conditions at Soldier Field.

Bottom Line

The Bears continue to come up with dramatic victories in games they probably have no business winning. Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells famously said you are what your record says you are and in this case Chicago is 11-4 and one victory away from winning the NFC North. Williams seems to have a knack for big plays at the end of close games, which is a very good trait to possess heading into the playoffs.

Next Up

The Bears attempt to clinch the NFC North in San Francisco against the 49ers Sunday, December 28 at 7:20pm CT on NBC’s Sunday Night Football.