Why They Won: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears
By Kenn Korb
Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears running back
Matt Forte(22) is tackled by Green Bay Packers ss
Morgan Burnett(42) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Injured Players Returning
The Packers had been missing multiple players on both sides of the ball to injury lately. These aren’t just backups either; it has been a laundry list of usual starters and guys receiving a lot of snaps on a regular basis.
On offense, starting guards T.J. Lang and Josh Sitton didn’t miss any games because of the bye week, but both had to fight hard to come in healthy enough to see the field after both were hurt during the blowout loss to New Orleans*. The defense got back Datone Jones (ankle), Sam Shields (knee) and Morgan Burnett (calf), who are or have been starters this season.
The re-additions of these guys had a major impact for sure, giving the Packers their best collection of players across the board on both sides of the ball that they’ve had all season. The collection of talent and healthy bodies set them up for success, and it showed big time in this one.
*Lang was injured on the first extra point attempt of that game (ankle), while Sitton (toe) was injured sometime during the duration but able to finish the game