Staying Alive: Why the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears
By Kenn Korb
Slowing the onslaught at best possible time
The defense had been looking really good for nearly a month, and through most of this contest appeared to be on a similar path.
After Green Bay had gotten up 27-10, few people had to expect this would still be struggle for them.
Then, the fourth quarter happened.
Following four straight drives which ended in a Chicago turnover, the Bears began to find their way to the endzone. Barkley found Alshon Jeffery three times for 58 yards, the final on an 8 yard touchdown; the lead was cut to 27-17. Following a Green Bay punt Chicago again reached the endzone, this time having 7 plays go for at least 5 yards and ending on a Jordan Howard touchdown run; 27-24 Green Bay lead. Green Bay punted again, giving the Bears 5:42 to drive for at least a field goal.
Chicago kept up their recent success for most of the drive. Starting from their own 21, Barkley hit Deonte Thompson for 15 yards. Short plays kept them chewing up field: 4 and 3 yards by Howard, Thompson for 6, Meredith for 8 and 4, 5 yards on a hold by LaDarius Gunter. A couple big plays (16 yards by Jeremy Langford,13 yards by Howard) put them at the Green Bay 3. Based on the past quarter, it seemed like Rodgers and Co were going to need a quick touchdown really soon to prevent a frustrating lost.
When it all seemed lost though, the defense finally stepped up when it meant the most.
From 1st & goal at the 3, the Bears committed a hold, pushing them back by 10 yards; they got most of it back on a 9 yard pass from Barkley to Meredith. Second down at the 4, Howard got the ball; Kentrell Brice stopped him for no gain.
Third down now, four yards to go, the game hanging in the balance. Barkley dropped back, and looked for Meredith again. He threw it, but instead of the expected completion, Hyde stepped in to prevent it.
The Bears would go on to score a short field goal, but with the touchdown averted all Green Bay would need was a field goal to win, with the possible fallback of overtime still available if they were to come up short.
That was all made possible by the defense finally stopping the bleeding here.