The Bears began their final week of practice today for the last game of the season. When the season began, there were hopes of a much-improved team. Much improved, they were, but the sour taste of the three victories left behind will bite throughout the offseason. Instead of team fighting for a top seed in this year’s playoffs, Chicago can only beat Green Bay to scuttle the Packers’ playoff hopes.
Chicago travels north for their last game of the 2023 season for a 3:25 PM Kickoff, trying to end the season on a positive note. A win boosts their record to 8-9, a respectable finish after the miserable 0-4 start. A win against Green Bay knocks the Packers out of the playoff mix. It also serves notice to the NFC North the Bears will be a team to reckon with in 2024.
No week is ever without the continued bashing of so-called “Insiders” saying both Matt Eberflus and Justin Fields will see their time in Chicago end when the clock at Lambeau Field shows 0:00.
There is no reason Luke Getsy should hold Fields back in this game. With nothing to lose, Fields needs to use this game as a showcase for either what we can look forward to in 2024 or what fans will miss. There’s no in-between this Sunday.
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Continuing our look at some of the greatest games in the Packers-Bears rivalry, there are a few more games to look back on and enjoy.
When It All Started
The Bears shut out the Packers 20-0 on 11/27/21 in the first-ever meeting between Green Bay and Chicago. 1921 was the first year the Bears moved to Chicago after playing their first year in the league in Decatur. 1921 was also the Bears’ first championship.
The Legend of Don Hutson began against Chicago
The Bears had won championships in 1932 and 33 and played the New York Giants in the 1934 championship after a 13-0 regular season. In what became known as the “Sneaker’s Game,” the Bears lost 30-13. The 1935 season began on 9/22/35, with the Packers hosting the Bears. Prior to kickoff, George Halas warned the team about the Packers’ rookie wide receiver, Don Hutson.
On the first play, Hutson took in a long pass from QB Arnie Herber. The catch and run totaled 83 yards for the game’s only score. After three straight appearances in the NFL Championship game, the Bears finished just 6-4-2 in 1935, only good enough for 3rd place in the Western Division.
1975: Payton’s first game vs the Packers
Walter Payton ran for a touchdown but only carried the ball 14 times for 46 yards. Craig Clemons closed out the Bears scoring with a 76-yard interception return, and the Bears beat the Packers 27-14 at Lambeau Field.
October 30, 1977 Bears win 26-0
Walter Payton scored twice and rushed for a career-high 205 yards (he would rush for 275 yards vs. the Vikings three weeks later). RB Johnny Musso scored in the first quarter, and Bob Thomas added two field goals for the final score of 26-0.
The most lopsided game in the history of the rivalry
After a bizarre ending to the season opener when the Packers scored in overtime after a blocked field goal bounced back in the arms of kicker Chester Marcol, who ran around the left end for a game-winning score, the rematch in Chicago had a far different outcome.
Despite no scoring in the first quarter, the Bears blasted Green Bay 61-7 at Soldier Field. QB Vince Evans was 18-22 for 316 yards and 3 TDs (a perfect QB rating of 158.3). Walter Payton added 130 yards rushing, 11 yards receiving, and 3 TDs, in the most lopsided game in the history of the rivalry.
News and Notes
DJ Moore was limited in Wednesday’s practice. He is still battling with an ankle injury. The following players did not participate: Tyson Bagent (illness), Jaylon Johnson (shoulder), Cole Kmet (knee), Darnell Mooney (concussion), and Patrick Scales (foot).
The Bears signed WR Collin Johnson to the active roster. Johnson was elevated from the practice squad for the Atlanta game.
Chicago has not won at Lambeau Field since Thanksgiving 2015.
Splitting zones, and knowing that crossing zones can shake receivers guarding zones,
Melhus and Arnie for nice breakdown of some of what Fields faces in playing anyone,
Thank you Michael for writing in a way that makes people remember what the whole point is. Thanks you Dr. Melhus and Arnie for nice breakdown of some of what Fields faces in playing anyone, but particularly zone defenses. Receivers need to understand what defenses THEY face, and how to effectively do their job, even before catching the ball thrown to them. Splitting zones, and knowing that crossing zones can shake receivers guarding zones, but also play callers knowing how to flood zones and vacate others. I don’t expect passing yardage until this team can get receivers working from zone… Read more »
Such a refreshing article. No speculation, fluff material, or insider’s from around the league’s opinions.
Thanks, Doc. I wish I could say more.