The Chicago Bears lost a close game to the Packers in Green Bay. It was a physical game from start to finish, as the Bears overcame a terrible start to tie it 21-21 in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, a defensive lapse on 3rd down led to a Packers touchdown, and an underthrown Caleb Williams pass was intercepted to prevent the tie. That made it easy to overlook one of the tensest moments of the game. On 3rd and goal from the Packers’ 1-yard line, Williams found Colston Loveland for a touchdown to tie it.
Nothing seemed overly amiss about the play. However, before the ensuing kickoff, replays showed Ben Johnson was livid with the referees over something. It wasn’t clear what. After the game, he was asked about it. Apparently, the pass was supposed to go to Theo Benedet, who’d declared eligible on the play. However, Kingsley Enagbare went low to cut out his legs. Fortunately, Williams recognized it and went back to Loveland. Johnson believes the Packers got away with a deliberate chop block on Benedet.
If the Bears hadn’t scored there, it’s fair to wonder what the head coach might’ve done.
Caleb Williams showed continued growth in that game.
Aside from that interception, he had an excellent second half. Both of their touchdown drives to tie the game were mostly a result of him making some big-time plays. He admitted afterward that the interception was a simple case of him throwing a bad ball. He didn’t have enough on it. Such are the learning moments for a young quarterback. The same goes for Johnson. He didn’t call a clean game, making some questionable calls in the first half. That said, he again demonstrated his ability to adjust and had the Packers defense on its heels for most of the third and fourth quarters.
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It was another reminder that these two guys are nothing like they’re predecessors. They’re competitors who aim to win. Their relationship will dictate how far the Bears can go, and it appears things are going quite well. Caleb Williams has made tremendous strides in the past two months. Johnson shows he’s learning how to harness his quarterback’s strengths. Going toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the NFC and not blinking is a major sign of progress. Hopefully, Ben won’t get himself into trouble with bad ref calls in the future.
