The Chicago Bears had an ample opportunity to head into the offseason on a high note but will end the 2023 campaign by laying a dud. The Bears faced arch-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, and with a chance to knock out their division foe from the playoffs with a win and a Seattle Seahawks victory, they collapsed. They lost 17-9, failing to score a touchdown for the first time this season.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 8, 2024
Chicago Bears: Lay Egg on Offense
The Chicago Bears tallied a grotesque 192 yards on offense while going 3-of-11 on third down. Quarterback Justin Fields, who entered Week 18 with his future with the Bears much in doubt, went 11 of 16 for 148 yards and no scores or picks. He got sacked five times while adding 27 rushing yards on eight carries. With running back D’Onta Foreman again a healthy scratch, Khalil Herbert led the Chicago backfield again. However, on the heels of back-to-back 100-yard rushing games, the Packers shut down the Virginia Tech product. Herbert registered 12 rush attempts for 28 yards.
Fields found lead receiver DJ Moore four times for 64 yards. Despite not turning the ball over and having nearly the same time of possession as Green Bay, the Bears failed to muster anything offensively. The Packers were indeed geared up for this contest, not only to punch their ticket to the postseason but after Fields took a shot at the city of Green Bay. The Bears could burn their high first-round pick on a quarterback, moving on from Fields, who has struggled during his tenure in Chicago. He finishes the season with only 16 passing touchdowns in 13 games.
Green Bay Packers: Do Enough Offensively to Win
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love performed well against the Bears, finishing the contest 27-of-32 for 316 yards and two touchdowns. However, he lost a fumble. Star rookie wide receiver Jayden Reed continued to show flashes of brilliance, catching all four of his targets for 112 yards. Both of Love’s touchdown passes went to fellow rookie Dontayvion Wicks. Love also had his rookie tight ends at his disposal for the first time since mid-November. Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft combined for 42 yards on four catches.
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