Packers Extend Their Streak with a Narrow Win over the Bears
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears is legendary, and their latest faceoff didn't disappoint. Battling head-to-head in Week 11 of the season, the Packers emerged victorious by a razor-thin margin of 20-19, marking an 11th consecutive triumph over their storied rivals.
As the clock ticked down, it was Karl Brooks who ensured the Packers maintained their streak. With a crucial block of a 46-yard field goal attempt by Bears kicker Cairo Santos, Brooks not only halted the Bears' potential lead but also set the tone for a game determined by millimeters and split-second decisions. Reflecting on his game-defining moment, Brooks said, “To be honest, I didn't see anything. Same formation. I got penetration, just wanted it more. Got a hand up.” His desire was palpable as he added, “At first when I touched it, I didn't think I got enough of it and it fell short. That's when I really celebrated. ... It was cool. It was a good experience.”
For Green Bay, this win further consolidates the legacy of head coach Matt LaFleur, whose tenure has coincided with the start of this remarkable streak against the Bears. Since stepping into the role in 2019, LaFleur's leadership has guided the team to consistent victories, and this season is no exception as their record improved to a promising 7-3.
Xavier McKinney, part of the formidable Packers defensive lineup, provided insight into their strategy, noting, “We saw that through the middle we could get a good push and we believed that the guys that we have were going to play big and play strong up front. We were able to get that push that we needed. We got it when we needed in a big-time situation.”
The Bears, spearheaded by quarterback Caleb Williams, gave a valiant effort. Despite the narrow defeat, Williams and the team kept Packers fans at the edge of their seats throughout the encounter. Kicker Cairo Santos delivered under pressure, successfully nailing field goals from 53 and 27 yards, showing his reliability even in the toughest of environments.
Though he faced setbacks, Santos demonstrated top-level skill and poise. Yet, it was the Packers’ determination and tactical acumen, particularly on special teams, guided by Special Teams Coordinator Rich Bisaccia, that tilted the scale. Packers’ standout defensive tackle Kenny Clark, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, shared his perspective on the pre-game preparation: “We talked about T.J. [Slaton] or KB [Karl Brooks] blocking the kick all week. They've got holes in their field goal protection, and a couple of them got close. .... It was a problem.”
Reflecting the strategic emphasis placed on special teams, LaFleur recalled Bisaccia’s words that emphasized the importance of capitalizing on the Bears' vulnerabilities: “Rich [Bisaccia] said to our team last night, 'I will not understand if we come out of this game without a block, on a field goal or a PAT.'” It was a call to action that Brooks answered with zeal, proving the difference-maker in this hard-fought victory.
As the Packers celebrate another hard-earned victory against the Bears, they will turn their attention to sustaining this momentum through the season, while Chicago will look, once again, to break the cycle in their next encounter. The NFL season churns on, yet this game will be remembered as another classic in this age-old rivalry, characterized by its tension, competitive spirit, and moments of immaculate precision.