Windy City Gridiron
Everyone expected the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers to have a close game in the Wild Card Playoffs on Saturday night. But nobody expected that.
The fate of the last four Bears vs. Packers games had come down to the final play of the game, so it seemed like a logical prediction that this one would too. But after the way the first half went, with the Bears down 21-3 at halftime, it seemed as though this was one that was going to get away from the home team in embarrassing fashion.
But then, just like nearly every week this season, the Cardiac Bears came out of hibernation to make this one a contest. Chicago was able to outscore Green Bay 28-6 in the second half and walk away with their first postseason victory since January 2011. And of course, this one came down to the final play as well.
As in any rivalry game, social media has been a wild ride since the score went final. Anger, laughter, and pearl clutching over a head coach swearing in the locker room have been the general themes on my timeline. I’m enjoying every second, as should you.
The Packers put up a valiant effort, but this Bears team seemingly can’t be denied in the fourth quarter. The calls are getting louder up north for their head football coach to be sent packing, but down in Chicago, the beloved have their guy. Settle in for the long haul, because this team is about to have some fun playoff runs over the next several years.
Let’s get to the game balls.
TE Colston Loveland received the honors last week, and he very well could have this time as well. However, despite another epic outing from a rookie that is already likely a top five TE in the league, I must look to the man who was throwing the passes.
Outside of his total passing yards, the stat sheet might not jump out. But for anyone who actually watched this game, they know.
They know that the Chicago Bears have themselves a superstar at QB. And Caleb Williams shined bright when it mattered most in his first playoff start.
It was an uneven performance to be sure, and there were some rough patches in the first half. Williams finished the game with two interceptions, though one of them may have been more on the WR (rookie WR Luther Burden III appeared to not finish his route to the point on the field where Williams thought he would be headed on the first interception).
But when the pressure came crashing down, Williams was the Iceman once again. His fourth quarter was one that will be remembered within the halls of Chicago Bears history for decades. Especially that ridiculous throw to Rome Odunze on 4th and 8 that has a place in the conversation for best throw of this season (if not the decade).
Williams finished 24/48 for...
