The Packers win. Those words have been said after every game against the Bears as we enter Matt LaFleurs sixth season. 11-0 with wins of all types. Given how improbable this Sunday’s win was it got me thinking about the rivalry as a whole. Creating a Hall of Fame for Packers wins over the Bears is an offseason project. Picking wins from the MLF era that would be inducted into said Hall of Fame is a much easier task.
Honorable Mentions
Week 14, 2021, Packers 45 – Bears 30: This game was a microcosm of the Packers early seasons under LaFleur, particularly with regards to the special teams performance. The Packers trailed the entire first half. They gave up a punt return for a TD and several long returns (and a muffed punt called back on penalty). Despite this the offense was at the peak of its powers and the Bears ultimately couldn’t keep up in what became a shoot out.
Week 1, 2019, Packers 10 – Bears 3: This game was ugly. Matt LeFleurs first game as a HC showed that integrating what he wanted on offense with what Aaron Rodgers wanted would be a work in progress. The game itself was not a fun watch, but it did mark the league’s 100th season. It also broke the tradition of a reigning Super Bowl champ opening the season. Notable subplots from the game included Adrian Amos icing the game against his former team with an interception, and Aaron Rodgers declaring “We have a defense”*
*They did not in fact have a defense
The Inductees
Week 11, 2024, Packers 20 – Bears 19: This game is the epitome of “It’s the hope that kills you” and that’s what gets this game into the Hall. Everything broke right for Chicago. Their embattled rookie QB that started the season as the “savior” played his best game in a month. Green Bay came away with no points on multiple red zone trips. On the final drive they converted a 3rd and 19. It took them only two more plays to get into field goal range. They were finally going to snap a 10 game losing streak. Then came this:
The near minute of silence tells you more than anything.
Week 1, 2023, Packers 38 – Bears 20: Another game that falls under the hope umbrella from our first entry. Aaron Rodgers is gone. Justin Fields hasn’t been everything they hoped for, but there have been flashes. This is the time for the changing of the guard. Then Jordan Love goes out in his first game as a starter and throws three touchdowns. Even broken plays go for massive chunks. The Packers win. The Bears lose by nearly 20 at home. Once again a Bears fan can help illuminate why this game deserves a spot:
Week 6, 2021, Packers 24 – Bears 14:
Super Bowl excluded this may be my favorite moment of Aaron Rodgers career as a Packer. No other play, no other game, not one other thing has condensed what this rivalry has been since 1992 more then this moment.
The Packers Win. The Bears lose. We still own you.
