The Chicago Bears haven’t seen Soldier Field that electric since the 2019 season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
And ironically, much like the 2019 game (also against the Packers), the Bears were unable to score touchdowns through three quarters (and most of the fourth). But unlike that game six years ago, there was a final chapter in Saturday night’s game where the Bears woke up from their hibernation, scored some touchdowns, and gave the fans a reason to celebrate.
Last week, I titled the column
“The Ice Man Cometh.” And while the weather was much warmer this week than last, the ice running through Caleb Williams’ veins was all the same. The Bears completed their sixth comeback victory of the season to earn an incredible OT victory over the Green Bay Packers that Chicago fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Let’s get to the game balls.
Offense Game Ball: QB Caleb Williams
Caleb and DJ Moore were neck and neck for the game ball this week on offense. Frankly, my answer for who deserved it more might change by the hour. Both were integral parts to the Bears’ victory over the Packers in Week 16.
Moore took a dirty hit from Packers CB Keisean Nixon in the first quarter that looked so bad that an already injury-riddled Bears WR room looked like it may sustain another injury. Luckily, Moore returned to the field one play later and went on to have a massive game, coming up with a crucial catch on the Bears’ final drive of regulation, as well as the game winner in overtime.
As for Nixon, both of the Bears touchdowns occurred right in his face. Karma definitely came through.
And then there’s Caleb Williams. What more can you say? The poise that this second year starter has under pressure is something we haven’t seen around these parts in a long time, if ever. With the game seemingly slipping away from the Bears’ grasp, Williams made some gigantic plays down the stretch to pull his team back into the game.
Williams’ touchdown pass to former roommate Jahdae Walker came under intense pressure, both in terms of the defense (Brenton Cox Jr. was closing-in fast) and the spot in the game. It was fourth down and the Bears needed it to have a chance.
And that OT touchdown pass, nearly 60 yards in the air with intense wind swirling at Soldier Field, was just unreal. As Tom Brady called it, “A 10/10, A+ throw.”
Williams finished the night 19/34 for 250 yards, two touchdown passes, zero sacks, a passer rating of 98.9, and three carries for 30 yards rushing.
Defense Game Ball: LB T.J. Edwards
I struggled with this one. There were players who showed up in moments (Nahshon Wright forcing a critical fumble, again, and Montez Sweat showing up late in a big way), but it was hard to find someone who was consistently good throughout as a difference maker.
The Bears’ defense wasn’t able to force a single punt all night long. That’s not going to cut it most weeks.
However, I did feel that T.J. Edwards seemed to be a consistent force all night long. He finished the game with 10 total tackles (five solo), 0.5 a sack, and one QB hit. That half-sack was on a massive run stop late in the game when the Packers were driving in OT.
Austin Booker was also a force. We certainly have to cut down on the flags (and no, I don’t think Booker’s hit on Jordan Love was anywhere close to “dirty”), but Booker is looking like he can be an important contributor on this defense moving forward. Hopefully Sweat can put together a full game soon, because when he’s firing on all cylinders, this defense looks completely different.
Special Teams Game Ball: K Cairo Santos
Santos was spectacular on Saturday night, making long field goals in less than ideal conditions. Here’s a kicker who has struggled with his accuracy from distance at times, yet in the howling winds off of Lake Michigan on Saturday evening, was able to convert from 46, 51, and 43 yards.
The way that Santos played the wind on his first field goal, a 46 yarder, was beautiful. Look at that movement (both the ball and the goal post).
And of course, there was the onside kick that Santos hit perfectly, allowing the Bears the chance for their improbable comeback. And that immediately followed his 43 yarder in the wind on the prior possession that was a must-have.
I’ve been critical of Santos at times this year, and I’ve never been more happy to be wrong. He’s really hit his stride and is performing like one of the top kickers in the league.
Bryan Orenchuk and myself will have plenty to say about this game this week on a new episode of Bears Over Beers. It will be available on the 2nd City Gridiron YouTube channel or via your favorite podcasting platform after. Our 2nd City Gridiron Podcast Channel is available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Audacy, and other popular podcast platforms.
Who would have received your game balls? Let us know in the comments section below.
