The Chicago Bears didn’t necessarily play spoiler on Sunday when they took on the Green Bay Packers, but there was still plenty to play for as they wanted to end the season on a high note.
That’s exactly what happened as Cairo Santos kicked a 51-yard field goal to beat the Packers, 24-22, ending Chicago’s 10-game losing streak to finish the season with a record from 5-12.
It was also a historic Santos kick as the Bears finally defeated their NFC North foe, ending an 11-game losing streak against the Packers.
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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates his game-winning 51-yard field goal against the Packers on January 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (Dan Powers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
The game-winning drive came after the Packers’ Brandon McManus made a 55-yard field goal to give Green Bay a 22-21 lead with 54 seconds left in the game.
Caleb Williams and the Bears offense knew they had one timeout left and needed the right mileage to get within range of Santos. Practice didn’t start well as Williams was sacked, but a costly penalty changed everything.
A horse collar tackle was called, leading to a 15-yard swing that put Chicago at the 35-yard line instead of back at its own 13. The next play saw Williams connect with fellow rookie Rome Odunze to putting the Bears at midfield with 40 seconds to play.
BEARS SHOCK PACKERS WITH PUNT RETURN TRICK FOR TOUCHDOWN
Then on 3rd and 6 from the Green Bay 46-yard line, Williams found DJ Moore for 12 yards, but an illegal change was called to nullify the gain that would have given the Bears enough yards for Santos.
So on 3rd-and-11 with 15 seconds left and no timeouts remaining, Williams dropped back and found Moore in the middle of the field for an 18-yard pickup. Chicago rushed to the line of scrimmage and punted the ball with two seconds left, giving Santos the chance to win it.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)
The kick was hit with enough distance and with the correct trajectory, and celebration ensued at Lambeau Field.
And while the Packers were already in the playoffs, the defeat, coupled with the Washington Commanders’ victory, dropped Green Bay to 7th in the NFC. They have to go to Philadelphia to play the No. 2 Eagles instead of going to Los Angeles to play the No. 3 Rams.
In box scoring, Williams was 21 of 29 for 148 yards with a touchdown pass to Moore, who had nine catches for 86 yards. D’Andre Swift also found the end zone on one of his 20 carries for 65 yards.
Chicago also produced one of the best trick plays of the season as Josh Blackwell ran back a punt 94 yards for the game’s first touchdown after going mostly untouched, with the Packers thinking a second punt returner Bears punt was going to catch him.
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos scores a game-winning 51-yard field goal against the Green Bay Packers on January 5, 2025 at Lambeau Field. (Dan Powers USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)
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For the Packers, Jordan Love initially started this game but was scratched as a precaution with what is being called an elbow injury. Malik Willis took over and went 10 of 13 for 136 yards. Josh Jacobs has also found the end zone for Green Bay this season.
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