The Chicago Bears secured a thrilling 31-27 victory against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs on January 14, 2025. This marked the Bears’ first home postseason win in eight years and their seventh comeback victory of the season. Despite trailing 21-3 at halftime, the team showcased resilience and determination, overcoming an 18-point deficit—the fourth-largest comeback in franchise history.
Running back Kyle Monangai reflected on the team’s performance in the postgame locker room, stating, “Nah, same old,” highlighting the Bears’ consistent ability to thrive under pressure. The victory positioned them as only the fourth team ever to win a playoff game after entering the fourth quarter down by more than 15 points.
Second Half Surge
Head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of belief in the locker room during halftime. He recalled a moment from training camp when the team studied the New England Patriots’ legendary Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons, where they overcame a 28-3 deficit. “Rather than saying, ‘Oh, woe is me,’ it’s more ‘this is a great opportunity to turn this around into a game we’ll never forget,'” Johnson stated.
The Bears’ second-half performance was remarkable, with their offense leading the league in expected points added (EPA) per play. The team improved their yards per play from 5.3 in the first half to 6.1 in the second half, while their points per drive increased from 2.05 to 2.88. This reflects a significant improvement, particularly against a rival team like the Packers.
Quarterback Caleb Williams demonstrated his exceptional talent by executing a crucial fourth-and-8 play, completing a spectacular pass that helped shift the momentum. Williams finished the game with 361 passing yards, setting a franchise record for the most yards by a Bears quarterback in a playoff game.
Rookie Contributions and Defensive Adjustments
Rookie tight end Colston Loveland also shone during the game, amassing 137 receiving yards, just shy of the playoff record for a rookie tight end. Notably, Loveland secured 115 of those yards in the second half, including a pivotal role in the successful two-point conversion that gave the Bears a four-point lead late in the game.
While the offense rallied, the Bears’ defense made critical adjustments as well. After conceding three touchdowns and a field goal in the first half, the defense returned to form, allowing only one first down across four drives to start the second half. The defensive line pressured Packers quarterback Jordan Love on 32% of his second-half dropbacks, a notable increase from the first half.
Veteran safety Kevin Byard III praised the team’s resilience, stating, “There was no panic. We just knew it was gonna take one play at a time, and that’s what we did.” The combination of defensive stops and offensive prowess secured the Bears’ place in the next round of the playoffs, confirming their status as a formidable postseason contender.
With this victory, the Bears have not only advanced in the playoffs but have also reinforced their identity as a team that thrives on overcoming adversity. As they prepare for their next challenge, the Bears’ combination of talent, determination, and strategic adjustments sets the stage for what could be a memorable playoff run.
