The only thing worse than a loss for the Green Bay Packers to close out the 2024 season would be injuries to key players heading into the playoffs.
Welp, to start the second quarter of Sunday’s showdown with the Chicago Bears, wide receiver Christian Watson suffered a non-contact knee injury that could be serious. Then, three plays later, Jordan Love exited the game after landing awkwardly on his right elbow following a desperation pass to Josh Jacobs. Although Watson’s season could be over, Love feels good about his chances of being available for next week’s playoff game.
The injuries didn’t help, but Green Bay did everything they could to squander their 11-game win streak against Chicago. The Bears struck first with a misdirection punt return that fooled the Packers punt coverage, resulting in a 94-yard touchdown for Josh Blackwell. In addition, fumbles by Jayden Reed and backup quarterback Malik Willis robbed Green Bay of two chances to take the lead.
The Packers took the lead during the final minute of regulation but left too much time for Caleb Williams and Chicago’s offense to drive down and attempt a go-ahead field goal as time expired. This time, Karl Brooks wasn’t there to save the day as Cairo Santos’ 51-yarder sailed through the uprights to lift the Bears to a 24-22 victory.
Despite how poorly Green Bay managed the season finale, the result would have had no effect on their playoff seed since Washington won its game against Dallas to lock up the sixth seed.
The Packers officially finished the 2024 season with a record 11-6 and will travel to Philadelphia to face a talented Eagles team. Philadelphia already beat Green Bay this season in the opener in Brazil.
With the regular season officially in the books, let’s do one more standout list to close things out.