The Chicago Bears entered Week 11 winless against the Green Bay Packers since 2018, having lost 10 straight against their divisional rival.
That streak extended to 11 on Sunday as the Bears lost again — this time in devastating fashion.
Trailing 20-19, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led Chicago into field goal range with a clutch drive, including a stellar back-shoulder throw to fellow rookie Rome Odunze on fourth down to keep hopes for a win alive.
But despite having a first-and-10 on the Green Bay 30 with 35 seconds left and one timeout, the Bears ran only one play: a 2-yard run. That set up Cairo Santos for a 46-yard field goal, which was blocked and fell short as time expired.
It was questionable clock management by Chicago, which had time to run at least one more play (if not multiple) and set up a closer field goal for Santos. Though the Packers got only a fingertip on the kick, that was enough to stop the ball from going through the uprights from so far out.
The poor finish by the Bears wasted an impressive performance by Williams.
Playing in his first game against the Packers, Williams 23 of 31 passes for 231 yards. He also ran nine times for 70 yards. While it was the fourth straight game in which Williams didn’t throw for a touchdown, it was the first game in his career with both more than 200 yards passing and at least 70 yards rushing.
The loss is also somehow the second time this season Chicago has lost on an improbable play as time expired. The Bears also fell to the Washington Commanders in Week 8 on a Hail Mary — a pass that was tipped up and fell into the awaiting arms of the Commanders receiver who was by himself in the end zone.
Chicago fell to 4-6 with the loss their fourth straight. The teams will meet again at Lambeau Field in Green Bay in the final week of the season.
