In the days and hours leading up to the game, I had my doubts.
I didn’t doubt that we were the better team, mind you. I did have doubts, though, about the certainty of our victory. Special teams, the Bears playing at home, Soldier Field’s notorious turf, Chicago’s ferocious defense, etc. I didn’t really think that we would lose, but I was apprehensive.
Then the game began. And once both teams began to play, the game was never in doubt.
Well, at least not much.
The Packers received the opening kick and moved smartly down the field in a statement drive to take a 7-0 lead. It was a masterpiece drive that belied the reputation of the Bears defense.
The offense showed its prowess again with another beautiful drive in the second quarter. It looked like we couldn’t be stopped.
It turned out that we could be stopped, though. The Bears defense did what they needed to do for the final two-thirds of the game, and the Packer offense was largely frustrated.
But offense is only one phase of the game.
There is also defense, and my what a defensive effort! They held the Bears to 1 of 13 on 3rd down, a mere 83 yards rushing, registered 2 sacks, and made 3 interceptions! In his postgame interview, the ever-classy Rodgers was quick to attribute this victory to the defense.
And then, beyond offense and defense, there is the third phase -- the one that made Packer fans most nervous -- special teams. But Masthay came through with excellent punting, and the coverage team swallowed up Hester. I think I heard 16 yards on 3 punt returns for Mr. Explosive. Beautiful work!
I’ll grant you that there were moments of concern: when the 3rd-string QB engineered that early 4th-quarter touchdown drive, and then again with the 81-second drive with less than 5 minutes to go. But, come on: Did we really think that Caleb Hanie was going to beat these Packers? No! After beating Michael Vick and Matt Ryan, we were not going to lost to Caleb Hanie.
Hanie played commendably under the circumstances. His capable performance on the big stage probably makes him good trade bait. But this game belonged to the Packers, beginning to end.
Now we head to Dallas. ‘More about that -- and our final opponent -- tomorrow.
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