LiveBlog: Bears Lose 21-14

By now, you don't need to be told the importance of this game. The Packers and Bears are playing for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. It's that simple.

Of course, it's not that simple. It's a game that will stay in the hearts and minds of Bears fans for decades. Will Jay Cutler handle the pressure? 

Will Julius Peppers and the Bears defense be able to stop the Aaron Rodger train? How will Lovie Smith manage the game? Will those Packers fans in cheeseheads show up at Soldier Field?

The Blackhawks Jim Cornelison will sing the national anthem at 2 p.m., with kickoff not long after. Stick with us for game updates and answers to all your questions on Twitter @grizzly_detail.

FIRST QUARTER: 

The Packers started off strong, as Aaron Rodgers and the offense marched down the field for a score on their first possession. Rodgers completed four passes in a row, then ran the ball in for a touchdown to give the Pack the early lead.

Chicago was unable to get near the end zone throughout the quarter, as the Packers defense and a false-start penalty kept the Bears backed up in their own territory. Cutler was sacked on a third down late in the quarter.

Despite the early touchdown, the Bears D did start to break through and get a hand on Rodgers. Julius Peppers put two punishing hits on the QB, and Brian Urlacher ended the quarter with a third-down sack.

SECOND QUARTER: 

The Packers took advantage of a short field to score in the second quarter. Rodgers made two quick completions, setting up James Starks for a four-yard touchdown run, extending the Packers lead.

Lovie Smith left Bears fans wondering what was going on when the team made it to within a 49-yard field goal range, but opted to punt instead of Robbie Gould's strong leg to get the Bears on the board. Gould is 4-7 from kicks of 40-49 yards this season.

Lance Briggs gave the Bears hope late in the quarter, with a tackle that forced a Packers punt and then an interception. However, Cutler squandered the opportunity to score after the two-minute warning, throwing an interception.

THIRD QUARTER:

Cutler headed to the locker room before the end of the second quarter, and when he returned, Bears fans learned that Cutler had injured his knee. He tried to play one series, but didn't return to the game after Brian Urlacher picked off Aaron Rodgers, giving the Bears offense an opportunity to score. Instead, Todd Collins came in and threw three incomplete passes.

After Collins struggled, third-stringer Caleb Hanie was brought in. The Bears relied on the run, giving the ball to Matt Forte and Chester Taylor, until Hanie completed a pass to Knox to get the Bears to the 1-yard line. Chester Taylor ran it in on the next play, cutting the Packers lead to 7.

 

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us