The Green Bay Packers eked out a win against the Chicago Bears after blocking a possible game-winning field goal and capitalising on weaknesses identified on tape. Before the game, special teams coach Rich Bisaccia noticed how fragile the Bears’ blocking unit was and believed they could make a play if the opportunity arose.
“I will say this: Rich stated to our team last night, ‘I will not understand if we come out of this game without a block, whether field goal or PAT,” Matt LaFleur, our head coach, told ESPN. “So, great job from our special teams coaches.”
“We saw [that] we could get a good push through the middle,” Xavier McKinney said. “And we were confident that the guys we had would play big and be stronger up front, and we were able to get the push we needed. And we got it when we needed it in a major way, with the block. We saw it while studying the film all week and were able to get it.”
Karl Brooks, who blocked the field goal, felt he didn’t get enough of the ball to secure the Packers’ victory.
“At first when I touched it, I didn’t think I got enough of it,” Brooks told the audience. “And it fell short, and that’s when I truly celebrated. However, it was undoubtedly enjoyable. That was cool. It was a good experience.”
Matt Eberflus defends field goal decision vs. Packers
With 2:59 remaining in the game, the Bears went down the field and entered Packers territory with 35 seconds left. Instead of attempting to cut the deficit, head coach Matt Eberflus called a timeout with three seconds remaining. Cairo Santos then attempted a 46-yard field goal, which was blocked.
After the game, Eberflus defended his decision not to try and get more yards.
“They were loading the box there,” Eberflus explained. “You might say you could do that for sure, maybe gain a few yards, but you’re also risking fumbling and other issues. We sensed where we were, and if we’re at 36 or 35, you should certainly do it because you want it inside there. I was extremely confident where we were at the time, with the wind and on the pitch.”