Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 13): Packers 28, Bears 19 – Another Defensive Meltdown Costs Bears

Justin Fields returned to the lineup for the Bears as they hosted the rival Packers at Soldier Field Sunday. Things were looking good for Chicago early before another late collapse cost them a victory.

The Bears had the better of the play in the first quarter, Cairo Santos kicked a 40-yard field goal to give his team a 3-0 lead. Fields then broke out another dazzling touchdown run, this time from 55 yards out and the advantage was 10.

Green Bay booted their own field goal but then a long pass to Equanimeous St. Brown set up Chicago for another touchdown. David Montgomery finished off the score and the home team held a 13 point lead after a botched extra point.

Aaron Rodgers finally showed signs of life late in the first half reading the Packers to a touchdown on a fourth down pass to Christian Watson. The third quarter was mostly uneventful with only a Bears field goal.

Chicago’s defense ran into their usual fourth quarter problems again on Sunday. AJ Dillon rumbled for a 21-yard touchdown run to cut the lead to just two points. The Packers then blocked a field goal and started a long drive that ended with a go-ahead three-pointer from Mason Crosby.

A promising Bears drive ended when Fields was intercepted by Jaire Alexander with about three minutes left in the game. Green Bay star rookie receiver Watson took an end around for 46 yards and a touchdown. The Packers then got a two point conversion to make it a two score game and that was it. (Box score)

Why the Bears Lost

The defense allowed 18 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to squander another lead. The kicking game also cost them four more points.

Key Moment

The Bears had most of the momentum before Rodgers touchdown pass on fourth down late in the first half.

Stats That Matter

• Fields threw for 254 yards and ran for 71 more but two late interceptions were costly. Most importantly he appeared to be relatively healthy.
• St. Brown had a big game with 85 receiving yards.
• Cole Kmet had a nice game with 72 yards on 8 receptions.

Bottom Line

Of course, this result again helps improve the Bears draft position. Still, it would be nice to beat the rival Packers. Justin Fields again showed some improved play, especially, completing passes after extending plays. Hopefully, they can build on it for 2023.

Next Up

Chicago finally has their bye in Week 14 before a brutal matchup with the Eagles in Week 15.