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Sunday night, Dec. 16, 2018, the Chicago Bears became the division champions after beating the Greenbay Packers. The final score was Bears 24–Packers 17. Chicago’s win meant more to the team than just beating Greenbay. It meant that they would clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2010.
This was also a revenge game for the Bears, as they lost the season opener 24-23 to Greenbay at Lambeau Field. Matt Nagy, who is the head coach for Chicago, has completely turned the team around since that game. Prior to Sunday’s game, Chicago sat at an impressive 9-4 record; now 10-4.
They faced off against the Rams on Dec 9, 2018. Even with Mitchell Trubisky having a subpar game, throwing three interceptions after coming back from a shoulder injury they won, 15-4.
Coming into the game against Greenbay, coach Nagy’s main focus was being able to score and close out games successfully. “We talked about finishing all week- finish, finish, finish. We had a very similar situation as we did the first week and we were able to finish the game.” The rivalry between the two teams has been alive since 1921, one of the longest rivalry in sports history.
Trubisky recovered from his not-so-great performance against the Rams and played to everyone’s expectations at Lambeau. He completed 20 out of 28 passes and threw for 238 yards. He also threw two touchdowns with a passer rating of 120.4 and went the entire game without an interception. He has quickly become a hot topic amongst quarterbacks in the league this season.
However, what really took the cake is how great the defense played. The “Monsters of the Midway” sacked Aaron Rodger five times and only allowed one touchdown. Early in the fourth quarter, with the score tied 14-14, the Bears lost a fumble. Nonetheless, the defense adapted and read Rodger’s play, which led to an interception by Eddie Jackson in the end zone.
Khalil Mack who has been a defensive star for the Bears recorded 2.5 sacks. “We want to make the most of it and be dominating in those situations, knowing that those things are going to happen throughout the game. It’s our job to be ready for the adversity.” Newly crowned champions of the NFC North have also made celebrations a big part of their tradition.
With taunts and celebrations during touchdowns, to celebrating wins at “Club Dub,” the Bears know how to have a good time. The win over Greenbay called for, probably their biggest celebration so far this season.
After clinching a playoff spot becoming a top three team in the league, behind the Saints (11-2) and Rams (11-3), Chicago hopes to make a huge run for a Super Bowl appearance. Their first playoff game, they will have the advantage of playing at home in Soldier Field.
Written by Parris Winfrey
Edited by Cathy Milne
Chicago Bears: Game Recap: Bears clinch NFC North title with win over Packers
NBC Chicago: ‘Club Dub’ open for business as Chicago Bears celebrate Division Title
SB Nation: NFL playoff picture 2019: The Bears win the NFC North, while the Vikings get 5 teams eliminated
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of John Bracken’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License