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Instant Reactions: Bears end 10-game losing streak in first win vs. Packers since 2018

Patrick Norton Avatar
January 5, 2025
Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos

The Chicago Bears are undefeated in 2025.

The regular season finale of an colossally disappointing season proved to be the ultimate redemption for Caleb Williams, Cairo Santos and the Bears.

When Santos’ 48-yard game-winning attempt was blocked seven weeks ago at Soldier Field against the Packers, it only exacerbated a spiraling season, handing the Bears their fourth consecutive loss. In Week 18, Santos redeemed himself, hitting a go-ahead 51-yarder as time expired on Chicago’s season.

The Bears’ offense struggled, racking up just 224 total yards, but it was successful in the few moments it needed to be on Sunday.

But it was Chicago’s defense that bent but didn’t break against Jordan Love and Malik Willis. Jaylon Johnson forced a fumble in the first half to set Chicago up with phenomenal field position, and Kevin Byard walloped Willis for a strip sack while the Packers were gaining momentum.

However, the tone was set early when Josh Blackwell returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown while DJ Moore served as a decoy. It was the Bears’ third touchdown in a first quarter this season.

Remake the graphic, Stephen! Zero days since the Bears’ last road win on a Sunday, their last win against the Packers and their last win in Green Bay. Next up? Ending the playoff drought. That’ll have to wait until next season, but this starts the new year off on the right foot for Chicago entering the offseason.

Mark Carman

The streak is over, draft position be damned! Cairo Santos and the Bears celebrated like they won the Super Bowl and/or made the playoffs and/or started the season 1-0 or improved to 5-2. What I liked most was that it took a Caleb Williams last drive to do it, including the throw on 3rd down to setup the Cairo Santos redemption kick. The season is over and so is the losing streak to the Packers and the NFL world. 2025, here we come!

Patrick Norton

Well, that was nice. I couldn’t decide how Bears fans would feel if a win to break the losing streak to Green Bay came against the Packers second-stringers. Turns out the answer is: still pretty good. It was a typical game end for the Bears in 2025 filled with suspense and the lingering idea that it’d go haywire at any moment. Kudos to Thomas Brown, Caleb Williams and Cairo Santos for avoiding another game management meltdown. Now, onto the most important offseason in Bears history – since last year.

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