Packers stunned by bears' cunning punt return touchdown
Josh Blackwell caught the punt without the Packers realizing it.
On Sunday in Green Bay, the Chicago Bears' main objective was to spoil the Packers' playoff position.
Even on special teams, all the stops were pulled out for the final game of the Bears' 2024 season.
The Bears' first touchdown was due to a punt return trick by Josh Blackwell, who scored from 94 yards without being touched after the Packers failed to notice he had the ball.
Two returners from the Bears were near the end zone, and one of them appeared as though the ball was going their way.
As Blackwell ran back down the left sideline, he saw the ball coming his way. Instead of letting it fall and hoping for a touchback, he caught it and started running toward the end zone on the other end of the field.
The Packers failed to notice what was happening until Blackwell had a load of blockers in front of him, and only Green Bay punter Daniel Whelan knew what was happening. Despite this, he couldn't take down Blackwell as two Bears players blocked him, resulting in the first touchdown of the game.
In the back of the end zone, Blackwell spotted some Bears fans and attempted a "Lambeau Leap" to inflict more pain on the Packers.
The Packers have to consider their playoff seeding in the NFC, while the Bears only have the NFL Draft to focus on with their 4-12 record.
If the Packers win and the Washington Commanders lose, they will move up to the No. 6 seed instead of the final No. 7 wild card slot. The Commanders are facing a tough matchup with the Dallas Cowboys on the road at AT&T Stadium.
The 2024 campaign of the Chicago team began with great hope, mainly centered on their top overall pick, Caleb Williams. The team started off strong with a 4-2 record, sparking playoff speculation.
Since losing 10 straight games, the Bears have fired head coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles. Now, they are focusing on the future and plan to build around Williams.
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