Packers stunned by bears' cunning punt return touchdown

Josh Blackwell caught the punt without the Packers realizing it.

Packers stunned by bears' cunning punt return touchdown
Packers stunned by bears' cunning punt return touchdown

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.

Josh Blackwell Lambeau Leap
Chicago Bears' Josh Blackwell celebrates with fans after scoring on a punt return against the Packers, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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.

Kevin Byard tackles Malik Willis
Chicago safety Kevin Byard III forces Packers quarterback Malik Willis to fumble the ball, which was recovered by the Bears, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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.

Josh Blackwell celebrates touchdown
Chicago Bears' Josh Blackwell, left, celebrates with teammates after scoring on a punt return during the Packers game, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Green Bay. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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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by Scott Thompson

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