Overview
- Chicago erased a 21-3 halftime hole to beat Green Bay 31-27, advancing to the divisional round and securing its first playoff win since 2011 and first postseason victory over the Packers since 1941.
- Team video showed first-year coach Ben Johnson opening his locker-room address by yelling “F--- the Packers,” then lauding his players as built for pressure after the comeback.
- Johnson told reporters the Bears heard pregame “noise” from the Packers, following remarks by Keisean Nixon, Christian Watson and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley that were widely shared.
- A brief, awkward midfield handshake between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur went viral, underscoring the rivalry’s renewed edge.
- Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns, received a game ball and then gave one to Johnson, as public reaction to the coach’s tone ranged from praise to criticism, including Dick Vitale calling it classless.